When the tsunamis hit Japan, they trashed a lot of manufacturing and this resulted in delays to see new products.  Glass manufacturing was specifically impacted.  Nikon has resolved those issues and has announced three new lenses this week.

First up is the AF-S NIKKOR DX 16mm - 80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR lens designed for crop sensor cameras.  This is akin to a 24mm-120mm on a full frame and is optically very quick at the wide angle end.  The lens has vibration reduction and uses extra low dispersion elements.  This is the first DX series lens to boast Nikon's proven NANO coating.  The front and rear elements also incorporate a fluorine coating to make cleaning simpler.  The E indicates an electromagnetic diaphragm (aperture) system designed for high speed response in high speed shooting situations.  Nikon says that the VR can provide up to four stops of stabilization and can detect when it is mounted on a tripod so you don't have to turn the VR on and off depending on your shooting situation.  The lens will release on July 16, 2015 at a CDN MSRP of $1349.95

The next two lenses are brand new versions of the proven Nikkor 500mm and 600mm.  The new lenses both have a maximum aperture of f/4 and use both extra low dispersion glass, aspheric elements and a first for Nikon, Fluorite elements.  The new design and new elements produce a dramatic weight loss versus the prior releases.  The 500mm sheds 800 grams (nearly two pounds) and the 600mm drops 1250 grams (over three pounds).  That's a big difference when you are humping big glass all over the place to make images that count.

These lenses are known respectively as the AF-S NIKKOR 500mm f/4E FL ED VR and the AF-S NIKKOR 600mm f/4E FL ED VR.  Both lenses being part of the E family now have Nikon's new electronic diaphragm for the fastest possible performance in aperture setting under stressed high speed shooting.  Both lenses will release on July 16, 2015 with pricing at CDN MSRP of $12,999.95 and $15,799.95 respectively.  While not lenses one will buy on a whim, they will give a photographer years of great service, just like their predecessors.

Given the scope of the big telephotos, I don't expect the opportunity to do a review, but one never knows.