New 2x Super Telephoto Lens Features Advanced Vibration Reduction (VR) and Silent Wave Motor Technology and Can Easily be 'Hand Held'

MELVILLE, NY, July 22, 2003 - Nikon, (www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, today announced the world's first AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED lens with Nikon's advanced Vibration Reduction (VR) technology and highly regarded Silent Wave Motor technology incorporated into a compact design that is easily hand held. Designed for news, sports/action, wildlife and nature photographers, this innovative new lens is based on a new optical system that features four ED glass elements.

Nikon's advanced VR technology overcomes one of the fundamental problems photographers face while photographing under conditions where it is difficult to hold the camera steady. VR technology eliminates image blur caused by camera shake, particularly when shooting in low-light conditions, allowing photographers to use shutter speeds up to three stops slower than they would ordinarily use to get sharp, well exposed images.

"Nikon's new AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED is a boon for professional sports/action photographers, photojournalists and nature photographers, or anyone who needs a super telephoto zoom. With its advanced VR technology, the lens not only allows photographers to use slower shutter speeds while producing tack sharp images, it also allows them to use faster shutter speeds with the added benefit of VR technology in well lit environments to freeze the action and further diminish any camera shake blur effect," said Richard LoPinto, vice president for SLR camera systems at Nikon Inc. "The addition of this lens to Nikon's Total Imaging System expands Nikkor optics' broad range of VR enabled lenses, with coverage from 24mm all the way up to 400mm," he added.

The VR technology in the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED lens offers users a choice of either Normal or Active mode. Normal mode detects camera shake when the lens is hand held and the photographer is on a stable base. The Active mode goes a step further to detect vibration caused by photographing from a moving platform, such as a car or a helicopter. Its VR system is smart enough to detect a panning motion and correct vibration on the vertical axis. Its new optical system features four ED glass elements that minimizes chromatic aberration and produce high quality images. Through low dispersion characteristics the lens' color performance is enhanced by virtually eliminating secondary chromatic aberrations that are common to telephoto optics that do not include ED glass. This technology enhances image quality with added visible sharpness and contrast to the image.

In addition to VR technology and ED glass elements, the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED lens includes a selection of Nikon advanced technologies such as Manual/Automatic mode, Silent Wave Motor Technology (SWM) and G-Type design (aperture control exclusively from camera body).

Offered exclusively in Nikon's AF-S optics, the Manual Automatic mode (M/A) allows for instant switching between autofocus and manual focus, virtually eliminating lag time in the transition and enabling photographers to make a last minute adjustment, even if the autofocus system has locked onto the subject. This performance is complimented by Nikon's automatic Focus Tracking with Lock-on®, a technology that will enable the system to maintain sharp focus even if the subject is momentarily obscured from view, or if the camera's AF sensor momentarily moves off the main subject.

The AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED lens also features Nikon's Silent Wave Motor technology. This innovative technology is highly regarded by professional photographers for its silent and fast autofocusing with superior accuracy and ultra-quiet operation. This technology is exclusive to Nikkor optics and is incorporated in a large assortment of lenses that bear the AF-S mark.

The G-Type feature in this lens is designed for the newest Nikon SLR models, including both 35mm and digital, all of which feature a built in Sub-Command Dial, from which aperture control is possible. The design facilitates better lens handling, and helps photographers keep a more positive grip on the camera as they use their right index finger to adjust aperture. This firmer grip and excellent balance will help photographers get sharper images, even as they adjust exposure and quickly shoot their pictures.

Nikon now has a selection of Nikkor lenses featuring VR technology that cover a broad range of picture taking situations. This selection includes:

• AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
• AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED
• AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED
• AF VR Zoom-Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED