Nikon releases pair of wide angle lenses

BY: Allison Johnson, DigitalCameraReview.com Editor

Nikon introduces two new wide angle Nikkor lenses today - the AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR and the fast AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G ED. Both lenses use their Silent Wave Motor system for what Nikon calls "quiet, fast, and accurate" auto focus performance. The pair of lenses utilize a combination of Nikon ED glass and aspherical elements in an effort to keep chromatic aberration from turning up in photos. Nikon's own Nano-Crystal Coat is also used to reduce ghosting and flare.

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G ED
This wide-angle lens offers a picture angle of 84 degrees when mounted to an FX-format Nikon DSLR. Nikon touts the new 24mm f/1.4 as a great candidate for handheld low-light shooting thanks to a fast maximum aperture. Using the lens with their DX-format cameras will produce a picture angle of 61 degrees.

Nikon 16-35mm f/4G ED VR
The introduction of the 16-35mm f/4 VR makes it Nikon's widest angle FX-format Nikkor zoom lens with vibration reduction - what a mouthful. Basically, it's an ultra-wide zoom lens with Nikon's VR II vibration reduction for image stabilization. They claim that the addition of VR will allow shooters to utilize up to four more stops.

Pricing and availability
The wide angle AF-S Nikkor 16-35mm f/4G ED VR will be available in late February 2010 for $1259.95. The fast AF-S Nikkor 24mm f/1.4G ED will cost $2199.95 and will arrive in late March 2010.