AF-S NIKKOR 200-400 f/4G ED VR II

Word from Melville, NY is there’s a new long zoom coming to town. While it doesn’t differ from the current version in specs -both have a constant f/4 through the zoom range, and stop down to f/32. They both have 24 lens elements in 17 groups, and a maximum reproduction ratio of .27x and a minimum focus distance of 6.6′ (well, the VR II can focus to 6.4′ -if you can, that is to say in Manual). They’re the same size and the same weight, according to Nikon USA’s product pages.

Of course the NIKKOR 200-400 f/4G ED VR II has the benefit of VR II technology -enabling up to 4 stops of correction. Apparently this VR is, on select D-SLRs, always engaged when shooting in D-Movie mode to stabilize HD video capture.

VR functionality is further augmented with Automatic Panning Detection and an Active VR Mode to help compensate for movement from an unstable position such as a moving vehicle.

Die cast from magnesium, it’s sealed against dust and moisture and, like its predecessor, takes a 52mm drop in filter. The new 200-400 also incorporates the Nano Crystal Coating Nikon developed “to reduce instances of ghosting and flaring.”

All in all, it has the indications of being another exellent lens in Nikon’s pro line up. It’s scheduled to show up in late May, but we’ll see. In the mean time, get on our wait list.