April 2, 2018 Donald Scarinci

Nikon used the Consumer Electronic Show (CES) to announced its first new lens of 2018 — the AF-S NIKKOR 180-400mm f/4E TC1.4 FL ED VR. The new 180-400 lens features a built-in teleconverter, which is a first for Nikon. This is an FX, professional quality lens designed to replace the Nikon 200-400mm f/4 VR2 lens that was released in 2010.  It is the first time NIKON designed a lens with a built in teleconverter. “Pros who spend time behind a super-telephoto lens know a hard truth: when you need a teleconverter, you often need it in a hurry,” Nikon highlights….

September 10, 2015 Donald Scarinci

In July, Nikon announced the addition of two new full frame telephoto lenses. The AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR has a focal length of 500 mm, while the AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR has a focal length of 600 mm. Thanks to the addition of two fluorite elements, Nikon boasts that the lenses are “the world’s lightest lenses available at their respective focal lengths.” Compared to their predecessors, the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR weighs 20 percent less, while the AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR is 25 percent lighter. Of course, the…

March 10, 2014 Donald Scarinci

The three Nikkor FX lenses that need a refresh the most include two of Nikon’s biggest sellers and an old Nikkor lens that competes with a better Sigma alternative. Probably Nikon’s best selling lens is the second of what is known as the “holy trinity” of lenses for professional photographers, the Nikkor 24-70 f./2.8G ED.  This lens was first produced in 2007 and is priced at about $1900.  It is remains a great lens and a favorite “standard” lens for professionals, but it does not offer vibration reduction. Tamron introduced a strong competitor with its SP 24-70mm F/2.8 Di VC…

January 13, 2014 Donald Scarinci

Whether you want to take portraits or nature shots, Nikon is known for its superior camera lenses. The company added several new products to its repertoire in 2013, and they did not disappoint. Below are some of the top picks from the Nikkor line: Wide-angle zoom lens: For landscape or architectural photography, it is essential to have a wide-angle lens. Weighing in at only 385g (13.6 oz), the Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G ED is a light and compact choice. The lens is also relatively affordable, selling for around $750. It is designed for use on Nikon’s FX (full-frame) SLRs….

August 27, 2012 Donald Scarinci

I love my Nikkor 70-200 f./2.8 VR2 but let’s face it, the lens takes up a lot of weight and space in the carry-on luggage when you are traveling.  On trips when photography is not the main objective or when traveling with a carry-on only, there is room for the camera with one lens attached and maybe a flash.  In those situations, the Nikkor 18-300 f./3.5-5.6 VR2 is the lens. I tested this lens under extreme conditions on a sailboat.  I could only take one lens because of packing considerations and because changing lenses at sea always involves risk to…