Nikon introduces two important wide angle lenses

Today, Nikon introduces two wide angle lenses: Nikon AF-S 24mm f/1.4G ED and Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4G ED. Both lenses are important to beef up Nikon lens line-up because Nikon is a bit behind Canon at the moment. For almost a decade now, Canon has been leading in pro grade lenses especially in prime lenses. But in the past couple years, Nikon started to catch up one step at the time. [Read Canon versus Nikon lenses 2009]

Both lenses are compatible with full frame camera and crop frame camera. 24mm in full frame camera is very popular for landscape photographers. When mounted in crop frame camera, it become 35mm (1.5 X 24mm) which is also a very popular focal length for general photography, such as street photography, photojournalism, environmental portrait etc.

While the quality of Nikon recent lenses are top notch, The 24mm lens unfortunately is relatively expensive. Canon 24mm f/1.4 lens only cost $1699. Therefore, it is hard to justify buying this lens, especially non-professional photographer.

Nikon AF-S 24mm f/1.4G ED

Main specs:

Price: $2199.95

ED glass and aspherical lens elements are utilized for a new optical design that achieves high resolution and good balance in terms of aberration for pleasing blur characteristics
Nano Crystal Coat effectively reduces ghost and flare
Quiet focusing with built-in Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
Two focus modes selectable – M/A and M
Constant fast aperture of f/1.4 – f/16
Equivalent to 35mm when mounted in DX camera
Sample images by Bob Krist

Then, we have 16-35mm f/4 VR lens. Nikon already has excellent 14-24mm f/2.8 and 17-35mm f/2.8, so why did they release another wide angle zoom lens? The answer will be the VR (Vibration Reduction) and price.

Regarding the VR, I think it is the only super wide angle zoom lens that has this feature in the market. The VR is definitely useful when shooting in the low light condition such as sunset, or early evening.

When mounted in crop sensor camera (DX), this lens will become 24-52mm. This focal length is great for general walk around and will be very useful in many situations.

This wide angle lens is versatile enough for wide range of application: landscape, photojournalism, wedding, etc. I can safely predict that this lens will be quite popular among semi-pro photographers and hobbyists.

Nikon AF-S 16-35mm f/4 G ED VR

Main specs:

Price: $1259.95

Ultra wide-angle zoom lens that covers focal lengths from 16mm to 35mm
Nano Crystal Coat effectively reduces ghost and flare
Compatible with 77mm screw-on filters
ED glass and aspherical lens elements are utilized for a new optical design that achieves high resolution
Quiet focusing with built-in Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
Two focus modes selectable – M/A and M
Constant aperture f/4-f/22
Equivalent 24-52.5mm when mounted in DX camera
Sample images by Bob Krist

Despite this, Nikon still has a lot of homework to catch on, many photographers are still waiting for 80-400mm, 85mm f/1.2 and 135mm f/2. At this rate, I am optimistic that Nikon will offer more selection for it’s fans.

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