Two versions of the AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.4G ED super-telephoto zoom lens have been announced, both featuring Nikon’s new AF-P Stepping Motor – a new system allowing smooth, fast and quiet autofocus, particularly useful when shooting video. The AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.4G ED VR, an enhanced version, additionally features vibration reduction technology, useful for users looking for clean, sharp images at the far end of the lens’ range.
It seems as though both will also benefit from a lightweight build, weighing in at 400g and 415g respectively, and simplified controls.
In terms of price-point, the standard AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.4G ED will be available for £299.99, and the AF-P DX Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-6.4 ED VR will be £349.99. Check back with us for more info.
Full press release:
London, UK, 17th August 2016: Nikon updates its portfolio of DX NIKKOR lenses with two lightweight super-telephoto zooms: the AF-P DX NIKKOR 70–300mm f/4.5–6.3G ED VR and the AF-P DX NIKKOR 70–300mm f/4.5–6.3G ED.
Fast, quiet, and precise, these lenses are a great way to explore the creative advantages of telephoto photography. Whether you’re shooting distant subjects, travel photos, or amateur wildlife images, the versatile 70-300mm focal range magnifies the action. An extra-low dispersion (ED) glass element in each lens delivers images with vivid colour, crisp detail, and perfectly rendered contrast. Both lenses feature Nikon’s new, superbly quiet AF-P Stepping Motor, which makes them ideal for shooting video as well as stills. The AF-P DX NIKKOR 70–300mm ED VR features Nikon’s Vibration Reduction technology for clear, blur-free images even when shooting at the far end of the telephoto range. And both lenses boast a serious size advantage: their compact build makes them comfortable to carry and ensures balanced handling when used together with Nikon’s smaller entry-level D-SLRs*.
Zara Livingston, Junior Product Manager for D-SLRs, Lenses and Accessories at Nikon UK, says: “The new 70-300mm AF-P NIKKOR lenses are great additions to the NIKKOR lens line-up and ideal for photographers looking to extend their reach. The streamlined design makes carrying them easy, and these are the first telephoto lenses to feature Nikon’s AF-P focus motor.”
Stepping Motor
Nikon’s Stepping Motor ensures smooth, fast autofocus. When zooming in to capture a photo, subjects come into focus quickly and easily. When shooting video footage, the motor allows you to smoothly shift focus from subject to subject with practically no drive noise, ensuring your movie isn’t ruined by the sound of the lens focusing.
Simplified control, lightweight build
Both of these super-telephoto lenses offer first-time users a more intuitive way to shoot. Users can switch between Auto Focus and Manual Focus using the camera menu**. With no switches on the lens barrel itself, there’s no chance of accidentally changing settings when the time comes to take the shot. These lenses let you pack light, too. The AF-P DX NIKKOR 70–300mm f/4.5–6.3G ED weighs in at just 400 g, while the AF-P DX NIKKOR 70–300mm f/4.5–6.3G ED VR weighs 415 g.
FOOTNOTES
*This lens is compatible with D3000 series cameras from the D3300 onwards, D5000 series cameras from the D5200 onwards, and D7000 series cameras from the D7100 onwards. The D500 is also compatible. Please note that compatible cameras may require a firmware update.
**Only works with D3000 series cameras from the D3300 onwards, and with D5000 series cameras from the D5200 onwards. Compatible cameras may require a firmware update.