RSS
 

Posts Tagged ‘Noct’

Nikon Japan says it’s temporarily ceasing 58mm F0.95 S Noct pre-orders due to demand

01 Nov

Nikon Japan has announced (translated) it’s temporarily suspending pre-orders for its new Nikkor Z 58mm F0.95 S Noct lens citing greater demand than the supply chain can currently handle.

In a press release published earlier today, Nikon Japan says it has ‘decided to suspend pre-orders,’ according to a machine-translated press release. ‘It is expected that it will take a considerable amount of time to deliver the product because we received many orders exceeding expectations.’

The press release goes on to say Nikon Japan is ‘working to resume orders, but the number of production of these products is limited due to the need for advanced manufacturing technology, and it may take time to resume orders.’

Nikon Japan concludes by apologizing for the inconvenience and saying it will further notify consumers when pre-orders resume.

At the moment, this appears to be a region-specific limitation, as other retailers around the globe still have the 58mm F0.95 S Noct available to pre-order. At the time of posting this, Adorama, B&H, Wex and Calumet still have pre-orders up. Neither Adorama nor Wex list an estimated shipping date, but B&H currently says the expected availability is November 27, 2019 and Calumet expects the first units to start shipping November 7, 2019.

We have contacted Nikon to see if this pre-order limitation will affect any other region. We will update the article accordingly if we receive a response.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Nikon Japan says it’s temporarily ceasing 58mm F0.95 S Noct pre-orders due to demand

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Here are our first samples from the Nikon Z 58mm 0.95 ‘Noct’

26 Oct

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_0388005837″,”galleryId”:”0388005837″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

We’re on the ground at the Photoplus trade show in New York City, where we’ve had the chance to shoot a few samples with a working version of Nikon’s $ 8000 58mm F0.95 ‘Noct’ lens, while on the show floor. Check them out above – we’ll add more the first chance we get. And don’t forget to read our hands-on here.

See our initial Nikon Z 58mm 0.95 ‘Noct’ samples

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Here are our first samples from the Nikon Z 58mm 0.95 ‘Noct’

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Nikkor Z 58mm F0.95 Noct will arrive at the end of the month for $8000

13 Oct

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_3198595861″,”galleryId”:”3198595861″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

Nikon has been teasing the release of the Z-mount 58mm F0.95 Noct for as long as the full-frame Z system has been known to the public. Since then it’s been seen in development announcements, on roadmaps and behind glass, but today is the first time its full specifications (not to mention a price) have been released to the public.

Its F0.95 maximum aperture makes this the fastest Nikkor lens ever made. It comprises 17 elements in 10 groups; three aspherical elements are included, one of which is ‘large diameter’. Nano Crystal coating helps control flare and ghosting from light entering the lens at diagonal angles, while Nikon’s newer Arneo coating has been added to deal with incident light entering the lens vertically.

Living up to its name, the Noct has been designed with night photography in mind. Nikon says that the lens will reproduce point light sources faithfully across the entire frame, without the smearing effects of sagittal coma flare.

Official Nikkor Z 58mm F0.95 S Noct sample images

$ (document).ready(function() { SampleGalleryV2({“containerId”:”embeddedSampleGallery_4787409635″,”galleryId”:”4787409635″,”isEmbeddedWidget”:true,”selectedImageIndex”:0,”isMobile”:false}) });

All of that glass contributes to making the Noct a very hefty lens. It weighs 4.4lb / 2,000g and measures 102 x 153mm (4.01 x 6.02 in). The top of the lens barrel features a small display that can display focus distance, aperture and depth-of-field, plus a customizable control ring that offers quick access to aperture or exposure compensation – both features it shares with other current S-series lenses.

The Nikkor Z 58mm F0.95 Noct will cost $ 8000 and will ship later this month on October 31st.

A COVETED CLASSIC REBORN AS A MODERN MASTERPIECE: NIKON RELEASES THE FASTEST NIKKOR LENS EVER CREATED, THE NIKKOR Z 58MM f/0.95 S NOCT

Nikon Also Announces the New MB-N10 Battery Pack: Enhances Battery Life and Adds Additional Grip for Nikon Z 7 and Z 6 Users

MELVILLE, NY (October 10, 2019 at 12:01 AM EDT) – Today, Nikon Inc. announced the fastest NIKKOR lens ever made, the new NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lens. The 58mm Noct is a one-of-a-kind lens that pays homage to the extraordinary optical legacy that the previous Noct-NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2 lens established, while demonstrating the superiority and potential of the Nikon Z Mount. Created for the most discerning photographers, the new Noct lens is an exclusively manual focus prime lens with an incredible maximum aperture of f/0.95 for a truly dramatic depth of field and next-level low light performance.

The NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is in a class of its own, offering low light ability and extreme sharpness that excels in the hands of a capable creator. From stunning portraits to landscapes or astrophotography, all images are rendered beautifully thanks to its vast depth-of field control, seductive bokeh and superb point-image reproduction.

“This is why the Z mount was created. The Noct is a testament to Nikon’s commitment to optical innovation driven by more than a century of expertise,” said Jay Vannatter, Executive Vice President, Nikon Inc. “We promised a new dimension of optical performance for the Nikon Z series and NIKKOR Z lens lineup, and by announcing our fastest NIKKOR lens ever made, the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, we are making this claim a reality.”

THE NEWEST ADDITION TO S-LINE OF NIKKOR Z LENSES
The NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct joins as the apex to the ever-expanding series of S-Line lenses, which also includes the recently announced NIKKOR Z 24mm f/1.8 S and NIKKOR Z 85mm f/1.8 S, all hailed for their sharpness and optical performance.

A LEGENDARY LENS REBORN
The original Noct-NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2 was released in 1977, its name said to be derived from “Nocturne.” Made for nighttime photography, this lens became renowned for its ability to reproduce point light sources as point images. The design of the new Noct lens evolves with the most advanced optical technology for photographers and videographers, boasting an immense f/0.95 maximum aperture, staggering low light ability and enticing bokeh characteristics.

The NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct implores an extensive depth of field, producing elaborate bokeh and blur characteristics with good continuity for more compelling, three-dimensional imaging. Even when the distance between the subject and the background are insufficient, the new 58mm Noct lens can still capture sharp images with beautiful background blur due to the reproduction of an extremely sharp focus plane and vast shallow depth of field. Additionally, shooting point light sources at maximum aperture would normally produce sagittal coma flare. However, with the new Noct lens the causes of sagittal coma flare are eliminated across the entire frame with point light sources being reproduced as tack-sharp point images even at the peripheries, for clear and crisp night landscapes and astronomical shots.

A lens like the new NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct is possible today because of the large Z mount, which allows for more light capture and faster data sharing between lens and camera, as well as improved flexibility for lens optics and design. The new Noct lens also boasts a large-diameter ground aspherical lens element crafted from the finest glass with outstanding surface accuracy, providing a higher refractive index that would otherwise be unobtainable. This pro-level lens is constructed with an optical formula consisting of 17 elements in 10 groups, ensuring a well-balanced lens that delivers incredibly sharp results.

Like the NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/2.8 S lens announced earlier this year, the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lens includes an ARNEO Coat, which provides anti-reflection performance to combat incident light reaching the lens surface from a vertical direction. Alongside the Nano Crystal Coat, which effectively reduces incident light from a diagonal direction, the new Noct lens can capture clear and sharp content with minimal ghosting and flare effects across a wide variety of backlit situations that are normally challenging. Additionally, the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct includes a lens information panel allowing photographers and videographers to confirm aperture, focus distance and depth of field at a glance. Users will also enjoy the increased number of functions that can be assigned to the lens Fn button, matching the Fn1/Fn2 buttons on both the Z 7 and Z 6 cameras. Additionally, an electromagnetic diaphragm mechanism is incorporated, providing stable aperture control even during continuous shooting. The fluorine coat of the new Noct lens acts as a dust, dirt and moisture repellent coating.

In addition to the refined and durable exterior design, the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct offers excellent operability and a feeling of precision in hand. The focus ring enables accurate manual focusing, allowing for the appropriate amount of torque and a large rotation angle, even for the extremely shallow depth of field afforded at f/0.95. The new Noct lens also adopts a control ring, where functions like aperture setting, and exposure compensation can be assigned. Furthermore, the inside of the lens hood is felt-lined, delivering clear rendering by effectively preventing light reflection inside the hood.

THE NEW MB-N10 BATTERY PACK FOR THE NIKON Z 7 AND Z 6
The new MB-N10 battery power pack is an optional accessory for both the Nikon Z 7 and Z 6. The battery pack significantly enhances battery life and adds an additional hand hold, providing photographers and videographers even more freedom and comfort when using the Z 7 and Z 6. The battery pack is designed to hold two EN-EL15b batteries (sold separately), effectively increasing the number of shots possible and movie recording time by approximately 1.8X, based on CIPA standards. The MB-N10 offers the same weather sealing and modern design of the Z 7 and Z 6, plus it will support USB charging.

Price and Availability
The NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lens will be available October 31, 2019 at a suggested retail price (SRP) of $ 7999.95* and will come with a special premium custom padded case (Trunk Case CT-101), in addition to the HN-38 Hood. The new MB-N10 battery power pack will be available in November 2019, for an SRP of $ 199.95*. For more information on the latest Nikon products, including the new NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lens and MB-N10 battery power pack as well as the full Nikon Z mount system, please visit?www.nikonusa.com.

*SRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

Nikkor Z 58mm F0.95 S Noct specifications

Principal specifications
Lens type Prime lens
Max Format size 35mm FF
Focal length 58 mm
Image stabilization No
Lens mount Nikon Z
Aperture
Maximum aperture F1
Minimum aperture F16
Aperture ring Yes
Number of diaphragm blades 11
Optics
Elements 17
Groups 10
Special elements / coatings 4 ED + 3 aspherical elements, Nano Crystal + ARNEO + Super Integrated coatings
Focus
Minimum focus 0.50 m (19.69″)
Maximum magnification 0.19×
Autofocus No
Full time manual Yes
Focus method Internal
Distance scale Yes
DoF scale Yes
Physical
Weight 2000 g (4.41 lb)
Diameter 102 mm (4.02″)
Length 153 mm (6.02″)
Materials Magnesium alloy
Sealing Yes
Colour Black
Filter thread 82 mm
Hood supplied Yes
Tripod collar Yes
Other
Notes Has a small LCD display that shows focus distance, aperture and more.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Nikkor Z 58mm F0.95 Noct will arrive at the end of the month for $8000

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Hands-on with Nikon’s 58mm F0.95 ‘Noct’ lens

13 Oct

Hands-on with Nikon’s 58mm F0.95 ‘Noct’ lens

Announced as a development way back in August last year, the Z 58mm 0.95 ‘Noct’ is Nikon’s fastest ever lens, described by the company as a no-compromise flagship prime designed for optimum image quality, to take full advantage of the new Z mount. Like ‘a well-tempered Japanese sword’. as one promotional pamphlet put it, and priced to match, at an MSRP of $ 7999.99.

Nikon has shown mockups of the Noct at several tradeshows over the past 12 months, but it was only recently that we got our hands on a working sample of the lens – albeit a pre-production copy. We’re still waiting for a reviewable lens, so you won’t find any shots of Seattle in this article, but click through to learn a little more about Nikon’s most expensive and undoubtedly most impressive Z-series prime.

Hands-on with Nikon’s 58mm F0.95 ‘Noct’ lens

First things first, this is a big lens. At fifteen centimeters (six inches) in length and ten centimeters (4 inches) in diameter, the Noct dwarfs the body of the Z6/7. Weighing in at 2 kilos (4lb, 7oz) it’s heavy, too. So heavy in fact that Nikon has included an integral tripod foot, on a locking ring around the barrel.

While the weight of the lens didn’t threaten to pull the mount off our Z7 during normal handling, it’s not a combination suited to single-handed shooting. This image also shows the screw-in hood, which is lined with felt.

Hands-on with Nikon’s 58mm F0.95 ‘Noct’ lens

Here’s a closeup view of the barrel of the Noct, showing the L-Fn and ‘DISP’ buttons, which operate in the same ways as those buttons on the Z 24-70mm F2.8 S (L-Fn can be configured in exactly the same way as the equivalent controls on Z-series camera bodies).

The control ring to the right works in the same way as other Nikon Z lenses too, and can be configured to do various things (i.e. to provide direct control over aperture or exposure compensation). On the left of this image you’ll see the enormous manual focus ring, which makes up almost half the total length of the lens.

Hands-on with Nikon’s 58mm F0.95 ‘Noct’ lens

Since the Noct is a manual focus lens, it was important that Nikon got the feel of the focus ring exactly right.

The pre-production copy we were using had small ‘detents’ at various positions across its focus range, but we understand that these will not be present in final lenses, leaving the ring travel free and smooth. The throw of the mechanical (note: not focus by wire) focus ring is enormous (around 350 degrees), allowing for minute adjustments to focal position. The focus ring is easy to grip, being knurled with finely-machined grooves running down almost its entire length.

Despite the super-sized focus ring and large barrel diameter, the filter thread is a relatively modest 82mm.

Hands-on with Nikon’s 58mm F0.95 ‘Noct’ lens

Like the Z 24-70mm F2.8 S, the Noct features a small display on the top of its barrel, which can be configured to show either the precise hyperfocal distance at the shooting aperture (shown above) or the shooting aperture itself. Minimum focus is 0.5m (1.6 ft) which equates to a maximum magnification ratio of 0.194X.

Being a digital display means the depth-of-field markings are able to adjust in response to the aperture being changed.

Hands-on with Nikon’s 58mm F0.95 ‘Noct’ lens

Optically, the Noct is something quite special. Consisting of seventeen elements in ten groups, Nikon’s optical engineers have included three aspherical elements in this formulation, and four ED (extra low-dispersion) elements.

In addition to Nikon’s now-familiar Nano Crystal coating, the Noct also features the new ARNEO coating (also seen in the Z 24-70mm F2.8 S) for addition control of flare and ghosting.

Hands-on with Nikon’s 58mm F0.95 ‘Noct’ lens
Image supplied by Nikon, shot on the new Z Noct-Nikkor 58mm F0.95.

The original Noct-Nikkor 58mm F1.2 was released in the late 1970s (not coincidentally, the development of this version was announced on its 40 year anniversary) as a high-priced, very specialized lens, designed to accurately render point light sources across the frame when shot wide open (‘Noct’ denoting to its expected nighttime applications).

The original Noct contained seven glass elements, and weighed a little under 500g. Compare that to the 17 elements of the new Z version, which tips the scales at a fraction over 2000g.

Hands-on with Nikon’s 58mm F0.95 ‘Noct’ lens

As you can see in the image above, this is not your average standard prime.

Faster and more expensive than its 1970s forebear (faster and more expensive than almost any lens, in fact) and designed from the outset for high resolution digital imaging, the Z Noct is a lens that that will be made and sold in very small numbers but which Nikon hopes will be a benchmark for a long time.

In the meantime, we’re hoping to get hold of a final copy soon, and we’ll share sample images as soon as we can. For now, start saving up your pennies and let us know what you think about it in the comments.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Hands-on with Nikon’s 58mm F0.95 ‘Noct’ lens

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Nikon Announces the Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, it’s fastest lens ever!

11 Oct

The post Nikon Announces the Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, it’s fastest lens ever! appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.

Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 NoctNikon has just announced its latest Z-mount lens:

The Nikkor Z 58mm S Noct lens, which includes a whopping f/0.95 maximum aperture. The lens is slated to hit the shelves on October 31st, and it will debut with considerable hype, having snagged the designation as the fastest Nikkor lens ever made.

For those of us who have been waiting for Nikon to make good on its claims that the Z-mount’s 55mm diameter allows for the production of better optics, this new lens should give us a hint of what’s to come. But while the f/0.95 maximum aperture is eye-catching, is it actually useful? And will photographers actually be interested in this lens?

Let’s take a closer look.

While lenses with ultra-wide apertures are rarely small, the Nikkor 58mm f/0.95 sits on the other extreme, with a weight of nearly 4.5 lbs (2 kg). This comes from its aperture, the 17 lens elements, and a magnesium alloy construction. Of course, there are real benefits to all these features, such as higher optical quality and increased ruggedness. But is it worth the cost? For many, a huge benefit of mirrorless setups is the decreased size and weight. Yet this lens won’t be at all convenient to carry around. Plus, all that glass takes up a lot of space, which is why it’s packed into a 6-inch (15.3 cm) body.

Note also that an f/0.95 aperture will provide a very small plane of focus. And given that this lens only focuses manually to begin with, you may struggle somewhat to lock onto your subjects with speed.

The lens is primarily designed for astrophotographers and other night shooters (hence the ‘Noct’ designation). And for astrophotographers, the shallow depth of field won’t be a problem, as they rarely need to think about depth of field anyway. But ambitious portrait photographers may find themselves frustrated by the combination of a shallow plane of focus at f/0.95 and a manual focus lens, and anyone who tries to lock on subjects other than the night sky may come away from shoots without much luck.

Now, don’t get me wrong:

The Nikon 58mm f/0.95 is most likely an incredible lens, optically speaking. Nikon is promising amazing sharpness, and I expect this will be borne out in tests. I’m also impressed by the wide aperture, which will allow for unprecedented shooting in low light and at night. Astrophotographers, in particular, will like this lens, regardless of its size.

But at the same time, it’s hard not to wonder whether many other photographers will be interested. Especially because Nikon’s MSRP for this new lens is an incredible $ 7999.95 USD.

So now I’d like to ask you:

What do you think? Would you be interested in this lens? Will anyone buy it? Is there anything you would’ve preferred Nikon scrap or modify?

Let me know in the comments!

The post Nikon Announces the Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, it’s fastest lens ever! appeared first on Digital Photography School. It was authored by Jaymes Dempsey.


Digital Photography School

 
Comments Off on Nikon Announces the Nikkor Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, it’s fastest lens ever!

Posted in Photography

 

DPReview TV: Nikon 58mm F0.95 ‘Noct’ lens preview

11 Oct

Nikon’s 58mm F0.95 ‘Noct’ lens could be the most impressive optic yet for Nikon’s Z-series mirrorless cameras. Find out what Chris and Jordan think of this flagship prime lens for Z-mount, and why it may become their new unit of measure.

Also, subscribe to our YouTube channel to get new episodes of DPReview TV every week.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on DPReview TV: Nikon 58mm F0.95 ‘Noct’ lens preview

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Nokishita is reporting Nikon’s Nikkor Z 58mm F0.95 S Noct will cost $7996.95

09 Oct

Nokishita might be days away from closing down, but the Japanese site hasn’t stopped leaking information about upcoming camera equipment. In a recent series of tweets, Nokishita reported what it claims to be pricing information of the Nikon Nikkor Z 58mm F0.95 S Noct lens as well as the rumored ‘Z50’ mirrorless camera.

According to Nokishita’s latest report, which is still speculation at this point, Nikon’s Nikkor Z 58mm F0.95 S Noct lens will retail for a whopping $ 7,996.95. Nikon Rumors has been reporting this price since August 2019, so it’s not unexpected.

In addition to the Nikkor Z 58mm F0.95 S Noct lens, Nokishita is also reporting what it says will be pricing info for the much-rumored Nikon ‘Z50’ mirrorless camera. According to the tweets, the Nikon Z50 mirrorless camera will retail for $ 856.95 for the body-only version, $ 996.95 for the kit lens version and $ 1,346.95 for the ‘Double Zoom Kit’ version. The kit lenses, according to the tweet, are the Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm F3.5-6.3 VR and the Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm F4.5-6.3 VR, which Nokishita claims will retail for $ 296.95 and $ 349.95, respectively.

Nokishita also reported that the EN-EL25 battery and MH-32 charger for the rumored Z50 mirrorless camera will retail for $ 64.95 and $ 49.95, respectively. Obviously, all of this information is unconfirmed for now, but Nokishita has a good record of being right about this kind of thing, and it seems likely that we’ll know for certain soon enough.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Nokishita is reporting Nikon’s Nikkor Z 58mm F0.95 S Noct will cost $7996.95

Posted in Uncategorized

 

CP+ 2019: Finally – Nikon has cut a Z Noct 58mm 0.95 S in half

01 Mar

CP+ 2019: Finally – Nikon has cut a Z Noct 58mm 0.95 in half

The past couple of years haven’t seen the veritable cornucopia of Things That Have Been Cut In Half that we used to see at CP+, but here and there, scattered around the show this year are some good examples of the waterjet cutters’ art.

The definite highlight is a bisected Nikkor Noct 58mm 0.95 S, which has been keenly awaited by Nikon fans since it was announced at the launch of the Z system last August. Wait for it….

CP+ 2019: Finally – Nikon has cut a Z Noct 58mm 0.95 in half

….here it is, in all its glassy glory. Nikon has released very few details of the lens’ specifications, but we do know that it features a new ARNEO coating technology and at least one large, ground aspherical element. Intended to continue the legacy of the now-legendary original Noct-Nikkor of decades past, Nikon has designed this ultra-fast prime for ultimate image quality above all other considerations.

CP+ 2019: Finally – Nikon has cut a Z Noct 58mm 0.95 in half

The Noct will be a manual focus lens, which shouldn’t come as all that much of a surprise now that you’ve seen how much glass Nikon has packed inside it. Accordingly, almost half of the total length of the lens is taken up with a large, knurled focusing ring and a clear, widely-spaced engraved focus scale.

It’s unclear whether the focus will be ‘focus by wire’, but we can’t see any evidence of a focus actuating motor in the schematic, which suggests that the Noct might – possibly – use a conventional mechanical helicoid. Are you an expert at reading schematics? Let us know in the comments.

CP+ 2019: Finally – Nikon has cut a Z Noct 58mm 0.95 in half

In addition to the engraved focus scale, the 58mm Noct also features a control ring, and a similar OLED display as the Z 24-70mm F2.8 S, which we saw yesterday. On that lens, the screen can be switched between various informational displays, but it’s unclear what (apart from shooting aperture) might be shown on a fixed focal length short-tele lens with a permanent focus scale.

CP+ 2019: Finally – Nikon has cut a Z Noct 58mm 0.95 in half

Shown here attached to a Z7 it’s obvious that the Noct is shaping up to be a very big, and we suspect quite weighty lens. So big in fact that it features an integral tripod collar. And beyond Nikon’s promise that it will “take advantage of the advanced design flexibility afforded by the Z mount […] offering the ultimate in NIKKOR rendering performance with superior detail and sharpness” that’s about all we know about the Noct, for now.

Pricing and availability are still firmly TBD, but we’ll bring you more details as they become available.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on CP+ 2019: Finally – Nikon has cut a Z Noct 58mm 0.95 S in half

Posted in Uncategorized

 

Nikon’s three-year lens roadmap includes 58mm F0.95 Noct

23 Aug

Nikon has laid out its ambitious plans for the next three years of Z-mount lenses. The company plans on releasing six lenses next year, six more in 2020 and eight in 2021.

The most eye-catching is a 58mm F0.95 ‘Noct’ lens, which the company claims will have the ‘highest rendering performance’ and ‘flawless transitions’ between in- and out-of-focus areas, and will be manual focus only. It will use ultra-high refractive index aspherical elements, a new ARNEO anti-reflection coating and its physical design will feature a small display panel that will display aperture, focal length and depth-of-field.

The 58mm F0.95 S ‘Noct’

Nikon is planning on hitting most of the other standard focal lengths next year, including 85mm, 24-70mm and 70-200mm Z lenses.

What are your thoughts about the upcoming Nikkor Z lenses? Let us know in the comments.

Press Release

NIKON RELEASES THE NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S, NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S, AND THE MOUNT ADAPTER FTZ, AND DEVELOPS THE NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S NOCT

Designed Exclusively for the Nikon Z Mount System, Featuring a New, Larger-Diameter Mount

MELVILLE, NY (AUGUST 23, 2018 AT 1:01 A.M. EDT) – Nikon Inc. is pleased to announce the release of three new lenses designed for the next-generation Nikon Z mount system’s full-frame (Nikon FX format) mirrorless cameras, for which a new larger-diameter mount has been adopted. The three new lenses are the standard zoom NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, the wide-angle prime NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S, and the standard prime NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S. Nikon has also announced the Mount Adapter FTZ for Z System compatibility with existing NIKKOR F mount lenses and development of the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct lens1.

NIKKOR Z lenses pursue a new dimension in optical performance, by taking advantage of the superior design flexibility made possible by the combination of the larger Z mount with its inner diameter of 55mm, and a short flange focal distance of 16mm. The lenses offer sharp resolution with both still-image and video recording, and are equipped with functions that include: compensation for focus breathing (the shifting of the angle of view when focus is adjusted), quiet operation, smooth exposure control, a control ring and performance that is well suited for video capture.

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S, NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S, and NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S are S-Line interchangeable lenses. The S-Line is a newly designated grade of NIKKOR Z lenses that adhere to a new benchmark in optical performance, realizing rendering performance that surpasses that of conventional f/4 standard zoom lenses and f/1.8 wide-angle or standard prime lenses. From maximum aperture, clear and sharp resolution can be achieved as well as beautiful bokeh characteristics.

Additionally, the Mount Adapter FTZ has been designed to allow users of Nikon SLR cameras to utilize their existing NIKKOR F mount lenses with the Z mount system and enjoy taking advantage of an even wider variety of lens characteristics with their photography.

Development of the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct

Nikon is currently developing the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct, a standard prime manual focus lens and the fastest lens in Nikon’s history. The design of the Noct lens exemplifies Nikon’s mission to pursue the ultimate optical performance in the mirrorless category. As the result, the Noct is positioned at the top of the S-Line. In addition, Nikon is planning on releasing a variety of new lenses that will continue to expand its line of attractive, high-performance NIKKOR Z lenses that further extend photographers’ creative expressions.

NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S Primary Features

  • Standard focal-length range from wide-angle 24mm to medium-telephoto 70mm can effectively cover a wide variety of scenes and subjects with rendering performance that will change the perception of what is possible with zoom lenses with a maximum aperture of f/4
  • Optical design that suppresses variations in aberrations from shooting distances of close-up to infinity, demonstrating sharp resolution even in the peripheral areas of the frame from the maximum aperture, as well as fine point-image reproduction
  • Achieved a minimum focus distance of just 0.3 m across the zoom range
  • Adoption of an ED glass element, an aspherical ED lens element, and three aspherical lens elements
  • Nano Crystal Coat adopted to suppress ghosting and flare
  • Has the size needed to deliver an extremely high standard of optical performance, yet provides outstanding portability; employs a retracting mechanism that can be set on/off without pressing a button and reduces total length for a compact lens that can easily be taken anywhere
  • In consideration to a dust- and drip-resistance, the entire lens, including moving parts, has been sealed
  • Fluorine coat applied to front lens surface

NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S Primary Features

  • Rendering performance that redefines perceptions of what a 35 mm f/1.8 lens can do
  • Sharp resolution even in the peripheral areas of the frame from the maximum aperture, effective suppression of sagittal coma flare that enables superb point-image reproduction when capturing point light sources in night landscapes, and the soft and natural bokeh characteristics expected of a fast (bright) lens
  • Adoption of a new multi-focusing system featuring two AF drive units providing driving power at high speed and with high accuracy that achieves quiet, fast, and accurate AF control, as well as high image-forming performance at any focus distance
  • Adoption of two ED glass elements, and three aspherical lens elements
  • Nano Crystal Coat adopted to suppress ghosting and flare
  • In consideration to a dust- and drip-resistance, the entire lens, including moving parts, has been sealed

NIKKOR Z 50 mm f/1.8 S Primary Features

  • Superior rendering ignites creativity, and redefines perceptions of what a 50mm f/1.8 lens can do
  • Thorough suppression of axial chromatic aberration ensures superior resolution with faithful reproduction of the fine textures in subjects, even from maximum aperture
  • Sharp and clear rendering of details from the center of the frame to the peripheral edges, regardless of the shooting distance
  • The soft and beautiful bokeh characteristics at any shooting distance possible only with a fast (bright) lens
  • Adoption of two ED glass, and two aspherical lens elements
  • Nano Crystal Coat adopted to suppress ghosting and flare
  • Adoption of a new, powerful stepping motor (STM) enables quiet and accurate AF control during both still-image capture and video recording
  • In consideration to a dust- and drip-resistance, the entire lens, including moving parts, has been sealed

Mount Adapter FTZ Primary Features

  • Full compatibility with more than 90 lenses and functionality with approximately 360 existing NIKKOR F lenses from AI type onwards2
  • The unique characteristics of NIKKOR F mount lenses can be applied to Z mount system image quality
  • In-camera VR (Vibration Reduction) with three-axis VR is available when attaching a NIKKOR F lens without built-in VR; in-camera VR also performs well with stills and video recording
  • When attaching a NIKKOR F lens with built-in VR, lens VR and in-camera VR effectively work together to compensate for camera shake by enabling three-axis VR.
  • Various sections of the adapter are effectively sealed to ensure dust- and drip-resistant performance equivalent to that of NIKKOR F lenses
  • Designed to be lightweight yet tough with consideration for superior operability as a part of a complete system

Development of the New NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct Lens that Pursues Ultimate Optical Performance

The NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct that Nikon is currently developing will be a large aperture, standard 58mm prime focal-length, the fastest lens in Nikon’s history3, manual-focus lens positioned at the very top of the S-Line. It will stand to symbolize the Nikon Z mount system’s new dimension in optical performance.

It has inherited the design concept behind the original AI Noct-NIKKOR 58mm f/1.2, a standard prime lens released in 1977, named for “Nocturne” (a musical composition inspired by or evocative of the night), and was popular for its ability to finely reproduce point light sources as point images. This new Noct lens that is currently in development will take advantage of the advanced design flexibility afforded by the Z mount, pursuing ultimate optical performance. Development continues with the goals of achieving an extremely fast maximum aperture of f/0.95, offering the ultimate in NIKKOR rendering performance with superior detail and sharpness. Additionally, the goal is to achieve beautiful blur characteristics, or bokeh, with good continuity, and ensure outstanding point-image reproduction capabilities for more compelling, three-dimensional imaging.

The NIKKOR Z Lens Roadmap

Information in the roadmap, including release dates, are subject to change. Product names after the NIKKOR Z 58mm f/0.95 S Noct are not yet finalized.

Price and Availability

The NIKKOR Z 24-70mm f/4 S and NIKKOR Z 35mm f/1.8 S will be available September 27 for the suggested retail prices (SRP) of $ 999.95* and $ 849.95*, respectively. The NIKKOR Z 50mm f/1.8 S lens will be available in late October for the SRP of $ 599.95*. The Mount Adapter FTZ will be available September 27 for $ 249.95* SRP (Additional $ 100 savings when purchased together with a Z 7 or Z 6, through 12/31/2018). For more information on these and other Nikon products, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)

 
Comments Off on Nikon’s three-year lens roadmap includes 58mm F0.95 Noct

Posted in Uncategorized