The significant of AF-S 55 - 200 Lens

[Watcher]

and please note that the old AF, AF-D, the motor is in the camera body and not bulit-into the lens's body like the present does.
So the AF-S DX 55-200's weight saving is even more significant (imho).

That is my point. The weight saved is from the different AF system and not significantly from the reduced-sized elements due to the reduced light circle.

Everyone here seems to fix their idea on the limitations (front element size, motor, DX) rather than new development/achievement out of the box.

Front element size is limited by the law of physics. Please explain how you intend to break them. Please tell me how you would build a lens with f/2.8 at 200mm with a front lens element <72mm.

Mpenza compared to the Canon lens to show that between their EF and EF-S lenses, the weight and size save is not very significant (60 grams). What would Nikon know that Canon does not that would dramatically make telezoom DX lenses much smaller and lighter.

Anyway, I will leave at that and am looking forward to more DX tele zoom as at least the first one AF-S 55-200 G has now appear in the market (Ritz price US$ 249).
And no one can argue that the DX concept is only for WIDE ANGLE anymore as DX has now already expanding into Tele-Zoom as this lens is now.

The 55-200 is significantly lighter due to the different lens formula and focussing system. For say the 70-200 AF-S VR f/2.8, you won't get any savings. Search DPReview yourself.

 

[MoriMori]

I concur with mpeza about the AFS24-85G being slower to focus than the AFS18-70G, but don't know if it's because of the type of AFS motor used or some other design factor.

Can't really compare motors cos the gearing ratio might vary between different lenses.

 

[c_jit]

As I said, the 55-200 G is the proof that is already here for the telephoto zoom in DX format.


The reduced APS-C DX format today is like the 135 format to medium format film 645 of yesteryear.
Compare those 645/6x6 camera lens to 135 format camera lens, it is already proof that with smaller imager, the lens size is reduced.
Note worthy is the Minolta 110 automatic (miniature interchangable lens SLR is 110 format film).

And as someone already mentioned, the 4/3 consortium is already embarking on this journey.
Third party lens maker like Sigma already on DX format (they also have 55-200 DC version)

I will wait and see when more is to come and smile. 5 5 5 5 5

 

[Smurfie]

No one doubts that telephoto zooms can be in DX formats. In fact, I think people actually prefer to buy 35mm camera lenses to use with DX cameras to actually take advantage of the superior image quality of the centers.

That said, certain laws of physics cannot be broken. A 200mm lens has to have a minimum of 72mm for its front element, if it is to have a f/2.8 aperture. As stated in your specifications, this lens only has a maximum reproduction ratio of 3.5(200mm/52mm). This law of physics cannot be broken. It is totally unreasonable to expect Nikon to produce a miracle and produce a small, lightweight telephoto with huge apertures. It cannot be done.

Of course, if Nikon introduces light amplification technologies into lenses, then we can expect miracles.

 

[c_jit]

Nobody ask to do the impossible.
In fact, if you check the term f/stop, many lens has actual aperture opening less than the calculated aperture opening (f/stop)
What is f/stop?
http://www.uscoles.com/fstop.htm

BTW, I have both the AF-S 18-70 DX G and AF-S 24-85 G
I tested today at 24, 35, 50mm. and I do not find any different in focusing speed, both of them are zippy as puppy (tested on a D100).

Both lens are from the same assembly plant in Thailand and share the same part bin.


And if anyone care to check the Nikkor IX for the PRONIA series (APS Film format Lens), specially the IX Nikkor 60-180mm f / 4.5-5.6
http://nikonimaging.com/global/products/lens/ix/60-180mmf_45-56/
Filter Diameter is 46mm.

More over, if you think about it the Nikkor 55-200 DX G is 20% lighter then the Canon EOS equivalent.
But again, your level of significant/insignificant may be different.

For me 20% reduction is more than good enough.

 

[mpenza]

maybe the lightweight is also due to more plastic used ;p

 

[Kit]

I'm eager to see what kind of images this lens can output. Is it in stores already?

Thought its kinda obvious but I believe this lens will give you the kind of images that the photographer had used it to shoot with.

 

[c_jit]

maybe the lightweight is also due to more plastic used ;p

or may be less plastic used and lens formulae optimized for that reduced FOV of a DX imager.

It is made at the same assembly plant with the 18-70 DX, 18-55 DX, 24-85 G (shared same AF-s part bins) and next door with D50, D70s.

It schedule to launched along with the D50 in Mid-end of June. Price US$249.00

 

[mpenza]

From Ken Rockwell's review of a prototype AF-S 55-200 DX posted in another thread: The bayonet mount is plastic...... There is no focus distance scale, The manual focus is via a skimpy plastic ring.

Good points mentioned in his review of the prototype are sharpness and minimal distortion.

btw, Ken Rockwell also said the following in his review (I snipped the not so relevent parts in between):
It focuses silently like all AF-s lenses. It has no instant manual focus override as other AF-s lenses. ........ It focuses slowly......... I used a pre-production model and don't expect any improvement in this 55 - 200 mm.

This seems to support my view that a lower end "AF-S" motor is used in the 55 -200 vs that used in higherend Nikkors.

 

[c_jit]

again, more speculation on your part and not even a single fact.

By the way. the speed of focus is also depends on the AF contrast detection module CAM900 (min. f/5.6) in the penta-mirror .
The AF speed is not of a function of the drive motor alone.

Please wait until the production unit arrive in the market and widely available before making a judgemental call.

 

[mpenza]

Aren't you speculuating when you first started the thread? ;p

I believe my views are generally balanced. I didn't judge the lens or intend to (no time and interest). I was merely highlighting/quoting some facts (from actual happenings), views and findings from reviews (including Ken Rockwell's one which you linked in a separate thread), and put forward the possibility of a lowerend "AF-S" motor (speculation which makes very economical sense for Nikon). The use of plastic (actually plastics are very good and durable material in this age) is a common way to reduce weight.

You added some points abt the AF module after I posted. Yup, the AF module in the camera would definitely affect the focussing speed. The first comparison I posted (based on reviews done by www.imaging-resource.com) was from 2 cameras using (supposedly as released by Nikon) the same CAM900 module. The last comparison was quoted from a Nikon user who should know well enough whether a Nikkor focus slow or fast. Have to say I expected the AF speed of the AF-S 55-200 to be silent and reasonably fast (not slow as Ken said), just not as fast as the top end AF-S Nikkors.

 

[c_jit]

I know this lens has been announced fpr a month or so now.
This lens is the first mid-tele zoom in DX format.
But think about it, DX doesn't meant to be only for Wide Angle lens anymore.
So, if Nikon can produce such lens (with AF-S + ED as well).
I hope to see more DX in light weight tele zoom and preferably say AF-S DX 100-300 F/4-5.6 ED VR G.


This was I said, which part is speculating?

Now, I do not agree with you about Nikon use lower capable AF-S (your speculation, not mine)
It is in their interest to use commone part as much as possible to avoid logistical/warehousing/stockcontrol/part QC nightmare and retraining of the whole assemble workers (as well as product QC etc.)
But I will leave that part to Nikon, as it is outside my domain, eventhough I drove pass their eye glasses lens plant and Hoya yesterday.

 

[mpenza]

This could be speculatory: And to those who say DX high speed tele zoom is not possible due to the diameter/size of the front element. together with the title "The significance of AF-S 55-200 Lens".

Anyway, check out Nikon's news release (vs your speculation on usage of "common parts"): http://www.dpreview.com/news/0504/05042001nikondxlenses.asp

Nikon mentioned "The newly developed compact SWM" for the part on AF-S 55-200.

For one (one less capability), the prototype AF-S 55-200 (from Ken's review) has no instant manual focus override (highly speculative vew would be: the final one may have in the end but that would be quite unusual for Nikon to release such prototypes to reviewers.). AF speed could be optimised but generally, there's some performance impact when you go small and compact (isn't this reasonable? It would be highly speculative to think otherwise.).

 

[c_jit]

Funny, but if that's your interpretation.

As for the less capable AF-S, again, Nikon say "The newly developed compact SWM". I do not find any less capable mention.
Again, the "less capability" part is your assumption. So I am not going to dispute that fact it is only a guess.

IMHO, the fact is, it is still remain to be seen what this lens is capable of. Hopefully by one those actually use it.

 

[mpenza]

It's not a very interesting topic. So, here's my last piece before the release of the product.

No company (especially an established company like Nikon that knows how to market its products) will play up on weaknesses of its products especially in press releases. Read the carefully worded press releases for AF-S 18-55 and AF-S 55-200 vs press releases for earlier AF-S lenses (extracted below) and draw your conclusions if any.

AF-S 18-55 and AF-S 55-200
"The new compact SWM built into the lens offers the smooth and quiet autofocus performance that users have come to expect from our existing SWM."

Earlier lenses:
"Nikon's exclusive SWM (Silent Wave Motor) combines fast and precise autofocusing operation with super-quiet operation"

"SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for supremely quick and quiet auto-focus"

"Nikon’s exclusive SWM for rapid autofocusing with superior accuracy and ultra-quiet operation"

"SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet, high-speed auto-focus"

"Adoption of an SWM (Silent Wave Motor) enables swift, silent AF (Auto Focus) performance."

"Nikon's exclusive SWM for swift auto focusing with superior accuracy and ultr-quiet operation"


My personal observation is that "rapid", "swift", "fast" or high speed" is not present in the press releases for AF-S 18-55 and AF-S 55-200 (Nikon could be either modest or honest or both - just possibilities, no judgement).

Of course, these are just press releases. The final products may differ. :dunno: Let's wait for them.

 

[mpenza]

Believed the lens has been released. any update on the capability of the product?

 

[espn]

Believed the lens has been released. any update on the capability of the product?

I have it with me, want to try it out?

 

[mpenza]

no time lah. perhaps, you could share your views on the lens

 

[espn]

no time lah. perhaps, you could share your views on the lens

First impressions, sharp when wide. Good details & distortion control.

If you know me, you know I don't like large zoomz and variable ranged aperture glasses. So this coming from me should be quite flattering?

Just bothered to take out the D50s and 18-55 and 55-200 to take some shots at various aperture, posting up soon

Of course no point comparing with 17-35 and 70-200 so left them out

 

[MyNikon]

When it comes to tele zooms I'd prefer them to be a little more weighty.
I'm one who has very shaky hands, and at a featherweight of 255g I think the 55-200mm is probably not for me.
Not handheld anyway.