Nikon Rumored to Announce New 500mm and 600mm f/4 VR Lenses with a Fluorite Element

Nikon’s 500mm and 600mm f/4G ED VR lenses are rumored to be updated in the near future, with a fluorite element being added to each.

The aging lenses were announced in 2007 and will be smaller and lighter, though more expensive, thanks to the new technology.

The flagship D5 should also be announced before the Rio Olympics in 2016.

The 800mm was the first of Nikon’s lenses to incorporate the fluorite crystal, with the 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR following suit, and the rest of Nikon’s high-end super telephoto lenses are rumored to receive a similar update in the future as well.

The lenses are also expected to have a fluorine coating on the front element, as found on the lenses above and the TC-14E III teleconverter, as well as improved VR.

It is assumed that the 400mm was the first super tele lens to be updated with the fluorite elements as it had the most to gain, and sure enough it shed 2 lbs off its total weight, it also lead to a substantial price increase – from ~$9,000 to $12,000. There’s no rumored price for the upcoming monster lenses, but be prepared to pay a pretty penny for the updates.

According to Nikon Rumors, the lenses should be announced within 30-60 days.

The previously rumored Nikon D5 will be the perfect companion for these new lenses at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, and is expected to be announced later this year or early next year at the latest.

More info about the fluorite lenses and fluorine coating can be found in Nikon’s lens glossary:

Fluorine Lens:

Fluorite is a monocrystal optical material that features a high transmission rate within both the infrared and ultraviolet zones. With its superb anomalous dispersion properties, fluorite intensely blocks the secondary spectrum in order to effectively correct chromatic aberration within the visible light spectrum – something that is more difficult to achieve at longer focal lengths. It is also significantly lighter than optical glass, giving you a more effective lens with less weight.

Fluorine lenses appear at 2:05.

Fluorine Coat:

Nikon’s fluorine coat effectively repels dust, water droplets, grease or dirt, ensuring easy removal even when they adhere to the lens surface. Thanks to Nikon’s original technology, it delivers higher durability and is more peel-resistant. Compared to other manufacturers’ coating of a similar kind, fluorine coat endures a higher frequency of lens surface wiping and provides longer-duration staying power. Its anti-reflective effect also contributes to the capture of clear images. Nikon’s fluorine coat is being applied first to the AF-S NIKKOR 400mm f/2.8E FL ED VR and AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-14E III.

[via Nikon Rumors]