MELVILLE, N.Y. (JAN. 28, 2008) - Nikon, Inc., today announced the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, which offers Nikon digital SLR photographers exceptional wide-angle capability along with superb telephoto versatility. The wide-ratio zoom makes this new lens suitable for a broad range of shooting situations, including indoor and outdoor events; streetscapes; and portraits and scenery, making it ideal for everyday use. It incorporates several of Nikon's most advanced lens design attributes such as Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM) and Nikon VR (Vibration Reduction image stabilization), delivering the outstanding optical performance that has made NIKKOR lenses the choice of so many professional photographers.

"The new AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens fulfills a need among Nikon digital SLR customers for a compact wide ratio zoom lens that offers a dramatic wide angle perspective, up to a practical and useful telephoto view, as well as advanced optical features," said Edward Fasano, general manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon, Inc. "Whether on vacation or on assignment, the new 16-85mm lens' versatility and remarkable image integrity are sure to make it one of Nikon's most popular advanced performance Zoom-NIKKOR lenses."

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is a compact lens that offers an array of versatile Nikon technologies, including VR II (Vibration Reduction II image stabilization), which allows photographers to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops* slower than would otherwise be possible, while dramatically reducing the image blur caused by camera shake in handheld photography. The lens also features Nikon's compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology for quiet, fast and accurate autofocus performance that ensures every moment is captured crisply.

This digitally optimized lens also features two ED glass elements and three aspherical elements that provide higher resolution and superior contrast, while minimizing chromatic aberration. Additionally, Nikon's Super Integrated Coating reduces instances of lens flare and ghosting for sharp, faithful images.

Configured for optimum performance on Nikon DX-format digital SLR systems and compatible with Nikon's newest flagship model, the FX-format D3, the new 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 lens offers a 5.3x zoom range, and a perspective equivalent to that created by a 24-127.5mm lens on a 35mm film camera.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers beginning in March 2008 at an estimated selling price of $649.** For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, along with Nikon's entire line of photographic, optical and digital imaging solutions, will be on display at the PMA 2008 International Convention and Trade Show in Las Vegas, from Jan. 31 to Feb. 2 at exhibitor booth # G220.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Imag™. Nikon Inc. 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 Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Digital SLR cameras," according to the latest J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Digital Camera Satisfaction Study. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated its 90th anniversary and announced the production of over 40 million NIKKOR SLR interchangeable lenses. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit http://www.nikonusa.com , which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

*Under Nikon measurement conditions.

** Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

For J.D. Power and Associates award information go to jdpower.com

Nikkor AF-S DX 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR