The Professional 70-200mm f/2.8 and the Wildly Popular 18-200mm DX Receive Optical Enhancements and VR II to Benefit a Variety of Photographers

MELVILLE, N.Y. (July 30, 2009) Nikon today announced the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR II and the AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II, two telephoto zoom lenses further refined to provide photographers with exceptional optics for outstanding image clarity and sharpness, both featuring Vibration Reduction (VR II) image stabilization. The 18-200mm, Nikon’s best-selling premium high-ratio zoom ever, offers enthusiasts excellent versatility. The 70-200mm f/2.8, now benefiting from Nikon's exclusive Nano Crystal Coat, retains its status as a preeminent choice for discerning professionals in a multitude of shooting disciplines.

Both of these lenses use Nikon’s VR II image stabilization technology, which is engineered specifically for, and optimized to, function most effectively for each lens design to substantially reduce camera shake-related image blur.  VR II allows photographers to shoot handheld at as many as four shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, better assuring dramatically sharper images—even in challenging lighting conditions. Two VR modes are available: “Normal” mode, ideal for everyday use and panning a subject; and “Active” mode, for use in instances where more constant vibration (i.e. camera shake) is present, such as when shooting from a moving vehicle.

“Nikon’s strong commitment to leadership in lenses drives us to constantly refine NIKKOR lenses to take advantage of newly developed technologies and introduce design innovations,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR System Products at Nikon, Inc.  “Fifty years after the introduction of the Nikon F-bayonet lens mount, NIKKOR lenses remain an industry standard. We achieve this by investing in research and being attuned to the needs of both FX and DX-format photographers to provide the best lenses possible.”

Nikon's AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens. Photo provided by Nikon Inc.

The 70-200mm f/2.8 VR: Essential Optics Refined
The “go-to” lens of demanding professionals and serious enthusiasts, the 70-200mm f/2.8 is one of the most useful and sought after high-performance lenses for sports, wildlife, portrait, travel and news photographers. Nikon has further refined the lens, with an enhanced optical formula featuring seven extra low dispersion (ED) glass elements. These elements provide the ultimate in rendering characteristics to capture vibrant, high resolution images with optimal contrast. Image quality is further enhanced by Nikon’s Nano Crystal Coat, which reduces instances of lens flare and ghosting, elevating optical performance, even in tricky conditions such as those found in professional sports settings and stage events.

Designed to deliver the pinnacle of image quality in a wide variety of conditions, the new 70-200mm VR II lens also includes a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for fast, quiet autofocusing. The SWM takes full advantage of 3D tracking autofocus (AF) systems, such as those found on the FX-format D3X, D3 and D700 D-SLR cameras. Three focus modes are available - M, A/M and M/A - for automatically focusing, manually focusing or fine tuning AF performance to best suit the photographers’ needs. Nine rounded diaphragm blades contribute to a more attractive bokeh, allowing photographers create soft and more naturally separated backgrounds that better highlight the subject.

Nikon's AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR II lens. Photo provided by Nikon Inc.

The DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR: Class-Leading Versatility
The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm, the next generation of Nikon’s all-time best-selling premium high-ratio zoom, combines an 11X zoom range with VR II to provide DX-format enthusiasts with an extremely versatile zoom range in a compact form-factor. Nikon enhanced construction to include a zoom lock switch, to allow photographers to secure the lens barrel at its minimum length, eliminating the natural gravitational effect that can draw the barrel downward during transport. The inclusion of Nikon’s exclusive Super Integrated Coating (SIC) reduces instances of ghosting or flaring. Whether shooting artistic landscapes or vacation snapshots, this lens provides fast and quiet AF operation with the help of Nikon’s SWM technology.

Designed to be a one-lens solution and weighing in at a scant 19.9 ounces and measuring only 3.8 inches in length, this lens provides an extraordinary (35mm equivalent) picture angle of 27-300mm when mounted on any Nikon DX-format camera such as the new D300s or D3000 D-SLR cameras. Additionally, the optical formula contains two ED glass elements and three aspherical lenses to minimize chromatic aberration and distortion. The resulting images exhibit extreme sharpness, extraordinarily vibrant color and crisp contrast.

Price and Availability
The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR II lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers beginning September 2009 at an estimated selling price of $849.95^**. The AF-S NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers beginning November 2009 at an estimated selling price of $2399.95^**  For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

About the NIKKOR brand
With a comprehensive assortment of FX and DX-format lenses and focal lengths, from the new 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 was created by adding an "R" to "NIKKO”, an abbreviation of Nippon Kogaku K.K., the original company name of Nikon Corporation at the time of its founding. 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 Image™. 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. For the second consecutive year, Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with digital SLR cameras, Two Years in a Row, Tied in 2008.” according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 and 2008 Digital Camera Usage and Satisfaction StudiesSM. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its legendary F-mount lens-mounting system. Only Nikon has sustained an original lens mount for such an extraordinary period, ensuring that photographers can continue to leverage their previous investments while still taking advantage of new innovations. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

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

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