July 27, 2016
Glamorous Glass: Nikon Celebrates 100 Million NIKKOR Milestone and the Introduction of the AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED Lens
MELVILLE, NY —
“Surpassing the 100 million lenses produced milestone is a great honor and a testament to the photographers who both love and rely on NIKKOR glass to get the job done,” said Kosuke Kawaura, Director of Marketing and Planning, Nikon Inc. “The AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED represents the embodiment of the NIKKOR line of high-quality lenses, giving photographers a robust, well-balanced lens that provides intense sharpness, astounding image quality and background bokeh that is sure to be a favorite among portrait photographers.”
Captivating Image Quality
The AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED is a fast, full-frame (FX-format), medium-telephoto prime lens and is the world’s first1 to strike the impeccable balance of 105mm focal length and large f/1.4 aperture for a truly outstanding optic. This new NIKKOR lens is ideal for professional and advanced enthusiast photographers, especially those capturing portraiture, from in-studio fashion to a golden hour engagement session on the beach. These users will love the precise sharpness from this fantastic glass, which provides a flattering compression to subjects with a sensational, sultry bokeh. Beyond the gorgeous image quality lies stellar resolving power, especially when used with Nikon DSLRs such as D5, D810 or D750.
The 105mm f/1.4E is a fast lens with endearing character, providing stellar optical performance, even in the peripherals. Sharp rendering is attained for shooting distant subjects throughout the aperture range – from maximum aperture to being stopped down by several stops. Gradual alteration from the focal plane helps render subjects in high-fidelity with a natural depth, giving colorful portraits and landscapes that little bit of extra “pop” to help create a truly distinct image. The AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4 is also an excellent choice for low-light photography, as its large maximum aperture allows photographers to shoot at the fastest possible shutter speeds. Additionally, this lens can reproduce point light sources faithfully without sagittal coma flare, even on the edges of the frame.
Masterful Lens Construction
Decades of precision, knowledge and experience are put forth into every NIKKOR lens, and the AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED is an exceptional example of brilliant craftsmanship and Nikon technologies merging. Packed with the latest advanced optical innovations, the 105mm f/1.4 features Nikon’s electromagnetic aperture control technology for consistent exposures, even during high speed continuous shooting.2
On the outside, solid build quality is well-balanced for all-day shooting, while the lens is sealed and gasketed to resist dust and moisture. Additional Fluorine coatings are used on the front and rear elements, so that smudges, dirt or moisture are easily removed. Inside the lens, the optical formula consists of 14 elements in nine groups, which include three ED glass elements. A 9-blade diaphragm further helps to create a circular, pleasing out of focus area. The lens also features Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat technology to significantly reduce instances of ghosting and flare.
The new AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED joins other NIKKOR f/1.4 lenses in the Gold Ring Series, which include only premium primes with Nano Crystal Coat and pro-grade build quality. These other lenses include the AF-S NIKKOR 24mm f/1.4G, AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.4G, AF-S NIKKOR 58mm f/1.4G, AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G.
A Landmark in the NIKKOR Legacy
Nikon is also pleased to announce that the total production of NIKKOR lenses for Nikon interchangeable lens cameras reached the landmark 100 million milestone in mid-July 2016.
With a robust line-up of high-quality lenses for all types of photographers, the NIKKOR name has become synonymous with a rich history of superior lenses. Nikon continues to introduce new NIKKOR lenses that further optical technology, utilizing cutting-edge techniques and knowledge from experience cultivated over its long history. Such revolutionary advancements include Nano Crystal Coat, which acts as a powerful anti-reflection coating, and significantly reduces instances of ghosting and flare.
More recently, NIKKOR lens technologies such as the use of Phase Fresnel (PF) and Fluorite elements have helped to create smaller and lighter lenses with superb balance and handling. Many NIKKOR lenses now also feature a Fluorine coat that helps repel a variety of contaminants such as dust, dirt, water, oils and grease. The introduction of an electromagnetic diaphragm has also helped to create lenses that provide consistently crisp exposures, even during high-speed shooting.
Pricing and Availability
The AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED will be available in late August for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $2,199.953. For more information on Nikon’s latest products including their newest NIKKOR lenses, please visit www.nikonusa.com.
About the NIKKOR Brand
With a comprehensive assortment of FX and DX-format lenses and focal lengths, from the ultra-wide 10-24mm to the super telephoto 800mm VR, Nikon photographers have come to rely upon the NIKKOR core technologies that contribute to their optical superiority. NIKKOR is the brand name for Nikon’s photographic lenses, which are precision crafted to the most exacting standards in Nikon’s own glassworks. In 1933, Nikon marketed its first camera lens under the NIKKOR brand name, the "Aero-NIKKOR” for aerial photography applications. Since then, NIKKOR has been used as a brand name for Nikon’s lenses that symbolizes durability, high image quality and optical excellence.
About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is a world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology; globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for an award-winning array of equipment that enables users to tell their stories through amazing photos and videos. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; the Nikon DL series of premium compacts and COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the Nikon 1 compact interchangeable lens camera system. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently announced the production of 100 million NIKKOR lenses in 2016, creating a new milestone in Nikon’s heritage of superior optics. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities. Connect with Nikon and other photographers on Facebook, Google+, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Vimeo and Flickr.
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1: Among AF lenses for digital SLRs compatible with FX-format image sensor; as of July 27, 2016; statement based on Nikon research
2: The lens incorporates an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism. The following cameras are compatible with this lens: D5, D4 series, D3 series, Df, D810, D810A, D800 series, D750, D700, D610, D600, D500, D300 series, D7200, D7100, D7000, D5500, D5300, D5200, D5100, D5000, D3300, D3200, D3100, Nikon 1 J1, J2, J3, J4 with FT-1, Nikon 1 V1, V2, V3 with FT-1, Nikon 1 S1, S2 with FT-1
3: SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Specifications, equipment and release dates are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer.
AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED Images
links and press kit
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