One missing link in Nikon's Pro lens line has been the lack of VR on the mid-range and wide-angle zoom lenses. Certainly VR is not as important on these lenses as on longer focal lengths, but there are many conditions where hand-holding is the only option and a low shutter speed is the best option. Now with the new 16-35mm f/4 AF-S VR Nikon has addressed the shortcoming...The lens features include:

• Ultra wide-angle zoom lens that covers focal lengths from 16mm to 35mm
• Vibration Reduction (VR II) enables sharper pictures while shooting at shutter speeds up to four stops* slower than would otherwise be possible
  *As determined in Nikon performance tests.
• The adoption of Nano Crystal Coat effectively reduces ghost and flare
• An ultra wide-angle zoom lens that, while offering a wide angle view of 107°, is compatible with 77mm screw-on filters
• Fixed maximum aperture of f/4
• ED glass and aspherical lens elements are utilized for a new optical design that achieves high resolution
• Quiet focusing with built-in Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
• Two focus modes selectable - M/A and M
• Expected retail price of $1259, availability during 2010.

This lens is clearly designed to be a lower cost alternative to the pricey 17-35mm f/2.8 pro lens. It is a stop slower, but adds VR so for many shooting situations it will feature similar performance. However, despite being f4 and much lower priced, the lens is only a few ounces lighter and no smaller than the fairly hefty 17-35mm f/2.8. So I think the price and VR will make it a popular lens but I don't think it will leap into most prosumer photo bags due to the weight and size. The full press release is at: http://www.nikon.com/about/news/2010/0209_16-35mmf4G_02.htm.

Full specs include:

Focal length

16-35mm

Maximum aperture

f/4

Minimum aperture

f/22

Lens construction

17 elements in 12 groups (with two ED glass and three aspherical lens elements, and Nano Crystal Coat)

Angle of view

107° - 63° (83° - 44° with Nikon DX format)

Closest focusing distance

0.29 m (1.0 ft.) at a focal length of 16mm or 35mm, 0.28 m (0.9 ft.) at a focal length between 20mm and 28mm

Maximum reproduction ratio

0.25x

No. of diaphragm blades

9 (rounded)

Filter/attachment size

77mm

Diameter x length
(extension from the camera’s lens-mount flange)

Approximately 82.5 x 125 mm

Weight

Approximately 680 g/24.0 oz.

Supplied accessories

77mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-77, Rear Lens Cap LF-1, Bayonet Hood HB-23, Flexible Lens Pouch CL-1120

In addition Nikon has introduced an exciting new ultra-fast prime lens, the 24mm f/1.4 AF-S. This lens will allow some very shallow depth-of-field photography at the wide end and of course some nearly nocturnal shots when used with one of the FX sensor cameras. It does not have VR, although the very fast aperture means you won't need it much except if you're looking for more depth of field and need to stop down. The lens features include:

• A fast, wide-angle lens with a fixed focal length of 24mm at the maximum aperture of f/1.4
• Fast lens with a maximum aperture of f/1.4 that allows users to capture images with beautiful blur characteristics
• ED glass and aspherical lens elements are utilized for a new optical design that achieves high resolution and good balance in terms of aberration for pleasing blur characteristics
• The adoption of Nano Crystal Coat effectively reduces ghost and flare
• Quiet focusing with built-in Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
• Two focus modes selectable - M/A and M
• Expected suggested retail price of $2199, availability during 2010.

Tech Specs are:

Focal length

24mm

Maximum aperture

f/1.4

Minimum aperture

f/16

Lens construction

12 elements in 10 groups (with two ED glass and two aspherical lens elements, and Nano Crystal Coat)

Angle of view

84° (61° with Nikon DX format)

Closest focusing distance

0.25 m/0.82 ft.

Maximum reproduction ratio

0.18x

No. of diaphragm blades

9 (rounded)

Filter/attachment size

77mm

Diameter x length (extension from the camera’s lens-mount flange)

Approximately 83 x 88.5 mm

Weight

Approximately 620 g/21.9 oz.

Supplied accessories

77mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-77, Rear Lens Cap LF-1, Bayonet Hood HB-51, Flexible Lens Pouch CL-1118

Both lenses are slated for "release in 2010" but clearly Nikon wanted to get them showcased for the upcoming PMA show.