The AF-S NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G ED VR II comes six years after its predecessor, which quickly established itself as a must-have for professional sport and wildlife Nikon shooters (read our test, published in October 2004).

The new lens features Nikon's new Vibration Reduction technology, which has been rolled-out in other Nikon lenses over the past year and lets photographers shoot at shutter speeds of up to four stops slower.

It also sports a new Nano Crystal Coat, which helps reduce ghosting and flare, along with four ED glass elements to minimise internal reflections and aberrations. The new A/M mode enables autofocus priority even if the focus ring is being handled during shooting, says Nikon, while the silent wave motor ensures "fast and quiet" focusing.

The weather and dust resistant lens weighs 3.360kg, retails at £6250 and will be available from 28 May, two weeks before kick-off at this year's FIFA World Cup.

For more details, visit nikon.co.uk.