Nikon 300mm F2.8 G ED VR II and AF-S TC-20E III

Nikon has just released an update to the superb Nikon 300mm f/2.8 lens, along with an update to the TC-20E teleconverter. The new lens is now called "AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G ED VR II" and the TC is "Nikon AF-S TC-20E III". Both are targeted for professional sports, nature and wildlife photographers that need the best of the class. The Nikon 300mm f/2.8 lenses have always been the sharpest lenses in Nikon's arsenal - that's why Nikon calls them the "pinnacle of image quality". There is a big reason why the teleconverter was released together with the 300mm f/2.8 lens, because normally 2x teleconverters substantially degrade image quality on most lenses, but not this one. The 300mm line is known to work best with all teleconverters, including the 2x TC.

Nikon 300mm f/2.8G ED AF-S VR II

Here is a quick excerpt from the press release on the new Nikon 300mm f/2.8:

Whether photographing nature in the wild or the battles at a line of scrimmage, the 300mm f/2.8 is an essential tool for photographers who require the highest level of image quality for publication and printing. This 300mm lens effectively leverages a host of Nikon core technologies, including Nikon VR II image stabilization, specifically engineered for each lens design for maximum performance. VR II instills confidence by counteracting image blur introduced by camera shake and telephoto magnification, allowing users to shoot up to four shutter speed stops* slower than otherwise possible, overcoming many of the challenges of handheld shooting. If tripod shooting is preferred, the Tripod Detection Mode will detect and compensate for tripod-specific vibrations.

Nikon 300mm f2.8 AF-S ED VR-II

Some technical specifications:

1. Mount Type: Nikon F-Bayonet
2. Focal Length: 300mm
3. Maximum Aperture: 2.8
4. Minimum Aperture: 22
5. Angle of View: 8º10' (5º20' with Nikon DX-format)
6. Maximum Reproduction Ratio: 1:6
7. Lens (Elements): 11
8. Lens (Groups): 8
9. VR (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization: Yes (VR II)
10. Distance Information: Yes
11. Nano Crystal Coat: Yes
12. ED Glass (Elements): 3
13. Super Integrated Coating: Yes
14. Autofocus: Yes
15. AF-S (Silent Wave Motor): Yes
16. Internal Focusing: Yes
17. Minimum Focus Distance: 7.5 ft. (2.3m)AF 7.2ft.(2.2m)MF
18. Focus Mode: Auto, Manual, Manual/Auto, Auto/Manual
19. Filter Size: 52mm
20. Accepts Filter Type: Slip-in
21. Dimensions: 4.9x10.5 in. (Diameter x Length), 124x267.5mm (Diameter x Length)
22. Weight: 102.3 oz. (2900g)

This new lens has superb bokeh, is extremely sharp and is very expensive, priced at $5,899.95.

AF-S TC-20E III Teleconverter

From press release:

The new TC-20E III effectively doubles the focal length of select lenses, and is the world's first teleconverter to feature an aspherical element to virtually eliminate coma and other aberrations even at wide apertures.

There is not much info about the teleconverter in the press release, but it is exciting to see that this teleconverter minimizes chromatic aberrations, which is a big problem on all teleconverters. Hopefully Nikon will update their 1.4x and 1.7x lines soon as well. The TC-20E III will retail for $499.95.

Nikon AF-S TC 20E III

Some technical specifications:

1. Mount Type: Nikon F-Bayonet
2. Lens (Elements): 7
3. Lens (Groups): 5
4. Optical Conversion Factor: 2x, effectively doubles the focal length of the attached lens
5. Light Loss: 2 f-stops
6. Compatible Format(s): FX, DX, FX in DX Crop Mode, 35mm Film
7. Autofocus: Yes
8. Dimensions: 2.6x1.8 in. (Diameter x Length), 66x46mm (Diameter x Length)
9. Weight: 11.06 oz. (330g)

Nasim Mansurov is a professional photographer based out of Denver, Colorado. He is the author and founder of The Mansurovs, along with a number of other online resources. Read more about Nasim here.

Related posts:

1. Nikon 300mm f/4.0 IF-ED AF-S Lens Review
2. Nikon Lens Rebates Starting February 28th, 2010
3. Nikon 24mm f/1.4G
4. Nikon 70-300mm VR Review
5. Nikon 16-35mm f/4G VR