Nikon has announced their new 300mm f/4 telephoto FX lens. With an aperture of f/4 at its widest and up to a 4.5-stop gain via Vibration Reduction (VR), this new edition to Nikon’s 300mm prime series is up to 30 percent shorter and 1.5 pounds lighter than its predecessor. At 147.5 millimeters long and 755 grams, Nikon claims that this is the world’s lightest 300mm full-frame lens.
This 300mm f/4 lens is the first in Nikon’s Nikkor lineup to feature a Phase Fresnel lens element, which according to Nikon allows for its small and compact design.
Phase Fresnel (PF) lens elements effectively compensate for chromatic aberration and ghosting when combined with ordinary glass lens elements. The PF lens element is based upon the Phase Fresnel lens, which appears to have a series of concentric circles engraved onto it. Utilizing a Phase Fresnel lens element allows Nikon engineers to use fewer lens elements, resulting in a more compact and lightweight lens.
However, Nikon did mention a possible side effect of the new PF design that some users may experience when operating the lens in strong crosslight.
Due to the characteristics of a PF (Phase Fresnel) lens that utilizes the photo diffraction phenomenon, when there is a strong light source within the frame or when light enters the lens from outside of the frame, ring-shaped colored flare may occur according to shooting conditions. This phenomenon can be minimized with “PF Flare Control” to be included in Capture NX-D (ver.1.1.0 or later). For more information, see software Help/manual. Capture NX-D is available from the Nikon website. Be sure to keep your software up to date.
It’s interesting to see that Nikon has somewhat issued a disclaimer about the new design well ahead of its release. As the lens is more suited for shooting outdoors with ample available light due to its moderate f/4 aperture, will the flaring be a significant issue and could it be as easily fixed with other software such as Adobe Lightroom or Capture One?
Those questions will have to briefly wait to be answered as the Nikkor 300mm f/4 is scheduled to start shipping on February 5 at a retail price of $1,996.95. B&H is now taking pre-orders for those looking to get a copy as soon as possible.
Quick Specs.
- F-Mount Lens/FX Format
- Phase Fresnel (PF) Lens Element
- 4.5 Stops of Vibration Reduction
- Nano Crystal & Super Integrated Coating
- Silent Wave Motor AF System
- Nikon VR Image Stabilization
- Internal Focus, Manual Focus Override
- Weighs 1.6 lb
- 5.8" Length
- Rounded 9-Blade Diaphragm
"With a constant aperture of f/4 throughout its focal range", which makes this lens the first prime with a focal range.
Maybe I missed it but where do you see that quote in the article?
The article has been revised.
I thought that may have been the case.
What gets my attention is the claim of a 4.5 stop vibration reduction. So if I need 1/1000 sec handheld to get a sharp image they're claiming I can now handhold a 300mm lens at 1/60 sec? My BS detector is going off big time.
I can't speak for the new lens, but I have the Canon EF 300 f/2.8L IS II with a claimed 4 stop reduction. I can easily handhold it at 1/60s and have even taken sharp photos with the 2x extender at that shutter speed.
I'm extremely interested, but I think the price is a little high. I'd say the 1350-1450 range is more like it, but I guess i'll add this to the watch list :)
I found myself only using my 70-200 ƒ/2.8 at 200mm yesterday and then swapped my 24-70 on and used it at a variety of zooms, maybe a long zoom is just what i want!
Can't say I'm a fan of that PF. Good for some shooting situations, but not others. When you sink money like that down on a lens, you want to make sure it can be used in any shooting situation.