GL Optics who has been rehousing lenses for many years has announced its new NIKKOR 50-300MM T4.6 Zoom.
The lens covers a 43.26 mm image circle so it will work with full frame and larger sensor cameras. GL Optics has improved the close focus ability and fitted a new 15-blade iris.
The NIKKOR 50-300MM T4.6 weighs 4.7kg / 10.36 lbs. The focus rotation of the lens is 330 degrees and the front diameter is 136mm.
Yes, it is a fairly heavy lens, but having a 50-300mm range at a constant T4.6 makes it very versatile as well.
I believe this lens is based on the last version of the Zoom-Nikkor 50-300mm f/4.5 ED Ai-S that was first introduced in 1982 and was made until 1999. The first version of this lens, the Zoom-Nikkor Auto 50-300mm f/4.5, was arguably the first high-power zoom lens that subsequently laid the path for future lenses with large zoom ratios.
The original Zoom-Nikkor Auto 50-300mm lens was released in 1967, the fourth to follow the Zoom-Nikkor Auto 43-86mm f/3.5 (released in 1963). All early Zoom-Nikkor lenses, beginning with the 43-86mm, were designed by Mr. Takashi Higuchi.
The lens was large and expensive and it wasn’t a commercial success, however, it was used by sports and nature photographers at the time. The new Zoom-Nikkor 50-300mm f/4.5 with a new exterior and multi-layer coating was released in 1975, and a successor model, the AI Zoom-Nikkor 50-300mm f/4.5 was released two years later, in 1977. Then came the Zoom-Nikkor 50-300mm f/4.5 ED Ai-S that was first introduced in 1982 and was made until 1999
This is not the first time someone has rehoused a 50-300mm lens. GL Optics also makes a converted Canon FD 50-300mm T4.9 lens that weighs 5.7kg / 12.56 lbs.
Price & availability
GL optics sells the NIKKOR 50-300MM T4.6 Zoom for $9,500 USD, although I have seen it on sale at FJS International for $8,800 USD.
