Nikon Releases AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR, a new DX-NIKKOR zoom lens with built-in Silent Wave Motor and Vibration Reduction. This compact, lightweight and affordable 3x zoom NIKKOR lens offers remarkable versatility and covers the essential focal range of 18 to 55mm.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Major Features

• 3x zoom lens covering the most frequently used focal range of 18 to 55mm (picture angle is equivalent to focal length from 27 to 82.5mm in Nikon FX or 35mm format)
• Vibration Reduction enables sharper pictures while shooting at shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible
• Optical design optimized for use with Nikon digital SLRs for superior performance
• Hybrid aspherical lens element minimizes lens aberration
• High-performance Nikon Super Integrated Coating offers superior color reproduction, while substantially reducing ghosting and flare
• Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, quiet autofocus operation
• Rounded seven-blade diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural
• 0.28 m/0.9 ft. closest-focusing distance throughout the entire zoom range
• Accepts 52 mm filter attachments
• Ergonomic lens barrel features rugged construction with a comfortable fit; separate zoom and focus rings provide the accuracy professionals expect

You can read the full press release here. The lens should be available by Decemeber 2007.

Win a D40x from Nikon World

A Nikon D40x is up for grabs! The Show Us Your Wheels contest started last October 1 and will end at 12 midnight (EST) on Decemeber 31, 2007. All you need to do to join is to submit a photo of anything with wheels. Yup, anything at all. The Nikon site even mentioned baby carriages as an example. You don't even have to be a Nikon shooter to enter.

The first place winner gets a Nikon D40x DSLR with an AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF lens. Second place gets a 2-year subscription to the Nikon World Magazine, and third place gets a 1-year subscription. All winning photos will also be featured on Nikon World starting January 7, 2008. Good luck!

~Written by Jeff