Aiming to give high functionality to sports and wildlife photographers, Nikon has launched a new AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR lens at CES 2018. Priced at $12,399, the newly launched lens is a super-telephoto zoom lens employing a built-in 1.4x teleconverter and is compatible with both FX- and DX- formats. It covers the 180-400mm focal-length range in FX-format and extends to 252-560mm when using the built-in teleconverter.
Nikon claimed that its AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR is excellent lens for sports and wildlife photography as the telephoto 180 mm to super-telephoto 400 mm focal length range would come into effective use.
Nikon said that the new lens is designed for photographer looking to capture object in motion. Nikon said that it has improved autofocus (AF) performance that utilises an enhanced drive control algorithm of the AF motor, and a Vibration Reduction (VR) effect equivalent to a shutter speed 4.0 stops faster. Keeping images sharp and vibrant, the use of Nano Crystal Coat and other anti-reflective coatings also helps suppresses ghosting and flare.
Nikon said that NIKKOR telephoto lens is also equipped with a superior dust- and drip-resistant structure, and antifouling performance that complies with the reliability that professional photographers require to keep up with the moment.
The enhanced drive control algorithm of the AF motor increases accuracy of subject tracking based on AF detection results, perfect for photographers capturing moving subjects such as horses riding across the beautiful sunset. When attached to the Nikon D5, D850 or D500, focus points located in sections of the outer areas of the 153-point AF system can be used as cross sensors for easier subject acquisition regardless of built-in teleconverter usage – even in the peripheral areas of the frame.
An improved and evolved VR feature, the NORMAL and SPORT modes – also lends to quick tracking of subjects that are erratically moving for easy framing, where an effect equivalent to a shutter speed of 4.0 stops faster is employed. As blur-corrected images can be viewed in the viewfinder, this mode makes it particularly ideal for shooting sports scenes.
