From tee to green in 800mm: Nikon develops super-tele lens

posted Friday, July 13, 2012 at 1:35 PM EST

Nikon's prototype 800mm lens. Photo provided by Nikon. Japan's Nikon Corp. yesterday revealed that it is developing an FX-format super-telephoto lens for use with its single-lens reflex digital cameras. The new Nikon 800mm lens has a maximum aperture of f/5.6, much like the 800mm f/5.6 IF-ED, a mid-1980s model that was finally discontinued at the end of 2005. Unlike that design, the as-yet unnamed 800mm lens will include both Nikon's Silent Wave Motor autofocus and Vibration Reduction optical stabilization systems, which together should make a significant improvement in usability. The design also includes a slot for drop-in filters.

Few other details are yet known about Nikon's impressive new optic. Most importantely, we don't yet have any information on pricing and availability. We do know that the lens will be displayed at the biennial Photokina tradeshow in Cologne, Germany, this September. Nikon has also confirmed that a prototype will be displayed at the Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club in Lancashire during the British Open. Nikon is currently celebrating 20 years as a patron of the Open Championship, and will have a service depot for pros shooting the event, where the prototype will be shown.

Nikon's prototype 800mm lens.
Photo provided by Nikon.

Press Release

Nikon to Release Super-Telephoto 800mm Fixed Lens for Professional Photographers

TOKYO, JAPAN – Nikon Corporation announced the development of a super-telephoto 800mm lens as a future addition to its lineup of world renowned NIKKOR lenses. This FX-format lens will offer a fixed focal length of 800mm with a maximum aperture of f/5.6, and will provide professional photographers with the ability to capture stunning images at great distances.

This lens has been developed in order to strengthen the NIKKOR lineup of super-telephoto lenses. It will boast the longest focal length of any NIKKOR autofocus (AF) lens, and will be best suited to capture of a wide variety of decisive outdoor scenes, from sporting events to elusive wildlife. In addition to its superior optical performance for images that exhibit amazing sharpness and color, the lens will provide outstanding dust and water resistance to brave nearly any assignment.

In 2012, Nikon released three new FX-format digital-SLR cameras—the D4, the new flagship digital SLR, and the D800 and D800E, which offer incredible resolution and image quality. In addition to reinforcing its lineup of FX-format digital-SLR cameras, Nikon has also been working to expand the lineup of NIKKOR lenses to provide photographers with the best optics suitable for the highest quality images and HD video.

Nikon has been providing service and support to professional photographers for approximately fifty years through the activities of its Nikon Professional Services (NPS). In addition to providing maintenance and repairs for the equipment professional photographers use every day, NPS service depots are set up at a variety of international sporting and cultural events. At these service depots, photographers can have their equipment inspected and repaired, and are also able to loan equipment for professional use. NPS can be found supporting photographers at major events, such as The Open Championship professional golf tournament as well as the Olympic Games in London this summer.

This amazing optic is also scheduled to be on display at Photokina 2012, one of the world's largest photo and imaging exhibitions, to be held in Cologne, Germany from September 18–23, 2012.

Release date and suggested retail price for this product have not yet been determined.

About the NIKKOR brand
With a comprehensive assortment of FX and DX-format lenses and focal lengths, from the ultra-wide 10-24mm to the super telephoto 600mm VR, Nikon photographers have come to rely upon the NIKKOR core technologies that contribute to their optical superiority. NIKKOR is the brand name for Nikon’s photographic lenses, which are precision crafted to the most exacting standards in Nikon’s own glassworks. In 1933, Nikon marketed its first camera lens under the NIKKOR brand name, the "Aero-NIKKOR” for aerial photography applications. Since then, NIKKOR has been used as a brand name for Nikon’s lenses that symbolizes durability, high image quality and optical excellence.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the new Nikon 1 advanced camera with interchangeable lens system. In 2012, production of NIKKOR lenses surpassed 70 million, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/nikon and get the latest news and information from Twitter by following @NikonUSA.

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The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.

*World's four major golf tournaments: Masters Tournament, U.S. Open Championship, The Open Championship, PGA Championship