June 14, 2012

Nikon Expands Acclaimed NIKKOR Lens Lineup with New 18-300mm VR All-In-One High-power Super Zoom Lens and 24-85mm VR Lens

New Lenses for FX- and DX-Format Photographers Include the AF-S NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens, a High-Power Super Zoom Lens with Astounding 16.7x DX Zoom, and the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR Lens, a Versatile Everyday Lens for FX Shooters

Mississauga, ON – Today, Nikon Canada Inc. announced the addition of two new lenses to the legendary NIKKOR lineup, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR and the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR lenses. The new 18-300mm VR lens is a versatile and compact 16.7x all-in-one super zoom DX-format lens, while the new 24-85mm VR lens is an ideal standard zoom for any FX-format photographer. These optics were designed to meet the needs of all types of photographers looking to capture everything from family outings to elusive wildlife and stunning landscapes. The new 18-300mm and 24-85mm lenses deliver the performance and superior image quality that photographers of all levels have come to expect from NIKKOR lenses whether capturing still images or HD videos.

 

Designed to capture stunningly sharp images with excellent clarity and colour reproduction or HD video that exhibits critical focus with a dramatic depth of field, the new 18-300mm VR and 24-85mm VR lenses will empower photographers with a variety of exclusive core NIKKOR technologies. Both lenses are equipped with Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) II Image Stabilization system, which provides the equivalent of a shutter speed approximately four stops faster. The built-in VR will help photographers create blur-free images and videos while shooting handheld and in challenging lighting conditions. Two focus modes, manual-priority autofocus (M/A) and manual focus (M), are easily selected in both lenses as well. When either lens is in M/A mode, users will be able to instantly switch from autofocus to manual focus operation by simply rotating the focus ring, even during AF servo operation. Both lenses feature an internal focusing system that provides fast focus without changing the length of the lens while retaining working distance through the focus range. Additionally, Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology is designed to deliver fast, accurate and quiet AF performance. The lenses also boast Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating (SIC), which provides superb colour reproduction, colour consistency and reduced flaring.

 

 “Whether a pro on assignment, a photo enthusiast or an indie cinematographer, all Nikon users appreciate and rely on the vast selection and reliability of NIKKOR lenses for all of their imaging needs,” said Gregory Flasch, National Advertising & Communications Manager at Nikon Canada Inc. “The new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm VR and AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm VR lenses are fully optimized to capture stunning images and videos while meeting the growing needs of photographers of all levels around the world.”

 

The NIKKOR 18-300mm VR Lens: Nikon’s Longest Focal Range

Building on the popularity and versatility of Nikon’s telephoto zoom lens lineup which includes both the NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 and 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lenses, the new 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens is Nikon’s longest focal range lens ever with an astounding 16.7x ultra-high ratio zoom range. The DX-format 18-300mm VR lens is surprisingly compact, lightweight and covers a focal range from wide-angle 18mm to super-telephoto 300mm, equivalent to a focal length of 27mm to 450mm in FX/35mm format. At the 300mm focal length setting, the lens’ large f/5.6 aperture enables photographers to shoot at faster shutter speeds with shallow depth-of-field. This new super telephoto zoom lens is ideal for takings stills when travelling and for all-around general photography including landscapes, portraits and distant subjects. The 18-300mm is excellent for recording HD video as it can be used for wide establishing shots, medium close-up shots and extreme telephoto sequences when the users want to separate the subject from the background.

 

The construction of the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens consists of 19 optical elements in 14 groups with three Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements that effectively minimize chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture settings, and three aspherical lens elements that virtually eliminate aberrations at wide aperture settings. The new lens also incorporates a nine-rounded blade diaphragm to help achieve a natural-looking dramatic separation between subject and background.

 

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR also has a dedicated zoom lock switch, which secures the lens barrel at its minimum length and will prevent the lens from sliding during transportation. Additionally, the 18-300mm VR lens is ideal for capturing close-ups at great detail as it offers a 45cm minimum focusing distance at 300mm, as well as a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:3.2x.

 

The NIKKOR 24-85mm VR Lens: The Standard Zoom for FX Shooters

Ideal for photographers seeking an FX-format compatible standard zoom lens, the new AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR lens delivers sharp, crisp and high-quality images, and can be assigned as an everyday walkabout lens. Covering the frequently used focal-length range of 24mm to 85mm, this lens is a great companion for any FX-format shooter and is ideal for shooting stills of landscapes, architecture, head-and-shoulder portraits, candid shots of people or group shots. For HD-video shooters, the 24-85mm VR lens is a natural choice when filming landscapes, large groups of people or when wide-field establishing shots or medium close-ups are needed. The 24-85mm lens is a great everyday lens that is compact, lightweight and easy to carry on any photo assignment or family adventure.

 

In addition to the built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) technology, the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR lens features Auto Tripod detection which recognizes when the camera is mounted on a tripod, even during HD video recording, to help deliver specialized VR correction. The lens construction of the 24-85mm VR lens consists of 16 optical elements in 11 groups with one Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass element, three aspherical lens elements and a seven-rounded blade diaphragm.

 

Price and Availability

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens is scheduled to be available at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers at the end of June 2012 for the Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $1,049.95.

 

The AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR lens is scheduled to be available at Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers at the end of June 2012 for the MSRP of $579.95.

 

For more information on these new NIKKOR lenses and other Nikon products, please visit www.nikon.ca.

 

Exclusive Canadian Warranty

Nikon Canada offers a five-year warranty for all NIKKOR lenses purchased from an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer. Consumer’s investment is protected by Nikon Canada’s warranties with in-Canada service.

 

About the NIKKOR brand
With a comprehensive assortment of FX- and DX-format lenses and focal lengths, from the ultra-wide 10-24mm to the super telephoto 600mm VR, Nikon photographers have come to rely upon the NIKKOR core technologies that contribute to their optical superiority. NIKKOR is the brand name for Nikon’s photographic lenses, which are precision-crafted to the most exacting standards in Nikon’s own glassworks. In 1933, Nikon marketed its first camera lens under the NIKKOR brand name, the "Aero-NIKKOR” for aerial photography applications. Since then, NIKKOR has been used as a brand name for Nikon’s lenses that symbolizes durability, high image quality and optical excellence.


About Nikon

Nikon, At the Heart of the ImageTM, is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Canada distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics as well as the new Nikon 1 J1 and V1 advanced cameras with interchangeable lens system. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon's Exclusive EXPEED, EXPEED 2 or EXPEED 3 advanced digital image processing system technologies. All Nikon Canada products are sold through a network of Authorized Nikon Canada Dealers. For more information on Nikon Canada and its products and services or to find an Authorized Nikon Canada Dealer, visit www.nikon.ca.

 

Photos are available upon request

 

Note: Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories and release schedule may differ by country or area. Pricing is subject to change. Refer to www.nikon.ca for the latest pricing.

 

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For more information:

Dianna Lai/Andrew Gouveia                    
StrategicAmpersand Inc.
905-625-9910    
dianna@stratamp.com                     
andrew@stratamp.com