Nikon Corporation is proud to announce the introduction of two new professional Nikkor lenses — the AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED, and the PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D, a medium telephoto Nikkor lens with a tilt/shift mechanism and macro capability.

The AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED is an ultra-wideangle zoom lens that offers a range of professional-level features for overall superior performance. In addition to boasting the shortest closest-focusing distance in its class — 0.28m (0.9 ft.) throughout the entire zoom range — the lens also features a fast constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 at all focal lengths. It is ideal for photojournalism and general professional-level photographic needs.

This new lens also features Nikon’s exclusive built-in Silent Wave Motor for ultra-fast, ultra-quiet autofocus operation, as well as ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and aspherical lens elements in a new optical design.

Other features include M/A mode, which lets users switch quickly from automatic to manual focusing, even during AF servo operation, with virtually no time lag. Plus, the lens drive operation consumes no power during manual focusing.

Used with Nikon’s new Professional D1 Digital SLR, the image reproduction ratio will be identical to that of a Nikon 35mm SLR, but for the 23.7mm x 15.6mm CCD, the lens’ effective coverage will be equivalent to using a 25.5mm to 52.5mm zoom on 35mm (135) film format.

Nikon’s new PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D is equipped with a tilt/shift mechanism that allows photographers the flexibility to manipulate image perspective, distortion and focus.

The lens, which offers 1:2 life-size macro capability, is ideal for commercial photographers who shoot tabletop product photos — especially useful with Nikon’s new Professional D1 Digital SLR (the lens’ effective coverage will be equivalent to using a 127.5mm on 35mm [135] film format). Other important features include Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating and Close-Range Correction system for outstanding optical performance and superior colour reproduction.


Together, these two new lenses represent a significant addition to the professional Nikkor lens lineup, offering serious photographers enhanced shooting flexibility for a range of applications.

AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED Major Features

• Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor for swift and quiet autofocus operation with the Nikon F5, F4, F100, F90X/N90s, F90/N90, F70/N70, PRONEA 600i/PRONEA 6i, PRONEA S, Nikon Digital Camera E2/E3 series and D1 SLRs.
  
• Newly designed optical system ensures superior optical performance.
  
• Two types of aspherical lens — moulded-glass (two elements) and hybrid — minimise distortion at the periphery.
  
• Constant maximum aperture of f/2.8 at all focal lengths.
  
• Two ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements minimise chromatic aberration, provide higher resolution and superior contrast.
  
• High-performance Nikon Super Integrated Coating offers superior colour reproduction, while minimising ghost and flare.
  
• Rounded diaphragm opening (9 blades) makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural.
  
• 0.28m (0.9 ft.) closest focusing distance throughout the full zoom range.
  
• IF (Internal Focusing) permits fast AF operation and a closer focusing distance.
  
• M/A mode enables instant switching from autofocus to manual focus, even during AF servo operation, with virtually no time lag.
  
• New easy-to-use design with simulated leather finish for superior grip.
  
• No power is required for manual focusing which is smooth, fluid and easy.
  
• Filter attachment does not rotate during focusing and zooming.
  
• Dedicated lens hood effectively minimises stray light.
  
• Dust- and water drop-resistant design.
  

Note:
Nikon N90s, N90, N70 and PRONEA 6i cameras are exclusively sold in U.S.A.

AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED Specifications

Focal length: 17mm to 35mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Lens construction: 13 elements in 10 groups
Picture angle: 104° to 62° (79° to 44°* with Nikon Professional Digital SLR camera D1)
Focus distance: 0.28m (0.9 ft.) to infinity
Max. reproduction ratio: 1/4.6
Focal length scale: 17mm, 20mm, 24mm, 28mm, 35mm
Aperture scale: f/2.8 to f/22
Attachment size: 77mm
Dimensions: Approx. 83mm dia. x 106mm or 3.3 in. dia x 4.2 in.
Weight: Approx. 750g or 26.5 oz.

* Equivalent to approx. 25.5-52.5mm focal length in 35mm (135) film format.

PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D Major Features

• Wide tilting and shifting range (tilt: ±8.3°, shift: ±12.4mm).
  
• 1:2 life-size macro shooting capability (at 0.39m or 1.3 ft.).
  
• Close-Range Correction (CRC) system offers superior optical performance even at close focusing distances.
  
• Wide aperture range — f/2.8 to f/45 in 1/2 steps.
  
• Built-in CPU transmits effective aperture values to the camera body — useful for exposure determination using external exposure meters.
  
• Distance Information is transmitted to the camera body and used for 3D Matrix Metering or 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash when using a maximum aperture without shifting and/or tilting the lens.
  
• Rounded diaphragm opening (9 blades) makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural.
  
• High-performance Nikon Super Integrated Coating offers superior colour reproduction and minimises ghost and flare.
  
• Lens’ aperture can be easily stopped down via mechanical push-button operation. It remains stopped down (until the button is pressed again), for easy depth-of-field confirmation.
  
• ±90° lens revolving capability for versatile tilt/shift effects.
  
• Filter attachment does not rotate when focusing — useful when shooting with a polarising filter.
  
• Compatible with Nikon’s D1 professional digital SLR camera — great for commercial photographers.
  
• Tripod mounting spacer AH-5 (optional) offers smoother tilt/shift operation when using a tripod.
  

Note:
1. The camera’s exposure metering and flash control system do not work properly when shifting and/or tilting the lens, or when using a aperture other than the maximum aperture.
2. This lens cannot be used with Nikon’s E2/E3 series digital cameras when shifting and/or tilting the lens.

What is tilting/shifting?

Tilting
By tilting the lens up or down (or left or right), photographers can change the angle between the optical axis and the film plane. This lets them modify the plane of focus in the photos to get a range of effects.

Shifting
To “shift” the lens means to slide it parallel to the viewfinder image, while keeping the lens’ optical axis at right angles to the film plane.

Benefits of tilting/shifting

Tilting lets photographers:

• Achieve clear focus of the entire subject plane even when it is not parallel to the film plane.
  
• Focus on just a specific part of the subject for special effect.
  

Shifting lets photographers:

• Correct perspective distortion when taking pictures (from high or low angles) of subjects with vertical lines such as buildings.
  
• Eliminate camera reflections (when shooting reflective subjects like glass, mirrors, etc.).
  
• Exclude unwanted objects from in front of the main subject (by shifting camera position).
  
• Exaggerate image distortion for special effect.
  

Tilting and shifting combined lets photographers:

• Correct image distortion and ensure correct focus of subjects not parallel to the film plane, when shooting from an inclined position.
  

PC Micro-Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D Specifications

Focal length: 85mm
Maximum aperture: f/2.8
Lens construction: 6 elements in 5 groups
Picture angle: 28°30’ (18°50’* with Nikon Professional Digital SLR camera D1)
Focus distance: 0.39m (1.3 ft.) to infinity
Focusing: Manual
Maximum reproduction ratio: 1/2
Aperture scale: f/2.8 to f/45
Maximum shift amount: ±12.4mm
Maximum tilt amount: ±8.3°
Attachment size: 77mm
Dimensions: Approx. 83.5mm dia. x 109.5mm or 3.3 in. dia. x 4.3 in.
Weight: Approx. 775g or 27.3 oz.

* Equivalent to approx. 127.5mm focal length in 35mm (135) film format.