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Nikon Introduces
AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
IF-ED
Nikkor Zoom Lens

Compact, lightweight 11.1x high-power zoom lens designed for
Nikon digital SLRs, featuring Vibration Reduction system




Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED

 

 

 

 

 

Nikon has introduced a new lens, the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED, a wide angle to telephoto zoom offering a new generation of Vibration Reduction performance ideally matched for Nikon digital SLR cameras like the Nikon D300, D80, D60, D40 and D40X.
 

 




AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm f/4-5.6G VR IF-ED Major Features


  • Offers broad 18-200mm focal range (11.1x zoom) for use in a variety of situations (equivalent to a 27-300mm lens in 35mm format)

  • VR II system offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed 4 stops faster

  • Two ED glass and three aspherical lens elements minimize chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion, while ensuring high resolution and contrast

  • Incorporates a compact SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet focusing

  • Delivers high-level optical performance that is specially designed for use with the Nikon digital SLRs

  • Employs a seven-blade rounded diaphragm opening that achieves a natural blur for out-of-focus elements

  • Enables focusing from as close as 50cm (20”.) from the subject through its entire focal range

  • M/A mode for rapid switching between autofocus and manual focus operation

  • Internal Focusing (IF) design enables use of circular polarizing filters

  • High-grade Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) offers superb color reproduction while minimizing ghosting and flare

  • Flower-shaped Lens Hood HB-35 (provided) greatly reduces stray light


AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED
Specifications


Specs

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED

Focal Length 18-200mm (equivalent to a 27-300mm lens in 35mm format)
Maximum aperture f/3.5-5.6
Minimum aperture f/22-36
Lens Construction 16 elements in 12 groups (two ED glass elements, three aspherical lens elements)
Picture angle 76° - 8°
Minimum focus distance 0.5m (1.6 ft.)
Maximum reproduction ratio 1/3.5 (0.28)
Filter / attachment size 72mm
Dimensions 77 x 96.5mm (3.0 x 3.8 in.)
Weight 560g (19.8 oz.)
Included Accessories 72mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap (LC-72), Rear Lens Cap (LF-1), Bayonet Hood (HB-35), Flexible Lens Pouch (CL-1018)
Optional Accessories 72mm Screw-in Filters


AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm f/4-5.6G VR IF-ED

Press Release


Press Release, Nov 1st, 2005 - Nikon Canada Inc. today announced the AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED -- a compact, lightweight 11.1x zoom lens that is ideal for everyday photography. Advanced features include Nikon ED glass (Extra-low Dispersion), SWM (Silent Wave Motor) and enhanced VR (Vibration Reduction). The new Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm delivers optical performance that is specially designed and optimized for use with Nikon digital SLRs.

The new Nikkor lens offers a remarkable 18-200mm focal length range, conveniently covering everything from wide landscapes to tight portrait shots (equivalent to a 27-300mm lens in 35mm format), and advanced Nikon engineering has given rise to a compact lightweight design that offers excellent handling characteristics.

The highlight of this versatile powerful zoom lens is the benefit of improved Vibration Reduction (VR II), an innovation that makes it possible to take substantially sharper handheld pictures at slower shutter speeds. This provides the distinct advantage of being able to shoot more effectively in a much broader variety of challenging lighting conditions. With the new VR II advantage, users can take pictures at shutter speeds as many as 4 stops slower* than they ordinarily could shoot without camera shake with a non-VR lens. Nikon's VR technology further enhances picture taking potential with a choice of two modes to match more shooting conditions. VR Normal Mode primarily compensates for camera shake, and includes automatic panning detection, as well as automatic tripod detection. VR Active Mode effectively compensates for vibration in situations where it is more pronounced and more frequent, such as when shooting from a moving vehicle.

Additional proven Nikon features and technologies offered in the AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED include the compact SWM, which combines fast and precise autofocusing with super-quiet operation, two ED glass elements and three aspherical lens elements that provide for higher resolution and high-contrast images while minimizing chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion.

Note: This lens is designed exclusively for use with Nikon digital SLR cameras and is not compatible with 35mm [135] or IX240 format film cameras.

Accessories
They include 72mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap (LC-72), Rear Lens Cap (LF-1), Bayonet Hood (HB-35), Flexible Lens Pouch (CL-1018).

Exclusive Canadian Warranty
Nikon Canada offers an exclusive 5-year warranty for all Nikkor DX lenses purchased from a Nikon Canada Authorized Dealer. Consumers can feel comfort knowing their investment in protected by Nikon Canada's 5-Year Nikkor Lens Warranty with in-Canada service.

Pricing and Availability
The new AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens will be launched worldwide in December 2005, with an MSRP of approximately $900 Canadian.



To buy the AF-S DX 18-200mm VR IF -ED zoom we recommend B&H Photo



AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED
Image Samples Posted


We have just posted six sample images from a production version of the new Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED Nikkor zoom lens. Having only had a couple of hours with the lens, we were limited in the subject matter available for our quick tests. These images are simply intended to give an initial indication of the type of image quality that can be expected from this lens.

In terms of handling and design, the Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED is sure to please. The barrel feels solid, the VR and AF mode switches are conveniently located on the side of the lens. In conjunction with the Nikon D70 body we tested it with, we found the AF-S focusing on the DX 18-200mm to be accurate and responsive similar to using the Nikkor AF-S DX 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED which comes supplied in the Nikon D70s kit.

The Vibration Reduction technology (VR II) works very well. As claimed by Nikon, we found ourselves being able to hand hold and use the lens at shutter speeds about four stops lower than with lenses without the VR option, (1/8 sec at 200mm focal range). A very practical feature when shooting fairly stationary subjects under lower light conditions.

The sharpness and optical quality of the DX 18-200mm VR seems very good taking into account the broad 11x zoom range offered. The incorporated ED glass and aspherical elements contribute to this achievement. Overall, we feel the new Nikkor AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED will make for a nice "all in one" walk around lens, great if you don't want to carry a lot of gear with you.


Click on thumbnails above to see larger size image samples and details.

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