AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR

August 19, 2010 – 12:26 pm
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Nikon's newest DX lens was also announced today. The 55-300mm f/4.5-4.6 VR is in the same mould as the older 55-200mm VR, and is pitched at those wanting more reach to supplement their kit lens.

The 5.5x zoom offers the equivalent of 82.5 to 450mm in 35mm (or FX) terms.

The new AF-S DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR fills a variety of roles as the perfect lens for family picture takers and photo enthusiasts alike. This lens is the ideal complement to the 18-55mm VR DX-format camera kit lens, such as the one coupled with the just-released D3100 D-SLR camera, and provides users with an affordable way to achieve super zoom focal lengths from 82.5mm to 450mm (35mm equivalent). The 55-300mm VR lens brings the benefits of longer focal lengths into range for users when capturing distant subjects, such as at athletic events, family gatherings and summer vacations. Additional features include a Tripod Detection Mode, which allows users to keep VR image stabilization activated and automatically compensates for minute vibrations when mounted on a tripod. Additionally, a High Refractive Index (HRI) lens element is implemented to keep the lens compact while offering high contrast even at maximum aperture. The optical construction consists of two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) Elements that effectively minimize chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture settings.
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Priced at $399.95, the 55-300 will be available in September.

Specifications after the jump
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AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

August 19, 2010 – 12:15 pm
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Next up is the FX equivalent of the popular DX 18-200mm zoom. Just like it's smaller cousin, the 28-300mm is pitched somewhere above "consumer" level; this isn't your average third-party superzoom. Nor would you expect it to be; all Nikon's "consumer level" DSLRs are DX format.

At a zoom range of 10.7x, this may not quite meet the image quality of faster professional zooms, but makes up for it when you need the convenience of a single go-everywhere lens.

Building on the popularity and versatility of broad focal range lenses, the new AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is Nikon’s first FX-format lens with a 10.7X zoom range for enthusiasts and professionals. The new 28-300mm is the all-in-one optical solution that is ideal for travel, landscapes, portraits and capturing distant subjects. The 28-300mm VR lens is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both FX and DX-format D-SLR cameras, and has an equivalent focal length of 42-450mm when attached to a DX-format D-SLR. It’s optical formula includes two ED glass elements that effectively minimize chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture settings, and three Aspherical Lens Elements that virtually eliminates coma and other aberrations at wide aperture settings as well. This high performance lens also incorporates an M/A Focus Mode Switch that enables quick changes between manual and autofocus operation, and Internal Focus (IF) providing fast and quiet autofocus without changing the length of the lens while retaining working distance through the focus range.

MSRP is $1,049.95 (you see now why we say it's not pitched at the consumer level?)Full specs follow

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AF-S NIKKOR 85mm f/1.4G ED

August 19, 2010 – 3:56 am
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Also appearing today is a replacement for the venerable (but very highly regarded) 85mm f/1.4. This new version gains AF-S and a nano-crystal coating, and in the process almost doubles the price it sells for over the older 85/1.4. We predict strong second-hand sales of the non-AF-S version, and perhaps even strong sales of the Sigma HSM 85/1.4 due shortly.

A highly anticipated lens for professional photographers with no room for compromise, the new AF-S 85mm f/1.4G ED is an ultra-fast classic portrait lens boasting amazing picture quality, high performance and the ability to create dramatic background effects (bokeh). This lens is engineered for professional portrait, studio and wedding photographers wanting to shoot at fast maximum apertures while retaining the highest performance. The 85mm lens is also well suited for portraits and low-light shooting situations because of its ability to create a shallow depth of field with exacting sharpness and detail. The AF-S 85mm f/1.4 is optimized for edge-to-edge sharpness on both FX and DX-format D-SLR cameras, and features two focus modes, M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual) to further enhance versatility and adapt to a shooters needs. Additional features include Internal Focus (IF) that allows the lens to focus without changing the barrel length, Nano Crystal Coat to reduce instances of ghosting and flare, and a rugged construction build to endure aggressive field use.

MSRP is $1,699.95.

Spec sheet here
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AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 G ED VR

August 19, 2010 – 3:45 am
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The current variable-aperture 24-120mm lens is a bit of a dog and has long been a candidate for a high quality update, even more so since Canon launched their 24-105/4 several years ago. This, then, is Nikon's answer - and they've one-upped Canon by adding a bit more reach at the long end.

The AF-S NIKKOR 24-120mm f/4 G ED VR is a full-frame (FX) lens and promises very good performance throughout it's zoom range, albeit at a price beyond many consumer's pockets. It doesn't make as much sense on DX bodies (becoming a 36-180mm zoom) as it's not really wide enough for general walkaround use. Curiously, Nikon are promoting this as "extended range on Nikon DX-format D-SLR cameras".

Product image:

The lens gains Nikon's nano-crystal coating for resistance to flare and ghosting, has 2 ED elements to help with chromatic aberration control, 3 aspherical elements to help control distortion, and of course 4-stop VR II image stabilization.

Read on for the full spec sheet
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Just announced: 4 new Nikkor lenses

August 18, 2010 – 10:04 pm

In the first of today's announcements, we have four new lenses from Nikon. In no particular order, they are:

  • Nikkor AF-S DX 55-300 f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR
  • Nikkor AF-S 85 f/1.4 G
  • Nikkor AF-S 24-120 f/4 G ED VR
  • Nikkor AF-S 28-300 f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR

Of these, we're most excited about the new 85/1.4 (the old 85/1.4 non-AF-S is still a great lens, but was crying out for modernization) and the 24-120VR (the previous 24-120VR was a dog of a lens).

Full details of each of these lenses to follow shortly.

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Nikon D3100 DSLR Launched

August 18, 2010 – 9:58 pm
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As expected, Nikon today announced their latest consumer-level Digital SLR and D3000 replacement, the D3100. At last Nikon users have the Full HD (1080p) video option they've been demanding, and we can't wait to see this appearing in higher end models as they become available.

Quick spec rundown:

  • 14.2mp CMOS DX (cropped) sensor
  • 3 FPS
  • Live View & HD video
  • 3" 230k-dot display with one-touch Live View/Movie mode
  • ISO 100–3200, expandable to 12800
  • 11 AF points in new wide-spaced layout
  • Full HD Video (1920 x 1080) 1080p/24, 720p 30/25/24, 640x424/24
  • H.264 video codec
  • New EXPEED 2 processor
  • Improved menu system
  • Basic in-camera video editing
  • MSRP $699.95 / €599 / £579.99 in kit with 18-55mm VR lens

PDF spec sheet here.

Is this enough to stave off competition from Canon, Sony and the other DSLR manufacturers? We're now in the interesting position that Nikon's highest-megapixel body (aside from the hugely expensive D3x) is actually their cheapest.

Full press release follows
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S1100pj demo video shows steadiest hands known to mankind

August 17, 2010 – 2:11 pm

Nikon's promotional S1100pj video - this man has no need for VR, he can hold a projected image rock steady from several feet away (despite apparently waving the camera around).

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ViewNX 2 now available for download, includes movie editing function

August 17, 2010 – 1:56 pm
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Nikon's free image browser/editor also received a major upgrade today. Version 2 of ViewNX features a newly revamped interface (much more Lightroom-like), new image editing functions (red eye removal, crop, straighten, and chromatic aberration reduction), movie editing functionality (including the ability to export single frames as still images), and improved printing abilities.

The download also includes a new version of Nikon's Transfer software for downloading photos from your camera.

Available now for Mac and PC from Nikon's website.

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Coolpix S1100pj & S5100 now available for pre-order from Amazon

August 17, 2010 – 11:48 am

Amazon have listed the new Coolpixes - the S1100pj priced at $349.95, and the S5100 priced at $179.95.

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New COOLPIX S1100pj projector-equipped compact camera

August 17, 2010 – 12:20 am
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The second of today's camera announcements is for the S1000pj replacement, the S1100pj.

Like it's predecessor, the S1100pj's killer feature is the inbuilt digital projector that allows the projection of images onto any nearby convenient surface. The S1100pj's projector is 40% brighter than that of the S1000pj, at 14 lumens. Maximum distance recommended for projection is 240cm, which leads to a 47-inch display.

Other key features include a build-in stand for use while projecting images, a touchscreen LCD on the back of the camera for control, focus and shooting, the ability to use the prrojector from a PC via USB, and HD movie recording at 1280x720.

The S11090pj is equipped with a 5x 28-140mm (35mm equivalent) lens with VR, and a resolution of 14mp. ISO extends from a base of 80 up to 6400 (auto only up to 800, which is probably a realistic usable maximum anyway).

The COOLPIX S1100pj will be available in September 2010 for $349.95 MSRP in a choice of colors including black, violet, green and silver.

Full specs and images after the break
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