Nikon’s nonstick coating keeps camera glass safe from moisture, grit, and grime

A fluorine coating applied to Nikon’s new lens keeps the glass safe from grime. Credit: NikonImagingJapan; YouTube

Water and electronics don’t mix.

But because there are times when the two collide, it helps if your high-priced gadgets come with a coating that can resist water’s way of getting in the way.

So to protect photographers from paint splatters and pop-up showers, Nikon Japan has released a set of lenses that lend their names to the coating that keeps moisture, markers, and more from ruining a good time.

The elements of the 800mm F5.6 FL ED VR and 400mm F2.8 FL ED VR lenses are topped with a fluorine coating (hence the FL) that essentially makes the glass hydrophobic, and therefore resistant to water, mud, permanent marker, ink, and paint.

According to the camera giant, the fluorine coat “delivers higher durability and is more peel-resistant. Compared to other manufacturers’ coatings of a similar kind, fluorine endures a higher frequency of lens surface wiping and provides longer duration staying power. Its anti-reflective effect also contributes to the capture of clear images.”

See the coating in action above as Nikon does its best to dirty, dampen, and destroy the lens.

Feature image credit: NikonImagingJapan; YouTube