Nikon announces two new Nikkor lenses

Focal lengths of 45mm and 85mm

1 July 2008 5:00 GMT / By Verity Burns

Nikon has announced the introduction of two new Nikkor specialist lenses to its offerings - complete with specs this time.

The PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED and PC-E Micro Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D are both designed for specialist applications in architecture, commercial and landscape photography.

This is shown in their Perspective Control capabilities, which offer a tilt/shift mechanism, revolving capability and auto aperture control.

Robert Cristina, manager of professional products and NPS at Nikon Europe B.V said: "These latest additions to the Nikkor range will be welcomed by architecture and landscape photographers using FX format cameras like the D3 and D700."

He added: "Like the PC-E 24mm f/3.5D ED introduced earlier this year, these new lenses further expand the Nikkor range of optics for specialist photography."

Both lenses brag edge-to-corner sharpness and brightness at all subject distances from macro to infinity. They also incorporate Nikon's state-of-the-art anti-reflective coating technology, Nano Crystal coat, to reduce ghosting and flare caused by internal reflections with very flexible levels of tilt and shift movement.

The rounded nine-blade diaphragm feature in both lenses contributes to the renowned Nikkor "bokeh" that makes out-of-focus background objects appear soft, natural-looking and unobtrusive.

Individually, the 45mm focal length of the all-new PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED lens is ideal for a natural looking perspective, and its ED glass minimises aberration, promising high-res, clear images. It has a closest focus distance of just 25cm and a minimum aperture of f/32.

The PC-E Micro Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D lens, on the other hand, replaces the existing PC Micro Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D and is a good choice for tabletop photography and creative portraiture. Featuring essentially the same optical design as its predecessor, the PC-E Micro Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D is lighter and smaller with a closest focus distance of 39cm and minimum aperture of f/32.

Both lenses are dust and moisture-resistant for use even in harsh shooting situations.

It's worth noting though, that some of these functions will be limited when used with cameras other than the D3 and D300.

Also, the new lenses cannot be used with the F70D, F60D, F55, F50D, F-401 series, F-801 series, F-601, F3AF, F-501, PRONEA S, or other manual focus cameras.

Both the PC-E Micro Nikkor 45mm f/2.8D ED and the PC-E Micro Nikkor 85mm f/2.8D are set for August release dates, both retailing at £1349.99.