Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm F2.8 G ED VR II is so real! So is the teleconverter TC-20E III…

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Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm F2.8 G ED VR II

• Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 300mm F2.8 G ED VR II @ Nikon USA
• Price: $5899.95

• Vibration Reduction (VR II) enables sharper pictures while shooting at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than would otherwise be possible
• Three focus modes are available — A/M mode is added to conventional M/A and M modes
• Nano Crystal Coat effectively suppresses ghosting and flare for clear images
• Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures smooth and quiet AF operation

Focal length		300mm
Maximum aperture		f/2.8
Minimum aperture		f/22
Lens construction		11 elements in 8 groups (with 3 ED glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat)
Picture angle		8°10’ (5°20’ with Nikon DX format)
Closest focusing distance		2.3 m/7.5 ft. in AF mode; 2.2 m/7.2 ft. in MF mode
Maximum reproduction ratio		0.16x
No. of diaphragm blades		9 (rounded)
Filter/attachment size		52mm
Diameter x length (extension from lens mount)		Approximately 124 x 267.5 mm/4.9 x 10.5 in.
Weight		Approximately 2,900 g/6.4 lb.
Supplied accessories		Slip-on Front Lens Cap, Rear Lens Cap LF-1, Lens Hood HK-30, Semi-soft Case CL-L1, Dedicated filter holder, 52mm Screw-on NC Filter, Strap LN-1

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AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III

• Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III @ Nikon USA
• Product brochure
• Price: $499.95

• Outstanding optical quality to meet the demands of Nikon FX-format camera users
• Increases the focal length of a prime lens by 100%*
• An aspherical lens element is adopted - a world first
• Employing an aspherical lens realizes a compact and lightweight body
• Newly developed optical design achieves superior contrast and resolution

* Lens aperture is reduced by two stops

Lens construction		7 elements in 5 groups (with one aspherical lens element)
Closest focusing distance		Same as that of a prime lens
Maximum reproduction ratio		Double that of a prime lens
Weight (approx.)		330 g/11.6 oz.
Dimensions (approx.)		66 mm/2.6 in. (dia.) x 48 mm/1.9 in. (extension from camera’s lens mounting flange)
Supplied accessories		Teleconverter Cap BF-3A, Rear Lens Cap LF-1, Flexible Lens Pouch CL-0715

...

My only logical explanation for this release are the upcoming Olympics games in Canada.

Full press release after the break:

NIKON CONTINUES PURSUIT OF OPTICAL EXCELLENCE WITH TWO NEW PROFESSIONAL-GRADE NIKKOR PRODUCTS

The New AF-S 300mm f/2.8 Lens and TC-20E III Teleconverter Focus on Super Telephoto

MELVILLE, N.Y. (December 9, 2009) – Nikon Inc. today announced two new NIKKOR optics that deliver the pinnacle of image quality for professional photographers who demand super telephoto capabilities. The new, fast aperture AF-S NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II super telephoto lens and AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III deliver images with stunning edge-to-edge sharpness and clarity throughout the frame. Continued refinements and new technologies such as Vibration Reduction (VR) II and optimized autofocus (AF) modes in the lens enhance functionality and improve performance for discerning FX and DX-format digital SLR photographers.

“The latest edition of the NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8 lens advances one of the most popular fast-aperture focal lengths for sports, nature and wildlife photography, demonstrating Nikon’s commitment to professional photographers through the continued development of the optical fidelity and sharpness for which NIKKOR lenses are famous," said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “Offering compatibility with a wide range of NIKKOR optics, including the new 300mm f/2.8, the TC-20E III teleconverter enables photographers to greatly extend the versatility of a variety of zoom and telephoto lenses they carry."

Whether photographing nature in the wild or the battles at a line of scrimmage, the 300mm f/2.8 is an essential tool for photographers who require the highest level of image quality for publication and printing. This 300mm lens effectively leverages a host of Nikon core technologies, including Nikon VR II image stabilization, specifically engineered for each lens design for maximum performance. VR II instills confidence by counteracting image blur introduced by camera shake and telephoto magnification, allowing users to shoot up to four shutter speed stops* slower than otherwise possible, overcoming many of the challenges of handheld shooting. If tripod shooting is preferred, the Tripod Detection Mode will detect and compensate for tripod-specific vibrations.

This professional lens is constructed of die-cast magnesium for maximum durability and is strategically sealed to resist dust and moisture, with protective Meniscus glass to safeguard the lens’ front element. The optical formula features three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for superior sharpness, color and image quality, while minimizing chromatic aberration. Additionally, an aspherical element is used to promote image integrity throughout the frame, suppress coma and minimize distortion. The lens also features Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology which enables high-speed autofocus performance with exceptional accuracy and powerful, super-quiet operation. Nikon's exclusive Nano Crystal Coat prevents instances of ghosting and flare for even greater image clarity.

The AF-S 300mm f/2.8 lens features a host of professional focusing features that further enhance functionality. Photographers can now select from three focus modes to match shooting conditions, including manual mode (M) and autofocus with manual priority (M/A) mode, and the new A/M mode. The A/M mode enhances AF control with fast, secure switching from automatic and manual focus to adapt to personal shooting preference and techniques. Additionally, users can also activate the AF Recall Mode at the press of a button that allows for instant return to a predetermined point of focus to capture anticipated shots confidently.

Nikon’s professional grade teleconverters, including the new AF-S TC-20E III are ideal companions to the new NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8 and other select lenses to create an affordable and portable gateway to extended telephoto photography. The new TC-20E III effectively doubles the focal length of select lenses, and is the world’s first teleconverter to feature an aspherical element to virtually eliminate coma and other aberrations even at wide apertures.

Price and Availability
The AF-S X NIKKOR 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers with an estimated selling price of $5,899.95. The Nikon AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E III will be available for estimated selling price of $499.95**. Availability of both products is scheduled to begin in January, 2010. For more information, please visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

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* As determined in Nikon performance tests
** Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

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