Pre-Order it Here:
Nikon 40mm f/2.8G AF-S DX Micro NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

From Nikon Imaging:

• Special effects mode that enables various creative effects in still images and movies. [NEW] …more
• 16.2 effective megapixels. Nikon DX-format CMOS sensor. …more
• Image processing engine “EXPEED 2″ that achieves high image quality, high-speed image processing and multiple functions. …more
• Wide sensitivity range of ISO 100 to 6400, expandable to Hi 2 (ISO 25600 equivalent) delivers sharp images with reduced blur caused by camera shake even in dark lighting situations and sports scenes. …more
• Fast and accurate 11-point AF system that captures even moving subjects. …more
• Live View shooting function that lets you focus on a desired point within the frame. …more
• Scene Auto Selector that automatically selects the most appropriate scene mode according to the shooting scenes or subjects. …more
• 16 options of Scene Modes enable you to select the most appropriate mode according to your shooting scenes or subjects. …more
• HDR (High Dynamic Range) that allows you to shoot easily even in a difficult high-contrast scene. [NEW]
  …more
• Lightweight and compact, user-friendly body with superior operability. …more
• Easy-to-use in-camera image-editing functions such as NEW (RAW) processing, filter effects and edit movie.…more

It is available for pre-order now on Amazon.

Nikon D5100 16.2MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-inch Vari-Angle LCD Monitor (Body Only)

So, if you have some canisters of APS film laying around and you would like to have a DVD with digital copies of your old photographs send me an email…HERE.

Does this bring back good or bad memories?

Nikon D3100:

• 14 MP CMOS Sensor (23.2 x 15.5 mm)
• live View
• Continuous AF in video mode/live view
• 3 inch Display (not swivel)
• 100 – 12800 ISO
• ISO setting manual or automatic
• 11 AF points
• new AF points configuration which should cover a very large portion of the viewfinder
• full HD Video (1920 x 1080)
• HD video: 1080p/24 and 720p 30/24
• AVCHD video codec
• new EXPEED2 processor
• improved objects recognition for the AF control
• improved in-camera menu
• user can save picture profiles
• in camera video editing capabilities or use the new Nikon View NX2
• 3 fps

Of the new releases the one I am most intersted in is the new 24-120. I’ve been wanting that one for a while now and the upgrade give it the VR that I’ve been wanting in that lens.

Lenses:

• Nikkor AF-S DX 55-300 f/4.5-5.6 G ED VR
• Nikkor AF-S 85 f/1.4 G with Nano coating: 10 lens elements in 9 groups
• Nikkor AF-S 24-120 f/4 G ED VR with Nano coating
• Nikkor AF-S 28-300 f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR: 19 lens elements in 14 groups

You can read all of the details and pre-order them on Amazon with these links.

Nikon D3100 14.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm VR Nikkor Zoom Lens

Nikon 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR

Nikon 24-120mm f/4G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR

Nikon 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR

Nikon 85mm f/1.4G AF-S NIKKOR Lens for Nikon Digital SLR

I looked at quite a few options and read all of the reviews that I could find online. Ultimately, I chose Nikon’s GP-1. Frankly a lot of it was brand name. There are several options that all seem to work, but for ease of use and similar price, I kept the Nikon logo on my camera.

The unit is much smaller than it appears in the ads. It is about 2 inches square and 1 inch tall. It clips on to the hotshoe flash mount or on the camera strap. Obviously, you cannot use an external flash or the internal pop up flash on my D300 for that matter. I rarely use the flash anyway, but I think that I’m going to prefer the camera strap option. The reason to use the strap option is the cable from GP-1 to the 10 pin connector is a a bit unwieldy. It does make the camera look very macho, but I think It will be less obtrusive on the strap.

Initial GPS acquisition takes a few minutes depending on conditions. If you are need to grab a shot from a “cold” start you’ll not get the camera to record the GPS coordinates. Once it has the acquired the signal re-acquisition was no big deal. It flashes a red LED while searching and this turns green once it has locked on a minimum of 3 satellites. Everything is done automatically for you at this point. The GP-1 does draw power from the cameras battery and it does not have a dedicated on/off switch. You must unplug the 10 pin connector to prevent a constant drain on the battery. From what I have read this isn’t a big deal, but if you store your camera for several days between uses you’ll likely want to unplug the GP-1.

I’ve only used it once so far and get a kick out of the technology. I haven’t found my killer app for the data yet, but I know it is coming. I’ll write a follow-up once I’ve played with it for a while longer.

Here is a picture of my friend Katie and a Google map showing exactly where we were…that is very cool!

Nikon D300s

There are no really big new features in the D300S. They did add video, but that is pretty much standard now in this class of DSLR.

Here is the list of new and or upgraded features between the D300 and the D300s.

• 720p HD video, including autofocus while recording
• SD card slot in addition to existing CF slot
• Faster continuous shooting (7fps, vs. 6fps)
• Socket for external microphone
• Live View and Info buttons
• Discrete ‘OK’ button in multi controller
• Interactive settings display screen
• Auto and Extra High Active D-Lighting options
• Quiet drive mode
• Virtual horizon

You can read all of the details on the Amazon website.

Nikon D3000

The D300 is the newest entry level DSLR from Nikon replacing the D60. Same 10MP sensor and 3fps shooting. They have upgraded the LCD to 3″ and it inherits the AF system from the D5000 and D90. This should be a kick butt camera for those just moving from compact cameras to a DSLR. It will be $600 with the 18-55mm lens.

Here are the key features:

• 10.2megapixel CCD sensor. Even in low light the image resolution makes easy work of big prints and sharp enlargements.
• 11-point autofocus system. Keeps even the fastest moving subjects in focus, often the biggest challenge for compact cameras
• Fast response. The start up time and shutter lag means you can capture the shot almost instantly, without the delayed response time common of compact cameras
• Guide mode. Simply the easiest way to get great pictures, without having to read the manual
• 3-inch TFT. With pictures this good, you will need a great screen to share them with friends and family
• EXPEED image processing. Exclusive system to deliver rich, bright results close to what you saw with your own eyes
• Picture Controls. Lets you set the look and mood of your images before you shoot
• 3 fps continuous shooting allows you to capture fast-moving action at 3 frames per second
• Intuitive ergonomics. We challenge anyone to pick up a D3000 and it not to feel part of your hand
• Stylish discrete appearance. The D3000 does not become a barrier between you and your subject, resulting in natural looking expressions
• Compact, light and durable. It won’t fit in your pocket, but with pictures this good you will find a shoulder to hang it on

You can read the rest of the details and purchase one on the Amazon website.

Nikon 70-200 AF-S F2.8G ED VRII

All new optical formula which is said to improve edge sharpness especially on the FX format cameras. Nikon also claims improved VR and sharper faster auto focus. Shockingly they have made it HEAVIER than the original even though it is slightly smaller…

You can read the rest of the details on the Nikon website.

Nikon AF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G ED VRII

Lastly and most surprising to me is the update to the 18-200mm lens although it did address the number one complaint with the lens, zoom creep. Otherwise mostly the same features.

You can read the rest of the details and order it from my Amazon store.

My take on to buy or not to buy.

• If you own a D300 there is no real need to buy the “s” version.
• If you don’t own a DSLR and cannot afford the D300s buy the D3000.
• If you own the 70-200 and you own an FX body, sorry fork it over and buy the new one.
• If you own the old 18-200mm and hate using because of the lens creep then sell it and buy the new one. If you have been on the fence about the lens, now is the time to buy.

Nikon is a great camera manufacturer, but a terrible keeper of secrets. As foretold for some time now Nikon has launched the D5000! The internet was  right on the money with a 12.3 megapixel camera with HD (720p) and an articulating 2.7″ display. Here is more complete rundown from Nikon’s US website.

• 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS image sensor
  Coupled with Nikon’s EXPEED image processing and NIKKOR optics, breathtaking picture quality is assured
• D-Movie Mode with sound
  Record 720p HD movie clips enhanced by NIKKOR interchangeable lens quality and versatility
• Vari-angle color LCD monitor
  Position the 2.7-inch monitor freely for fresh shooting perspectives. Screen flips inward for safe keeping
• 19 Auto-exposure Scene Modes
  Capture stunning photos in challenging picture-taking situations including Sunsets, Candlelight, Silhouette, Portrait, Landscape, Beach/Snow, and more
• One-button Live View
  Easy Live View access offers 4 autofocus modes, including Face Priority AF
• Continuous shooting as fast as 4 frames-per-second
  Combined with fast power-up and split-second shutter response, decisive moments are captured easily without annoying shooting lag
• Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200
  Engineered for exceptional low-light shooting
• Built-in image sensor cleaning
  Effective 4-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning keeps images spot free
• 11-point autofocus system with 3D Focus Tracking
  Fast and accurate autofocus delivers razor sharpness
• Auto Active D-Lighting
  Restores lost shadow and highlight detail in high contrast exposures-Selectable and Auto modes available
• In-camera Retouch image editing
  Creative in-camera image editing, featuring Soft Filter, Straighten, Color Outline Effect, Perspective Control, Red-eye Correction, Image Overlay, Monochrome and more-all without a computer
• Picture Control Settings for personal image control
  Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, Landscape and 9 customizable settings
• Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II
  Nikon’s renowned 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, teamed with the exclusive Scene Recognition System, evaluates each scene for unmatched exposure accuracy
• Durable, high precision shutter
  Testing to over 100,000 cycles assures precision and long shutter life
• GPS geo-tagging
  GP-1 GPS unit (optional) automatically identifies and records every image’s latitude, longitude and altitude, with satellite time-of-day

At $729 bucks this is a pretty sweet deal! It will ship sometime in April.

Buy yours here and win a prize!

Here are the details from NikonUSA:

• Extreme resolution 24.5-megapixel FX-format (35.9 x 24.0mm) CMOS sensor
  Large 5.94µm pixels capture astonishing detail and subtleties with outstanding dynamic range for demanding commercial applications.
• Nikon EXPEED image processing technologies
  EXPEED extends and assures breathtakingly rich image fidelity and reduces noise, even at high ISOs.
• 138 MB¹ Processed NEF (RAW) 12 or 14 bit image files
  Selectable bit depths of 12-bit (4,096 tones) or 14-bit (16,384 tones), both yielding incredible image quality through a 16-bit processing pipeline, for smoother tonal gradations.
  
• Low noise ISO sensitivity from 100 to 1600
  Added ISO settings of Lo-1 (ISO 50 equivalent), Hi-1 (ISO 3200 equivalent) and Hi-2 (ISO 6400 equivalent) extend versatility.
• Two Live View shooting modes
  Two Live View modes add flexibility, and up to 27x magnification in the Tripod Mode, acute focusing accuracy is easily confirmed.
• Continuous shooting at up to 5 fps at full FX-format resolution
  Commercial image quality teams with speed and handling to create new shooting possibilities—in the studio or on location.
• Fast, accurate 51-point AF system
  AF system features 4 Dynamic AF modes, including 3D Focus Tracking, for autofocus precision and razor sharpness.
• 1,005-Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System
  Two Nikon-exclusive technologies provide intelligent auto exposure capabilities, along with refined auto white balance detection and faster, more accurate AF performance.
• 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD monitor
  Individual factory calibration assures the color accuracy of each D3X monitor for critical image review.
• 100% viewfinder coverage
• Nikon Picture Control
  Four preset options: Standard, Neutral, Vivid and Monochrome, and 9 customizable settings provide advanced, personalized color control.
• Rugged, durable and precise magnesium-alloy construction
  Effectively protected from invasive dust, moisture and electromagnetic interference with a self-diagnostic shutter mechanism tested to exceed 300,000 cycles.
• Dual CF card slots with overflow, backup and copy options
• Virtual Horizon Graphic Indicator
• Up to 4,400 images per battery charge

Why but it? The display is world class, the high ISO capability (ISO 800 is my default setting), 52 auto ficus sensors and a great price, ~ $1800.

Here are some specs from Nikon:

• 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor: Nikon’s exclusive digital image processing system advances DX-format image quality to new levels.
• The 3.0-inch super density 920,000-dot VGA color monitor: 170-degree, wide-angle viewing and tempered-glass protection makes critical image review possible.

• Continuous shooting from 6 frames per second up to 8 frames per second*: The new optional MB-D10 multi-power battery pack makes the D300 a powerful performer for a wide variety of shooting disciplines.

  * When using the EH-5a AC adaptor or the MB-D10 multi-power battery pack with batteries other than rechargeable Li-ion En El3e.

• Low-noise files at ISO from 200-3200; The D300′s DX-format CMOS sensor, with a high signal-to-noise ratio, empowers photographers to produce exceptionally clean files from a broad 200-3200 ISO range. Expanded range of options include Lo-1(ISO 100 equivalent) and Hi-1(ISO 6400 equivalent).
• Fast, accurate 51-point auto focus with 3D focus tracking and three dynamic AF modes: Exacting auto focus precision at blazing speeds!
• Nikon’s exclusive Scene Recognition System (SRS): The improved 1,005-pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II provides even more intelligent auto exposure capabilities, along with smarter auto white balance detection and faster, more accurate AF performance.

• Nikon’s exclusive EXPEED Image Processing Concept: The foundation of Nikon’s newest Image Processing Systems, EXPEED culminates the concepts, innovations and years of Nikon’s digital image processing technologies at blazing processing speeds.

• Selectable 12-Bit or 14-Bit A/D Conversion: The choice of selecting bit-depths at 12-bit (4,096 tones) or 14-bit (16,384 tones), both yielding incredible image quality through a full 16-bit processing pipeline, enables photographers to choose smaller files at faster operating speeds, as opposed to larger files with smoother tonal gradations as slower operating speeds.
• Dynamic integrated dust reduction system: Self-cleaning ultrasonic sensor unit minimizes degradation of image quality due to dust particles.
• Two LiveView shooting modes: Use either hand-held or tripod when shooting in a studio, remote situations or from challenging angles.
• New Picture Control settings: Advanced color control with 4 preset options; standard, neutral, vivid and monochrome, as well as 9 customizable settings.
• Nikon’s Active D-Lighting Image enhancement: Provided on the fly while shooting, Active D-lighting produces broader tone reproduction in both shadows and highlights by controlling light intensity and exposure compensation while applying localized tone control technology to achieve the right level of contrast across the entire image for sharp, detailed results.
• Rugged magnesium-alloy construction: Along with advanced dust and moisture protection and a durable shutter mechanism: The D300 has been tested to 150,000 cycles making it the perfect choice for photographers who demand high performance and agility.

to think of the quality of the home movie. Hmm, 720p HD movie shot with a 600mm lens could actually be kinda kewl. Perhaps this is a interesting choice for a back up camera after all! The price is going to around $1000.

Key features from NIkon’s website:

• 12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS imaging sensor: Coupled with Nikon’s EXPEED image processing technologies and NIKKOR optics, breathtaking image fidelity is assured.

• Continuous shooting as fast as 4.5 frames-per-second: Combined with fast 0.15ms power-up and split-second 65ms shooting lag, dramatic action and decisive moments are captured easily.

• D-Movie Mode—Cinematic 24fps HD with sound: Record cinematic-quality movie clips at up to 720p HD (1280 x 720 pixels) in Motion JPEG format, enhanced by NIKKOR interchangeable lens quality and versatility.

• Low noise ISO sensitivity from 200 to 3200: High signal-to-noise components and design deliver exceptional performance, even at high ISO setting.

• 3-inch super-density 920,000-dot color LCD monitor: High resolution, 170-degree wide-angle viewing guarantees confident image review and movie playback.

• Built-in image sensor cleaning: Effective 4-frequency, ultrasonic sensor cleaning frees image degrading dust particles from the sensor’s optical low pass filter.

• 11-point AF system with Face Priority: Consistently fast and accurate autofocus, reinforced by the Nikon Scene Recognition System, delivers razor sharpness in a wide variety of conditions.

• One-button Live View: Easy to use Live View activates access to 3 contrast detection focus modes including Face Priority AF.

• Nikon 3D Color Matrix Metering II with Scene Recognition System: Nikon’s renowned 420-pixel RGB 3D Color Matrix Metering II, teamed with the exclusive Scene Recognition System, evaluates images, referencing an on-board database of over 30,000 photographic scenes, for unmatched exposure accuracy.

• Comprehensive exposure control: Five advanced scene modes plus Program Auto, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority and Manual.

• Auto Active D-Lighting: Selectable and Automatic, Active D-Lighting optimizes details within shadows and highlights, taming high-contrast situations in real time.

• Durable, high precision shutter: Testing to over 100,000 cycles assures shutter life and accuracy.

• In-Camera Image Editing: Creative freedom stems from exclusive in-camera image editing, featuring Fisheye effect, Straighten and Distortion Control as well as D-Lighting, Red-eye Reduction, Image Overlay, Monochrome and more.

• GPS geo-tagging: GP-1 GPS unit (optional) provides automatic real-time geo-tagging

Here is some more information from Amazon.

Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

Opteka Battery Pack Grip for Nikon D80 & D90 Digital SLR with 2 EN-EL3e Batteries (3400 mAh Total)

The last laptop I bought I went the large size, but soon realized that I never used it for editing images and all that extra weight was a real pain to lug around. When I travel all I need is email, the net, ability to download and backup. I got a Dell XPSM1330, it weighs under 5 lbs and works great. However if you want a desktop computer that you can take with you, this looks killer.

An excerpt from Rob Galbraith’s site:

“Lenovo today has unveiled the ThinkPad W700, a widescreen 17 inch Windows laptop that has been developed expressly for the working digital photographer. In addition to CPU options that include Intel’s new mobile quad core processor, a maximum of 8GB of RAM, up to three internal hard drives (two if you don’t want to forsake the optical disc drive) and top-end Nvidia Quadro FX 3700M graphics, the W700 features an integrated screen calibrator and mini Wacom tablet plus both SD and CompactFlash card slots….The W700′s 17 inch display is available in two resolutions; the higher resolution one is 1920 x 1200 pixels and incorporates twin CCFL (rather than LED) backlighting for a promised wide colour gamut that comprises about 72% of the Adobe RGB colour space.”

Read the full story on Rob’s site.

Or you can read some more and buy it from Amazon now by following this link.

An excerpt from the Nikon press release:

“Nikon is proud to announce the introduction of the COOLPIX S60 – an advanced and stylish compact digital camera featuring a large 3.5-inch wide-screen LCD monitor with unique touch-panel control. Its 10-megapixel resolution offers clear, high-quality pictures with a NIKKOR 5x zoom lens for dynamic telephoto shooting. Quality shots are ensured through its Vibration Reduction capability and high ISO sensitivity. The COOLPIX S60 offers advanced features, such as Scene Auto Selector, enhanced Face Recognition, Smile Timer with blink detection, time-lapse movies, in-camera retouch and HDMi output.”

Read the full deatils at Nikon USA.

Nikon Coolpix S60 10MP Digital Camera with 5x Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom (Crimson Red)

Thom Hogan wrote an article on his site last week about Nikon shooting themselves in the foot with all of this double top secret software and while I thought it was interesting with good points, it didn’t really move me until I saw this one. The only thing that I can think is that Microsoft (the format creator) gave Nikon a whole bucket of money for deploying yet another standard. So depite the great specs, I’ll on pass on this one. My little silent protest about this software “philosophy”.

Here are some details from DP Review:

Nikon has announced its flagship compact, the Coolpix P6000. Built around a 13.5 megapixel, 1/1.72 inch sensor (0.41 square cm), the camera has a 4x zoom starting at a respectably wide-angle – equivalent to 28mm. It also records RAW files in a new NRW format that can be converted in-camera or with the forthcoming Windows version of View NX or Windows Imaging Component compatible applications. The other stand-out feature is the inclusion of built-in GPS logging of the locations at which images were recorded. It is expected to start shipping in September for around $500.Full specs are here from Nikon

Nikon Coolpix P6000 13.5MP Digital Camera with 4x Wide Angle Optical Vibration Reduction (VR) Zoom

Press release via DP Review

TAMRON announces the development of the AF18-270MM Di II VC ULTRA HIGH POWER ZOOM LENS

A Technological Breakthrough—World’s Longest Range 15X Zoom Lens Has Exclusive Built-In Vibration Compensation Mechanism Optimized for Consumer Digital SLR Cameras

July 30, 2008, Saitama City, Japan — Tamron Co., Ltd., under the leadership of Mr. Morio Ono, President, has announced the development of a unique ultra high power zoom lens—the Tamron AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO (Model B003), the first¹ digital SLR lens in the world that delivers a remarkable zoom ratio of 15X (28-419mm equivalent) and is equipped with a highly effective Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism. Designed exclusively for digital SLR cameras with APS-C sized image sensors², the new lens delivers outstanding image quality over its entire zoom range and its exclusive VC anti-shake system facilitates sharp handheld photography even at the longest telephoto settings.

With its vast zoom-range, the Tamron AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC lens enables the user to cover virtually any photographic subject from wide angle to ultra telephoto simply by turning the zoom control. It covers angles of view equivalent to 28mm to 419mm when converted to the 35mm format³. In addition, this breakthrough lens is equipped with Tamron’s exclusive, proprietary tri-axial Vibration Compensation (VC) mechanism that eliminates or substantially reduces the effects of handheld camera shake. As a result, the user can enjoy the convenience of handheld photography in virtually any situation, from shooting candid images, to covering sporting events, to news photography, without worrying about camera shake having an adverse effect on image quality. The new lens will be made available in Canon and Nikon mounts. The price and launch date of the new lens will be announced at a later date.

DEVELOPMENT BACKGROUND

Since launching the Tamron AF28-200mm F/3.8-5.6 (Model 71D) in 1992 that was highly acclaimed as the first high power zoom lens suitable for practical use, Tamron has continued to develop innovative zoom lenses as the “pioneer in high power zoom lenses”. With the AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XI Di II (Model A14), Tamron realized an 11.1X zoom power for the first time in a zoom lens exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras and expanded the telephoto range further to 13.9X with the AF18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II (Model A18), making steady progress in extending the range of high performance, high power zoom lenses.

Tamron’s engineers faced the even more formidable challenge of finding solutions for the problem of “handheld camera shake” while expanding the telephoto range even further and have eventually developed the AF18-270mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II VC. This lens has attained the maximum zoom power of 15X for the first time in the world, namely as a zoom lens exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras. It enables the user to cover an extremely wide angle-of-view range equivalent to a 28mm-419mm lens in the 35mm format. In addition, the lens is equipped with Tamron’s original and exclusive VC mechanism that effectively compensates for “handheld shake”, which would otherwise become visible as un-sharpness or blur in images shot handheld. Moreover this system is effective over the extremely wide focal length range of this extended ultra telephoto lens and Tamron’s VC mechanism provides maximum compensation performance at all focal lengths. The VC system enables the user to enjoy the full benefits of ultra-tele photography comfortably and provides amazingly stabilized viewfinder images as well. In short, this unique VC image stabilization system delivers the maximum potential built into the world’s longest-ratio zoom lens—15X.

Tamron was able achieve all these remarkable accomplishments thanks to its advanced optical/mechanical design technologies and production know-how accumulated over 16 years as the pioneer in high power zoom lens design, and its commitment to ongoing research and development. Even more important, in combining an amazingly high zoom ratio along with the VC function Tamron has maintained a high priority on its traditional goals of lightness and compactness. As a result the new Tamron AF18-270mm Di II VC delivers all the functionality and performance you expect from the latest Tamron ultra high power zoom, a lens that exemplifies our time-honored concept of “One great lens covering everything from wide angle to telephoto”.

MAIN FEATURES

1. World’s first and greatest zoom ratio of 15X, covering 28-419mm 35mm-equivalent angle of view
Going back to the basic concept of “one lens covering everything from wide angle to telephoto,” engineers at Tamron took up the difficult task of expanding the zoom range of Tamron’s high power zoom lenses even further. Their unstinting efforts to extend the telephoto end beyond previous limits while retaining the wide-angle end at 18mm has borne fruit as an ultra high power zoom lens that is exclusively designed for DSLR cameras and boasts the greatest zoom range of 15X for the first time in the world.

2. Tamron’s original VC mechanism for effective shake-free hand-held photography
Tamron’s proprietary VC (Vibration Compensation) mechanism was built in the AF28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 Di VC (Model A20) for the first time. It demonstrated its powerful compensation effect employing a tri-axial system that is designed to let three coils drive a compensator lens electromagnetically via three steel balls. Since the compensator lens is supported on rolling steel balls with very low friction, follow-up performance is also enhanced, resulting in stabilized viewfinder images. Since the mechanism is designed to allow parallel shifting of the compensator lens solely by means of electrical control, the mechanical construction is simpler and more compact, so the lens can be kept as small and light as possible.

3. Designing a high power, compact zoom lens with VC mechanism: Optical design optimization meets optimum power distribution
In developing the long-range zoom lens, Tamron’s optical designers pursued the optimum distribution of power within the overall optical system based on the optical design know-how Tamron accumulated over 16 years since the introduction of the first compact AF28-200mm in 1992. The resulting optical system uses two LD (Low Dispersion) glass elements and three aspherical elements in order to effectively compensate for various aberrations including astigmatism, yet this design allows the first optical group to be small enough in diameter to realize the overall goal of a compact lens that incorporates a handheld-shake compensation mechanism.

Note: In order to realize the high zoom ratio of 15X, the optical system does not use any XR (extra dispersion glass) element. Instead, compactness is achieved through optimization of the power distribution within the whole optical system.

4. Minimum focusing distance of 19.3” over the entire zoom range for the max. mag. ratio of 1:3.5
The AF18-270mm Di II VC allows close focusing down to 0.49m (19.3 inches) from the subject over the entire zoom range even though it incorporates the VC mechanism. The maximum magnification ratio of 1:3.5⁴ at its 270mm telephoto end is the top class capability among high power zoom lenses exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras.

5. Optical system optimized for digital SLR cameras by taking incident rays of light reaching the image sensor into consideration
In order to effectively compensate for changes in aberrations due to zooming, the zoom lens employs an innovative optical system that is designed to converge the angles of rays of light entering from the center to the periphery of the lens. The light rays thus reach the image sensor within a defined circle that assures high imaging performance and reduces light falloff.

6. High resolution performance
As a lens exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras, this zoom lens delivers high resolution and contrast performance for outstanding image quality with sufficient flatness of the field under an extremely wide range of photographic conditions.

7. Thorough countermeasures, including advanced internal surface coatings, prevent ghosting and flare
Tamron employs multi-layer coatings in order to reduce reflections on lens surfaces as well as internal surface coatings (coatings on the cemented surfaces of lens elements) in order to minimize reflections from the sensor itself within the mirror box, a problem inherent to all digital SLR cameras.

8. The world’s first and greatest zoom power of 15X plus built-in VC mechanism achieved along with a remarkably slim maximum diameter of less than 80mmDesigning a lens with the world’s first and greatest zoom ratio of 15X inevitably entailed a larger travel distance of the components within the optical systems, but Tamron has successfully accommodated the optical system as well as the special VC mechanism in a remarkably compact and slim package by employing mechanical design technology accumulated over many years. The result: A slim design measuring less than 80mm in diameter despite the fact that it is an ultra high power zoom lens that incorporates a VC mechanism. Production engineering this unique zoom lens meant incorporating complex optical/mechanical components, and Tamron’s engineers had to employ innovative manufacturing techniques including methods of further enhancing accuracy, reducing weight, and increasing the strength of many components.

Note: In order to achieve the world’s first and greatest zoom ratio of 15X, metal mounts are used in both Canon- and Nikon-mount lenses.

9. Zoom lock mechanism for convenience in carrying the outfit
The lens has a built-in zoom lock mechanism to prevent its barrel from sliding forward when the lens is being carried on the camera.

10. Flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory
The lens is supplied with a flower-shaped lens hood as a standard accessory. It is designed to efficiently cut harmful light entering at angles other than intended angles at all four corners of the frame. This ensures clear, flare-free images.

11. New outer design matches the newest generation high power zoom lens in the digital era

• The lens employs a new outer design that is more refined and smoother in its overall contours by minimizing concavity, convexity, and variations in profile in order to match the latest digital SLR cameras.
• A gold-colored metal ring is placed at a key portion of the lens as used in other Di II lenses. The “TAMRON” logo placed in the center portion of the lens enhances visibility of the brand while refining the overall design.
• Delicate matte finish is added to the black painting over the lens barrel in order to enhance the high quality appearance of the lens.
• The textured rubber pattern of the zoom and focus control rings has been improved again to a more pronounced, easy to grasp design than the conventional rubber pattern, for better feel and touch in manipulating the lens.

1 “The world’s longest zoom range” and “world’s first” are statements that apply to interchangeable lens exclusively designed for digital SLR cameras equipped with APS-C sized image sensors, as of June 2008, according to Tamron’s survey.

2 Di (Digitally integrated) II lenses employ optical systems designed for exclusive use on digital SLR cameras equipped with smaller sized (APS-C sized) image sensors. Di II lenses are not designed for use with 35mm film cameras or digital SLR cameras with image sensors larger than 24mm x 16mm. (This special note “APS-C sized image sensors” is hereinafter omitted.)

3 Tamron’s conversion value is 1.55X

4 A format covered by an APS-C sized image sensor is smaller than that of 35mm format film. Therefore, this lens is capable of filling the frame by capturing an area that is almost the same as an area covered by a lens designed for the 35mm format and providing the maximum magnification ratio of 1:2.3.

From Nikon’s Website

The following information pertains to the D3 digital-SLR camera buffer memory expansion service. When buffer memory is expanded, the number of shots possible with a single burst of continuous shooting is increased. This increase in shooting performance will expand the range of shooting possibilities. See the chart below for more details.

Fee and Return
The cost is $500.00 plus your state tax. Customer is responsible for all shipping costs. Please allow up to two weeks time for the Buffer Memory Expansion service; should more time be required, the user will be informed.

Taking advantage of the buffer memory expansion service
Requests for Buffer Memory Expansion service will be accepted beginning July 30, 2008. Before sending your camera, please note all of your settings as this service will reset the camera to the original, default settings. This service will only be performed by Nikon Inc. service facilities in Melville or El Segundo.

Shipping your D3 to a Nikon service facility
To submit your D3 for this enhancement, please view this link http://form.nikonimagesvcapprove.com and fill in the attached service document. Indicate the item is a “Digital SLR”, select “D3″ on the drop down list, enter your serial number, and indicate “Buffer Upgrade” under the problem description field. This service form will provide you with a print-out for reference and an address label to use on the shipping box. It also automatically chooses which service facility is closest to your location. If there are any additional questions, please call 1-800-645-6687.