Nikon Announces "New Super-Zoom" AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

2 weeks ago, 2 new lenses from Nikon and one from Sigma has been released by the respective lens companies.

From the focal range itself which is 18-300mm, Nikon have set a new standard and real meaning for super-zoom lens. With the previous super-zoom Nikon produced was 18-200mm; expect this piece of glass heavier than its predecessor by 270g.

Unlike the 18-200mm, this is a DX format lens, which means it is designed for Nikon's DX-format camera. Here are the details for this lens.

PRIMARY FEATURES:

• Ultra high-power approx. 16.7x zoom lens covering 18-300mm focal range
• Maximum reproduction ratio of 1/3.2x — the highest class among high-power zoom lenses with DX format
• Two focus modes are available — M/A (auto focus with manual override) and M (manual focus)
• Built-in Vibration Reduction (VRII) provides the equivalent of a shutter speed approximately four stops faster
• Maximum aperture of f/5.6 is achieved at the telephoto end
• Zoom lock prevents the lens from sliding during transportation

SPECIFICATIONS:

• Lens construction: 19 elements in 14 groups (with three ED glass and three aspherical lens elements)
• 9 rounded diaphragm blades
• Diameter x length: Approximately 83 x 120 mm/3.3 x 4.7 in.
• Weight: Approximately 830 g/29.3 oz.

(Full Specs Here)

The availability for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm is still unknown but hopefully it will be out by middle or later of 2nd half of this year. That's a little time to save money since this will cost you USD 1,000 or around PHP 42,000 in local currency. That's like buying a new entry level D-SLR.