The Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 lens (in all its incarnations) may be one of the most popular pro lenses ever. Now, Nikon has improved on an already great lens with the new Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8E AF-S VR lens. It features a closer MFD (Minimum Focusing Distance), new coatings for yet lower distortion, improved VR, all at about the same size and weight (actually a touch lighter according to the specs). The only downside is the by now familiar price increase. The current Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8 AF-S VR II lens is selling for about $2100, while the new model is available for pre-order for $2797.

In more-specialized news, Nikon also announced a PC (Perspective Control) 19mm manual-focus lens, that allows for tilt and shift – particularly-helpful for architectural photographers. The new Nikon 19mm PC-E f/4E Tilt-Shift Lens is available for pre-order for $3397.

Specs of the new Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 E:

1. Mount Type

   Nikon F-Bayonet

    

2. Focal Length Range

   70 -

   200 mm

    

3. Zoom Ratio

   2.9 x

    

4. Maximum Aperture

   f/ 2.8

    

5. Minimum Aperture

   f/ 22

    

6. Format

   FX/35mm

    

7. Maximum Angle of View (DX-format)

   22°50'

    

8. Minimum Angle of View (DX-format)

   8°

    

9. Maximum Angle of View (FX-format)

   34°20'

    

10. Minimum Angle of View (FX-format)

    12°20'

     

11. Maximum Reproduction Ratio

    0.21 x

     

12. Lens Elements

    22

     

13. Lens Groups

    18

     

14. High Refractive Index Elements

    1

     

15. Compatible Format(s)

    FX
    DX

     

16. VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization

    Yes

     

17. Diaphragm Blades

    9

     

18. Distance Information

    Yes

     

19. Nano Crystal Coat

    Yes

     

20. ED Glass Elements

    6

     

21. Fluorite Elements

    1

     

22. Fluorine Coat

    Yes

     

23. Super Integrated Coating

    Yes

     

24. Autofocus

    Yes

     

25. AF-S (Silent Wave Motor)

    Yes

     

26. Internal Focusing

    Yes

     

27. Minimum Focus Distance

    3.6  ft. 

    ( 1.1 m) 

     

28. Focus Mode

    Auto
    Manual
    Manual/Auto

     

29. E-type

    Yes

     

30. Filter Size

    77 mm

     

31. Accepts Filter Type

    Screw-on

     

32. Approx. Dimensions (Diameter x Length)

    3.4  in. 

    (88.5  mm)

    x  7.9  in. 

    (202.5  mm)

    (distance from camera lens mount flange)
    Based on CIPA guidelines

33. Approx. Weight

    50.5  oz. 

    (1430  g)

    (including tripod collar)
    Based on CIPA guidelines