Nikkon announces new fast AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f.1.4 E ED lens.

[Sabyasachi Patra]

Nikkon announces new fast AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f.1.4 E ED lens.

This lens is a FX-format ie full frame compatible lens. Nikon claims that this lens uses the “three-dimensional high fidelity” concept and delivers superior resolution even in the edges of the frames producing smooth bokeh and excellent flair when light sources are flashed at it. The lens is also the world’s first^*1 autofocus lens with a 105mm focal length and f/1.4 aperture, further advancing the boundaries of imaging innovation.

We were all used to lenses in the focal length of 100mm at 2.8 aperture. However, f1.4 would be pretty shallow and can be used to make unwanted backgrounds out-of-focus even in some interview situations. However, being a still lens, for video use one still needs to fiddle with the focus ring. Creating a smooth 300 deg rotation for focus would have been highly appreciated in the video world.

Due to the f1.4 aperture, I can visualise many applications in the low light in reporting as well as in creative portraiture.

The NIKKOR AF-S 105mm f1.4 E ED lens uses three extra low dispersion glass elements which would help in minimising CA (Chromatic aberrations), rendering accurate colours and better sharpness. There is a Nano Crystal coating which will lower flare.

The electro-magnetic diaphragm will give accurate aperture control as well as accurate exposure consistently across frames in a burst.

This lens will use a 82mm filter thread.

Availability: August 2016
Price: $2196.95 USD according to B&H http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/buy/Nikon_105_f1_4_E_ED/Ntt/Nikon%2B105%2Bf1.4%2BE%2BED/N/0/kw/search/BI/19990/KBID/13252/DFF/d10-v1-t12

NIKON INDIA PRESS RELEASE

Portraits in Smooth Perfection with the New AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED

Fast, prime mid-telephoto lens delivering large, smooth and beautiful bokeh and edge-to-edge rendering
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New Delhi: July 27, 2016 – Nikon India, the 100% subsidiary of Nikon Corporation Tokyo, leaders in imaging technology, today announced the new AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED, a fast, mid-telephoto fixed focal length lens which responds to the demands of professional and advanced amateur photographers pursuing their imaging creativity with a variety of photographic scenes. The lens is also the world’s first^*1 autofocus lens with a 105mm focal length and f/1.4 aperture, further advancing the boundaries of imaging innovation.

The FX-format (full-frame) compatible AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED, which embodies the "three-dimensional high fidelity" design concept, effortlessly crafts impressive portraits and photos of still subjects that beautifully utilize the large and smooth bokeh characteristics. The lens also delivers superior resolution all the way to the edges of the frame for landscape shots, be it for day or night scenes, alongside an excellent reproduction of point light sources.


Kazuo Ninomiya, Managing Director, Nikon India said, “We are delighted to launch the AF-S NIKKOR 105MM F/1.4E ED lens built on superior NIKKOR design technology. With today’s announcement, Nikon India aims at empowering photographers with technologically advanced lens with a highly accurate diaphragm control for stable auto exposure, and various elements to reduce chromatic anomaly and flare effects. This lens will be a fascinating apparatus for a photographer’s creativity.”


Explaining the technicalities of the lens, Sajjan Kumar, Senior Vice President – Corporate Sales and Strategy, Nikon India said, “The AF-S NIKKOR 105MM F/1.4E ED lens focal length has a combination of remarkable optical performance and innovative design. This has enabled the creation of a significant shallow depth of field with the smoothest of bokeh. The AF-S NIKKOR 105MM F/1.4E ED lens is the world’s first^*1 with a 105mm focal length and a maximum aperture of f/1.4 and answers to the desire of a portraiture with soft, mesmerising bokeh effect. The gradual alteration from the focus position results in the creation of a natural reproduction of the subject’s depth.”


AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED Primary Features
· A natural beauty: The new autofocus lens with a focal length of 105mm^*2 and a maximum aperture of f/1.4, making the most of the impressive cropping of a scene and optimal compression effects, is developed based on the design concept of “three-dimensional high fidelity". The concept constructs a natural 3D reproduction of three-dimensional subjects on the two-dimensional fields that are photos, as well as large and beautiful bokeh characteristic that provide smooth alteration of bokeh as the distance from the focus position increases. These characteristics enable rendering with a natural sense of depth in portraits and images of still objects.

· Perfecting the points that matter: Scenic and expressive landscapes are reproduced with superior resolution all the way to the edges of the frame, even at maximum aperture, for extremely sharp and clear rendering. The high reproduction capability of point light sources ensure the rendering of points and sharp points of light with very little distortion or bleed in night landscapes, resulting in sharply reproduced yet breath-taking captures. The bright viewfinder image achieved with this fast, prime lens that supports comfortable shooting is equally effective in handheld shooting for low-light scenes as well.
· Inheriting the finest: The NIKKOR technology infused within the lens’ design and build stems from three Extra-low Dispersion lens elements that provide compensation for chromatic aberration. Nano Crystal Coat is utilized for effective reduction of ghost and flare, while the lens is also equipped with an electromagnetic aperture mechanism that enables stable auto exposure control, even with high-speed continuous shooting. Rounding up the innovation to effectively repel dust, water, grease, and dirt is a highly durable fluorine coat applied to the extreme front and rear lens’ surfaces.

^*1 Among 35mm-format compatible lenses as of 27 July 2016. Statement based on Nikon research
^*2 When attached to a DX-format digital SLR, the effective angle of view is equivalent to that of a 157.5 mm lens in FX/35mm (135) format

Availability
The AF-S NIKKOR 105mm f/1.4E ED will be available in August 2016.