Nikon has just launched three spectacular new wide-angle lenses, including a fisheye zoom that can capture 180-degree circular images, a budget-priced ultra-wide zoom lens, and a high-end 28mm f/1.4 prime lens. Nikon also announced the Coolpix W300, a rugged, compact digital camera that can capture 4K video.
Nikon Coolpix W300
Nikon’s next generation waterproof freezeproof and dustproof camera, the Coolpix W300, is a significant step up from the older W100, with improved resolution and durability. The camera is the first Nikon underwater camera to feature 4K video capture, and offers 16MP resolution, up from 13.5MP on the previous model.
Key features
• 16MP sensor
• 5x optical zoom
• 3-inch LCD Monitor
• 4K video capture
• Waterproof to 100 feet
• Freezeproof to 14F
• Dustproof
• Shockproof to drops of 7.9 feet
• Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, GPS, altimeter, depth gauge
The big headline here is the 4K video with stereo sound (it can also capture 1080p full HD video). The Short Movie Show feature combines a 30-second compilation with background music for convenient online sharing. Time-lapse can condense an hour of action into 10 seconds; conversely, Superlapse lets you speed up time. 5-axis Vibration Reduction is available while shooting movies, and AE lock can now be activated underwater.
The ergonomics of the camera are designed for convenient use on land and in the water. An extra-large grip promotes stable hand-holding, and the 3-inch LCD monitor has an anti-reflective coating so it’s easier to view in sunlight. A bright LED light in the front of the camera can illuminate close subjects.
The Nikon Coolpix W300 dives deeper, can be dropped farther, and works in colder weather, so if you have a W100 that is getting long in the tooth, it may be time to upgrade. The Nikon Coolpix W300 is available in Orange, Yellow, or Black for $386.95 from Adorama.
Nikon AF-S Fisheye Nikkor 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED Lens
Nikon has expanded the wide end of its DSLR lens line; the first is the shortest focal length zoom Nikon lens to date. The new AF-S Fisheye Nikkor 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED is an FX-format circular fisheye zoom lens for photographers and content creators who desire a truly unique perspective.
The new lens design projects a circular 180-degree vertical / horizontal image on full frame cameras when set to 8mm, and zooms to a non-circular fisheye view (180-degree diagonal angle of view) on the long end of the focal range. The lens can also be used on DX-format cameras for a distinctive point-of-view and extreme wide-angle applications.
The AF-S Fisheye Nikkor 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED is also the latest in Nikon’s Gold Ring Series of Nikkor lenses and features a next-generation design for high-resolution Nikon DSLR cameras. Made for advanced photographers and creators, this durable lens is constructed of lightweight magnesium alloy, and employs internal focusing (IF) to retain its compact size, even while focusing. It is Nikon’s latest lens to use an electromagnetic diaphragm for consistent exposure during high-speed shooting, or smooth exposure control while capturing video.
The Fisheye Nikkor 8-15mm consists of three ED elements to reduce chromatic aberration, plus two aspherical lens elements to minimize coma, even at the widest aperture, and enable a more compact lens size. Additionally, the front lens element is coated with Nikon’s non-stick Fluorine coat to help resist dirt, fingerprints and smudges, while Nikon’s exclusive Nano Crystal Coat helps reduce ghost and flare.
The Nikon AF-S Fisheye Nikkor 8-15mm f/3.5-4.5E ED Lens is available for $1,245.95 from Adorama.
Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.4E ED Lens
The 28mm f/1.5E ED lens is also designed for full-frame cameras, and offers a fast f/1.4 maximum aperture for low-light use, as well as a 9-frame rounded diaphragm for pleasing Bokeh.
The lens body is composed of lightweight magnesium alloy, and features dust- and water drop-resistant sealing to withstand the elements, combined with a fluorine coating to resist dirt and smudges. Lenses are arranged in 14 elements in 11 groups, with three aspherical elements that virtually eliminate coma, aberration and distortion, with two ED glass elements that minimize chromatic aberration. The lens also uses Nikon’s Nano Crystal coat to reduce instances of ghosting and flare.
The new AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.4E ED joins Nikon’s stable f/1.4 primes for professional photographers and creators. Other models include; The AF-S 24mm f/1.4G ED, AF-S Nikkor 35mm f/1.4G, AF-S Nikkor 58mm f/1.4G, AF-S Nikkor 85mm f/1.4G and AF-S Nikkor 105mm f/1.4E ED.
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28mm f/1.4E ED Lens is available for $1,996.95 at Adorama.
Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens
Not to leave out users of DX-sensor Nikon DSLRs, the Nikon 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR is an affordable way to get ultrawide imaging. It is ideal for shooting travel and scenery, real estate, large group portraits, or vlogging. The lens is remarkably compact and lightweight.
Like all Nikkor lenses, the new AF-P DX Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR provides advanced optical technologies. The lens features the equivalent of 3.5 stops of Vibration Reduction (VR) performance, to help capture sharp images while handheld or in challenging light. Additionally, it utilizes Nikon’s Pulse Motor technology for super-fast and whisper quiet AF operation- which is especially useful when recording video. The optical formula contains three aspherical elements for excellent image quality with minimal distortion even at the widest focal length.
The lens offers a remarkably close working distance that’s useful for images or showing up-close details when making product-related videos or how-to content. To get closer to capture small objects with big details, the lens has a close minimum focusing distance of only 8.6 inches (0.22 meters).
The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens is available for $306.95 at Adorama.
