Nikon announces a new compact 85mm lens for DX format DSLRs. The lens will retail at £499.99 and goes on sale December 2009.

GET UP CLOSE AND PERSONAL WITH NIKON’S AF-S DX MICRO NIKKOR 85MM F/3.5G VR
RRP: £499.99 / €607.00
Sales start date: December 2009

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the launch of a new compact and lightweight DX format Macro lens with high quality optics, the AF-S DX MICRO NIKKOR 85MM F/3.5G VR. Implementing Nikon’s second generation Vibration Reduction (VR II) system and a 1:1 reproduction ratio, it’s the perfect choice for exploring the world of close-up photography.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories and Software, Nikon Europe says: “Lenses like this really expand creative opportunities beyond the standard kit lens. The AF-S DX MICRO NIKKOR 85MM F/3.5G VR is compact and light, so balances well with D-SLR’s like the D90 and D5000”.

Get close, stay steady
Ideal for those new to macro photography, the AF-S DX MICRO NIKKOR 85MM F/3.5G VR boasts a 1:1 reproduction ratio, allowing photographers to get lifelike close-ups of more intricate textures and details, even down to the fine texture on flower petals or insect wings. On top of this, the VR II system provides both a steady viewfinder image for composition and sharper results at slow shutter speeds or when shooting movie clips.

Beautifully balanced to take anywhere
The Nikon DX format provides a compact and light form factor that balances well with Nikon’s range of DSLR’s like the D90 and D5000. With a picture angle equivalent to a focal length of 127.5mm in FX/35mm format, it extends options beyond those offered by standard kit lenses, ideal for portraits or candid photography.

The finishing touch
Nikon’s acclaimed ED glass provides crisp high contrast results rendered with attractive background blur thanks to the rounded nine blade diaphragm. The SWM ensures smooth, discrete auto focusing and the non rotating front element enables the use of lens mounted flash accessories like the SB-R1C1 Macro Lighting kit.

Specifications

Focal length    85 mm
Max/min aperture    Max: f/3.5 Min: f/32
Lens construction    14 elements/10 groups (one ED glass element)
Picture angle    18°50′
No. diaphragm blades    9 (rounded)
Closest focusing distance    0.286 m/1 ft
Filter/attachment size    52mm (non-rotating)
Diameter x length    Approximately 73 x 98.5 mm/2.9 x 3.9 in.
Weight    Approximately 355 g/12.5 oz.