WHAT’S NEW

Arguably the most exciting new camera for many years, Hasselblad’s mirrorless X1D is going to turn the digital medium format world upside down. Fujifilm continues on its winning way with the X-T2 which turns the already-brilliant X-T1 into something even better. There’s a nifty fast new 105mm portrait lens from Nikon and more.

THE LATEST ADDITION to Nikon’s current line-up of AF-S Nikkor lenses for full-35mm D-SLRs (a.k.a. the ‘FX’ format) is a 105mm f1.4 mid-range prime telephoto. Not only is this the fasted 105mm lens ever built by Nikon, it’s also the fastest autofocus 105mm ever.

It has a weather-protected barrel and an optical construction which comprises 14 elements in nine groups. Three of these elements are made from optical glass with extra-low dispersion (ED) characteristics to reduce chromatic aberrations, and the lens features Nikon’s ‘Nano Crystal’ multi-coatings to minimise flare and ghosting. Fluorine coatings are used on the external element surfaces to help repel dust, grease and moisture.

As has been the case with most recent AF-S Nikkors, the new 105mm f1.4 has an electronically-controlled diaphragm to give increased exposure consistency from shot to shot. The diaphragm has nine blades to produce more rounded and uniform out-of-focus effects. The minimum aperture setting is f16. Autofocusing is performed by an internal lens group driven by Nikon’s ‘Silent Wave Motor’ (SWM) ultrasonic ringtype focusing drive.

Not surprisingly, this is a reasonably weighty lens, tipping the scales at 985 grams. It accepts 82 mm diameter screwthread filters.

The new AF-S Nikkor 105mm f1.4E ED joins a growing choice of f1.4 speed pro-grade prime lenses in what Nikon calls its “Gold Ring Series”, and these include the AF-S Nikkor 24mm f1.4G, AF-S Nikkor 35mm f1.4G, AF-S Nikkor 58mm f1.4G and AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f1.4G.

No local pricing has been announced, but in the USA the 105mm f1.4 will sell for US$2200 (around A$3000 at current exchange rates). For more information visit www.mynikonlife.com.au