The World's First Autofocus Zoom Micro Lens: The Nikon AF Zoom Micro-Nikkor ED 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6D

Sep. 1997

Nikon will soon market the world's first autofocus zoom micro lens: the AF Zoom Micro-Nikkor ED 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6D .

The AF Zoom Micro-Nikkor ED 70-180mm f/4.5-5.6D is a zoom microlens covering a range of telescopic lengths from 70 to 180mm.

For macro shots, the shot magnification and framing can be freely adjusted without changing the relation between the object and the camera, providing a dynamic new mobility not available in any other single-focal microlens.

Major features

Macro photography up to a maximum of 0.75 times ^{(*1; maximum for 180mm focal length)}.
And with the optional No. 6T close-up lens mounted on the end, macro photography is possible up to 1:1 ^{(*2; maximum for 180mm focal length)}.
Even though it is a telescopic zoom lens, you can zoom over the entire range, while the minimum photography distance (distance from film surface to object) is only about 0.37m, making macro photography possible.
The working distance (distance from lens end to object) is only about 0.12m.
The magnification ratio can be changed without affecting the focusing or photographic distance, as the first AF zoom microlens in the world to offer free framing in photography.
Circular 9-blade diaphragm
Nikon's exclusive ED lens^(*3) effectively corrects color aberration.
This is a D type^(*4) lens which notifies the camera body of the photographic distance information, and when the camera body supports this function exposures can be made with automatic adjstment for distance data.
Provided with other convenient functions, such as the focus limit switch, which reduces AF-mode focusing time as long as the photographic distance is within the supported range.
Fitted with handy tripod mount.

Specifications

Focal length	70 to 180mm
Maximum aperture	f/4.5 to f/5.6
Lens construction	18 elements in 14 groups
Picture angle	34 degrees 20 minutes(:70mm) to 13 degrees 40 minutes(:180mm) (27 degrees 40 minutes to 11 degrees when used with IX240 SLR PRONEA)
Zooming mechanism	Rotating
Max. magnification	1 / 3.2 (70mm) to 1 / 1.32 (180mm)
Distance scale	Infinity to 0.37m(1 1/4 ft.) (marked in both meters and feet)
Working distance scale	Combined with distance scale
Distance information	Output into camera body
Aperture scale	4.5, 5.6, 8, 11, 16, 22, 32
Minimum aperture lock	Provided (f/32)
Aperture diaphragm	9 blades (circular design)
Exposure measurement	Via full-aperture method with AI cameras or cameras with CPU interface
Tripod mounting	Built-in 300 degrees rotatable tripod mount
Hood	Mounting type HB-14 hood (included)
Attachment diameter	62mm diameter (0.75 pitch thread)
Mount	Nikon F mount
Dimensions and weight (approx.)	75mm / 3.0 in. diameter x 167mm / 6.6 in. (distance from bayonet reference surface to lens end) / 175mm / 6.9 in. (overall length); 990g / 2.0 lbs.

*1.) Image on film surface is 1/1.32 (=0.75) times the size of the object.
*2.) Image on film surface is 1/1 (=same size) as the object.
*3.) It is difficult to compensate for color aberration in lenses using normal optical glass when the focal distance increases, causing color smear due to focusing imprecision. Nikon was the first in the world to develop a special ED glass with low prismatic effects, providing superior photographic performance.
*4.) The D in D-type lens stands for Distance. The lens has an encoder linked to the lens distance ring, and when the ring is rotated the distance is automatically transmitted to the camera body.

* The "D" of D-type lenses refers to distance.
An internal encoder is linked to the lens focusing ring, and transmits the shooting distance to the camera body automatically.

The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.

For more information, click on the following link.
Products & Support—Imaging Products

1997