where there’s smoke there’s fire

The Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC 1.4 FL ED VR lens is now available for pre-order:

• B&H Photo
• Adorama
• Amazon
• Park Camera (UK)
• WEX (UK)

The new HK-41 lens hood for the 180-400mm is priced at $579, while the LC-K103 lens cap is $64.95, so don’t lose them.

More links will be added as they become available. Shipping will start in March 2018. Additional information on the new lens can be found here.

 

The previously rumored Nikon AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC 1.4 FL ED VR full frame DSLR lens is now officially announced with Nikon’s first built-in teleconverter. The US price is $12,399.95, UK price is £10,999. Pre-orders are now open at B&H, Amazon and Adorama.

The new HK-41 lens hood for the 180-400mm is priced at $579, while the LC-K103 lens cap is $64.95, so don’t lose them.

Primary features:

• Super-telephoto zoom lens with coverage of a broad range of focal lengths beginning at 180 mm and extending to 560 mm when the built-in 1.4x teleconverter is used
• Built-in 1.4x teleconverter which can easily be activated/deactivated while looking through the viewfinder:

• Tripod collar ring that enables smooth switching between horizontal and vertical orientation
• Zoom ring that is easily operated while holding onto the tripod collar
• Adoption of a fluorite lens element and magnesium alloy has achieved a light weight of approximately 3,500 g/7 lb 11.4 oz
• Dust- and drip-resistant structure that prevents dust and drops of water from entering the lens
• Nikon’s exclusive highly durable fluorine coat that effectively repels dust, water droplets, grease, and dirt
• The latest optical design that includes the use of one fluorite lens element and eight ED glass elements for extremely sharp and detailed rendering that is compatible with high-pixel-count digital cameras
• The latest optical design and the use of Nano Crystal Coat enable clear images in which ghost and flare are effectively suppressed
• High maximum reproduction ratios with close-up shooting at telephoto positions (0.25x when the built-in teleconverter is not used, 0.36x when activated)
• The exclusive design of this lens with a built-in teleconverter ensures optimal optical and AF performance
• Electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism that enables stable exposure control
• The VR mechanism offers camera shake compensation equivalent to a 4.0-stop increase in shutter speed in NORMAL mode; users can choose from NORMAL and SPORT modes:

Sample photos:

• Nikon Japan
• Nikon USA

Lens design (without and with TC), weather sealing, MTF charts (click for larger view), technical specifications and full press release:

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