Nikon will release an updated version of its venerable 200-400mm f/4 VR at the end of next month. The AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II adds four-stop VR II image stabilization, Nano Crystal Coat lens coating for reduced ghosting and flaring and a new A/M position on the lens' mode switch (this option limits accidental switching to manual focus), plus minor cosmetic changes.
The overall appearance, size, weight and optical formulation of the new AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II is nearly identical to the lens it replaces. There are no stated changes to Silent Wave autofocusing, either the motor or the algorithm that controls it, which suggests that focus speed is to be the same as the earlier model too.
The AF-S Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II is to ship in late-May 2010 at an expected street price of US$6999.95 in the U.S. This price is US$700 higher than Nikon USA's current expected street price for the existing (and already scarce) 200-400mm.
Nikon USA's Steve Heiner discusses the new lens as well as other recent additions to the Nikkor lineup in a podcast.
via Rob Galbraith DPI: Nikon to release updated 200-400mm f/4 in late May.
