New 18-70mm Wide Zoom Range Lens Offers Wide-Angle and Telephoto Capabilities in One Compact Design; Advanced Feature Selection

MELVILLE, NY, January 28, 2004 – Marking another significant advancement in lens design, Nikon® (www.nikonusa.com), the world leader in photography, today introduced the versatile new AF-S DX Nikkor™ 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens, further expanding Nikon’s successful line of DX Nikkor digital-dedicated lenses. Developed to be compatible with all Nikon D-series digital SLR cameras, the AF-S DX 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens will be included as the standard zoom lens in the recently announced Nikon D70 digital SLR camera Outfit.

The AF-S DX 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED covers a very popular focal length range (equivalent to 27-105mm in 35mm format), and offers a selection of Nikon’s highly regarded technologies such as Silent Wave motor (AF-S) for super fast and quiet autofocus operation, Extra-Low Dispersion glass (ED) for minimized chromatic aberrations, and Internal Focusing (IF) for convenient and balanced handling. In addition, the AF-S DX 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED also incorporates hallmark Nikon features that customers have come to expect from Nikkor lenses, such as distance information guide window, a reliable metal lens mount for years of durability, and a M/A mode for seamless switching between autofocus and manual modes.

“With the introduction of the remarkable new D70 digital SLR camera, the AF-S DX 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens fulfills the need among Nikon digital SLR customers for a versatile, compact new lens that offers a popular zoom range and advanced features,” said Richard LoPinto, vice president for SLR camera systems, Nikon, Inc. “Less than 13 months ago, Nikon announced its first DX Nikkor lens, and today with the introduction of the AF-S DX 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED, Nikon has expanded this line to include four lenses, offering Nikon photographers the broadest range of digital-dedicated lenses in the market, all with exceptional performance, quality and value,” he added.

Designed exclusively for use with DX Format SLR cameras, DX Nikkor lenses deliver a versatile range of angle-of-view, higher performance, and outstanding center-to-edge-to-corner image quality, while realizing smaller and lighter designs. All DX Nikkor lenses have a picture angle comparable to that of 35mm format lenses with a 1.5x factor. Since the introduction of the DX Nikkor lenses, the series has grown to include four lenses. These include:

• AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 IF-ED: 76º – 22º50' angle-of-view
• AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED: 79º – 28º50' angle-of-view
• AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED: 99º – 61º angle-of-view
• AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED lens: 180º angle-of-view

When used with a Nikon digital SLR camera and Nikon Capture™ software, images shot with the AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm lens can be transformed into ultra-wide angle rectilinear images with a choice of 100o and 130 o horizontal angles of view.

The AF-S DX 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED will be packaged with the newly announced D70 digital SLR camera. The D70 Outfit (including lens) will be available for a suggested retail price of $1999, and an anticipated street price of $1299. Sold separately, the lens will have a suggested retail price of $590. The lens will be available in Spring 2004.

About Nikon

Nikon...If the picture matters, the camera matters™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in precision optics, 35mm and digital imaging technology and is recognized worldwide for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional 35mm film and digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Advanced Photo System cameras; 35mm compact cameras; Nikon Coolpix® compact digital cameras; Coolscan® digital film scanners; Nikonos® underwater photographic systems; and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative™, the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

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