Today, Nikon UK added the new 18-300mm DX lens to its web site. The 16X super zoom lens adds an additional 100mm of reach on top of the existing 18-200mm DX lens. Its official release may come in the next few days, perhaps accompanied by a new or updated DX DSLR.
Features of the new lens include Vibration Reduction VRII technology to help stabilize hand-held shots, thereby allowing use of shutter speeds up to 4 stops slower than without stabilization. The 16 times zoom brings distant objects into view and provides a 27 to 450mm equivalent focal range in 35mm terms. A zoom lock switch prevents the lens from extending when the camera is not in use. The use of nine rounded aperture blades provides pleasing out of focus effects for smooth bokeh. Three ED-coated elements reduce flare and ghosting, while three aspherical elements correct for distortion. The silent wave motor provides quiet auto-focus function.
Specifications:
Focal length: 18-300 mm
Maximum aperture: f/3.5-5.6
Minimum aperture: f/22-32
Construction: 19 elements, 14 groups
Aspherical lens elements: 3
ED lens elements: 3
Auto focus: Nikon Internal Focusing (IF) System
Focus motor: Silent Wave Motor
Minimum focus distance at 300mm: 0.45 m (1.48 ft) from focal plane
Maximum reproduction ratio: 1/3.2x
Diaphragm blades: 9 rounded aperture blades
Filter thread size: 77 mm
Dimensions: 83 mm diameter x 120 mm length
Weight: 830 g (29.3 oz)