Nikon has announced a new member of the VR club.

The Nikkor AF-S VR 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED, unveiled today, adds Nikon's image-stabilizing Vibration Reduction technology, a meniscus-shaped front element and other internal changes to reduce ghosting and flare, a rubber ring around the lens mount for better environmental sealing and a new focus preset control.

Similar to the lens it replaces, it incorporates 3 ED glass elements and Nikon's Silent Wave Motor autofocus. Unlike its predecessor, however, the Nikkor AF-S VR 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED is a G-type lens, which means it has no aperture adjustment ring on the lens itself.

The Nikkor AF-S VR 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED is compatible with the TC-14EII, TC-17EII and TC-20EII telelconverters. It's expected to ship in January 2005.

Nikkor AF-S VR 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED