Timed to coincide with the announcement of the Nikon D3100 digital SLR camera, Nikon also unveiled today a new DX format telezoom called the AF-S Nikkor 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR. This lens has a 35mm-equivalent focal range of 82.5-450mm, and features a Silent Wave Motor for fast, accurate and quiet autofocus with full-time manual focus override, 9 rounded diaphragm blades for pleasing bokeh, 2 extra-low dispersion lens elements for minimising chromatic aberrations, Super Integrated Coating for enhanced light transmission efficiency and superior colour consistency, plus Nikon’s VR II image stabilisation system with a Tripod Detection Mode. The Nikon AF-S Nikkor DX 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR lens is scheduled to hit the shelves in mid-September at the recommended/estimated selling prices of £369.99/€438.00/$399.95.
Nikon Press Release
AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR: Making Super Telephoto Shooting Easy and Affordable
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.
