Oh dear….. Nikon has started to do what Canon has been doing with these semi-announcements, or ‘development announcements’. In other words we are told that this lens is coming but other than the fact that it has an 800mm focal length, an f5.6 aperture and VR we have no further info. No idea on price or when it might be shipping and we’ll likely see a ‘proper’ announcement later in the year, most likely at Photokina where the lens will be on display. Canon have had an 800mm f5.6 for some time now and given that Canon has played catch up to Nikon with a 200-400 mm f4 , it makes sense for Nikon to even things out again with their own 800mm. Expect prices to be well North of $12,000.
Press Release
Amsterdam, The Netherlands, 12 July 2012 – Nikon today announced the development of a ground-breaking super-telephoto, fixed focal length lens to add to its line-up of full frame (FX) NIKKOR lenses. The 800mm, AF-S lens, with a bright aperture of f/5.6 and VR (Vibration Reduction) system, will be fully compatible with the auto focus system of all Nikon FX-format cameras.
The new lens has been developed to further strengthen the NIKKOR line-up of super-telephoto lenses. It will boast the longest focal length of any NIKKOR autofocus lens, and has been designed with field sports, news and wildlife photographers in mind. In addition to its superior optical performance, the lens will offer dust and water resistance.
