Jul 1 2008
Nikon, Inc. today introduced the new PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED and PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D lenses, expanding a series of lenses that allow photographers to effectively correct perspective and/or depth-of-field to push creative boundaries. These new Perspective Control (PC) lenses correct linear distortion in order to better replicate images as seen by the human eye, including straightening the converging lines of rectilinear objects such as buildings, while also introducing welcome command over depth-of-field. Their versatility makes these the perfect lens complement for a myriad of applications, including photographing architecture, nature, interiors and still-life -- especially product photography.
"The introduction of the wide-angle 24mm Perspective Control lens answered a demand from photographers. Specific shooting disciplines demand precise image control that only a specialized lens of this design can provide," said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc. "We are pleased to now add the 45mm and 85mm Micro PC-E lenses, offering photographers an expanded number of PC focal lengths from which to choose and resolve complex photographic challenges."
When shooting subjects, such as tall buildings with a conventional lens, composition often calls for tilting the axis of a camera. This typically results in a significant distortion of converging lines, impacting the desired visual accuracy of the image. A PC-E NIKKOR lens' "shift" control provides correction for this type of distortion. "Shift" control can also give a photographer the ability to "effectively" move the apparent position of the camera -- providing further perspective versatility, allowing, for example, the ability to avoid unwanted reflections in an image.
A PC-E lens' "tilt" control gives photographers additional creative control over depth-of-field. Known as the Scheimpflug principal, tilt-shift lenses are capable of modifying the focal plane of the lens, allowing the extension or limitation of the point of critical sharpness in the image. The combination of "tilt" and "shift" controls featured in all PC-E NIKKOR lenses gives photographers extraordinary control over perspective -- control which simply is not possible with conventional lenses.
A special tilt/shift mechanism gives users up to +/- 11.5mm shift for perspective control and +/- 8.5-degree tilt control for creative focus. The Perspective Control lenses correct distortion and vanishing point issues with convenient side-mounted controls at 1mm / 1-degree intervals that will adjust the focal plane with shift and tilt adjustments. The lens optics rotate up to 90 degrees right or left for perspective control adjustment, while a click-stop is provided every 30 degrees. Photographers can confirm the effect of each adjustment accurately through their Nikon SLR viewfinder.
The new PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED and PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D offer a combined standard-to-medium telephoto range coupled with dramatically expansive depth-of-field that is well suited for a variety of tasks and the exploration of new levels of creativity.
All NIKKOR-E lenses incorporate a rounded nine-blade electromagnetic diaphragm that provides auto aperture control when used with Nikon SLRs that feature an electronically controlled aperture, including the D3, D300 and newly announced D700 camera.* This unique feature allows photographers to more easily compose images without the typical darkening of the frame experienced with other lenses of this type.
The PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED lens continues the NIKKOR legacy of high-quality optics and durable design. It features an Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass element providing superior sharpness and color fidelity by effectively minimizing chromatic aberration and three aspherical lens elements to minimize various other types of lens aberration. While both lenses offer a 1:2 reproduction ratio, the PC-E Micro 85mm f/2.8 D lens offers a medium-telephoto angle of view and increased camera-to-subject working distance that is preferable in many applications. In addition, both lenses incorporate Nikon's Super Integrated coatings that deliver superior color reproduction, as well as Nikon's exclusive Nano Crystal Coat to virtually eliminate any remaining instances of ghosting and flare.
Together with the recently announced NIKKOR PC-E 24mm f/3.5 ED lens, photographers now have a comprehensive assortment of Perspective Control NIKKORs ranging from wide to medium-telephoto from which to choose.
The PC-E Micro NIKKOR 45mm f/2.8D ED and PC-E Micro NIKKOR 85mm f/2.8D lenses are scheduled to become available through Nikon authorized dealers in the U.S. beginning in August 2008 for an estimated selling price of $1,799.95 and $1,739.95, respectively.**
Note
*Some functions will be limited when used with cameras other than the D3, D700 and D300.
** Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.