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Nikon debuts pair of more compact lenses at CES 2015

A collapsible consumer zoom and smaller, lighter 300mm f4 join the line.

Lori Grunin Senior Editor / Advice
I've been reviewing hardware and software, devising testing methodology and handed out buying advice for what seems like forever; I'm currently absorbed by computers and gaming hardware, but previously spent many years concentrating on cameras. I've also volunteered with a cat rescue for over 15 years doing adoptions, designing marketing materials, managing volunteers and, of course, photographing cats.
Expertise Photography, PCs and laptops, gaming and gaming accessories
Lori Grunin
2 min read

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Nikon has shaved about 1.5 pounds (680 grams) off the weight of its pro telephoto lens. Sport VR is for panning. Lori Grunin/CNET

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The 300mm f4E from above. Lori Grunin/CNET

LAS VEGAS -- Smaller and a lot lighter than than its standard 300mm f4 lens, the AF-S Nikkor 300mm f4D IF-ED, Nikon's update to the lens uses its Phase Fresnel technology for the first time in a full-size lens to compact it.

The technique is similar to that used by Canon for its Diffractive Optic-element (DO) lenses. The full-frame AF-S Nikkor 300mm f4E PF ED VR runs 5.8 inches (147.5mm) long compared with 8.8 inches (222.5mm) and weighs a mere 26.6 oz (755g), significantly less than the 50.8 oz (1,440g) of its predecessor.

Nikon's pricing the lens at $2,000 (£1,640) -- roughly AU$2,500, though I'll update with a real price when I get it -- a lot more than the $1,500 (£1,030, AU$2,129) for the current lens, which is even cheaper at retail. If you want to shoot without a tripod, however, it's probably worth the price premium, since the newer lens incorporates the company's latest image-stabilization; the original lens had none.

In addition to the ability to focus just a hair closer, 4.6 feet vs. 4.8 feet (1.4m vs. 1.5m), the new lens keeps the 77mm filter size.

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Nikon's collapsible 55-200mm lens Nikon

A little more within reach of the rest of us, Nikon also announced a collapsible version of its 55-200mm f4-5.6 consumer lens, a staple complement to the 18-5mm kit lenses. The AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED VR II will cost $350 (£280) -- directly converted that's AU$432, though I'll update with an actual price when I can find it -- $100 more than the most current model.

Both lenses are slated to ship in February.

Updated January 8, 2015 to reflect an error in the collapsible-lens specification -- it's f4, not f4.5 at its widest aperture -- as well as to add official UK pricing.