A new zoom lens is coming from Nikon: it’s AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm F4.5-5.6E ED VR. It’s designed for Nikon full-frame cameras, and video shooters will especially find it attractive because of the fast and quiet AF performance.
This is the first FX Nikkor lens with a stepping motor, which makes the AF fast, smooth and quiet. Additionally, it’s equipped with VR function that provides a level of compensation equivalent to a 4.5-stop increase in shutter speed, which is an improvement over their current 70-300 f/4-5.6 lens. Nikon has released a sample video filmed with this lens, along with some more details and specs.
The new Nikkor 70-300mm is lighter and otherwise improved over its predecessor. As mentioned above, the VR system provides up to 4.5 stops of VR stabilization, while the previous model offered 2.5. The AF is quiet due to the stepping motor, which is especially useful for video shooting. With this lens, you can get closer, because the minimum focus distance is 3.94 ft. (1.2 meters). Finally, the lens combines the fast burst speed of Nikon DSLR cameras and the Electronic Diaphragm. This provides smooth exposure transitions during video shooting, but also helps maintain consistent exposure during high-speed stills shooting.
The lens features 18 elements in 14 groups and a 9-blade aperture. Even though it’s made for FX format, you can, of course, use it on crop bodies as well. In this case, the equivalent range will be 105-450mm.
Take a look at the full specs:
Focal Length Range
70 -300 mm
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.5-5.6
Format
FX/35mm
VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization
Yes
Approx. Dimensions (Diameter x Length)
3.2 in. (80.5 mm) x 5.7 in. (146 mm)
Distance from camera lens mount flange
Based on CIPA Guidelines
Approx. Weight
24 oz. (680 g)
Based on CIPA Guidelines
Mount Type
Nikon F-Bayonet
Built-in CPU
Focal Length Range
70 – 300 mm
Zoom Ratio
4.3 x
Maximum Aperture
f/ 4.5-5.6
Minimum Aperture
f/ 32-40
Format
FX/35mm
Maximum Angle of View (DX-format)
22°50′
Minimum Angle of View (DX-format)
5°20′
Maximum Angle of View (FX-format)
34°20′
Minimum Angle of View (FX-format)
8°10′
Maximum Reproduction Ratio
0.25 x
Lens Elements
18
Lens Groups
14
Compatible Format(s)
FX / DX
VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization
Yes
Diaphragm Blades
9
ED Glass Elements
1
Super Integrated Coating
Yes
Autofocus
Yes
Autofocus controlled by stepping motor; separate focus ring for manual focus
AF-P (Pulse Motor)
Yes
Internal Focusing
Yes
Minimum Focus Distance
3.94 ft. (1.2 m)
From focal plane at all zoom positions
Focus Mode
Auto/Manual
E-type
Yes
Filter Size
67 mm
Accepts Filter Type
Screw-on
Approx. Dimensions (Diameter x Length)
3.2 in. (80.5 mm) x 5.7 in. (146 mm)
Distance from camera lens mount flange
Based on CIPA Guidelines
Approx. Weight
24 oz. (680 g)
Based on CIPA Guidelines
The new Nikkor 70-300mm will be available for preorders soon, and the suggested retail price is $699.95. There is no information yet on the exact availability date, but stay tuned, as we’ll update the post as soon as we know more about it.
[Update: the lens is available for preorders on Amazon and B&H for $696.95 .]
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