Nikon(R) Introduces the 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor Lens

  New Lens Offers Enhanced Nikon VR (VRII) Vibration Reduction System in a
   Compact, 4.3x Zoom Lens for Nikon DX Format Digital and 35mm Film SLR
                                  Cameras

    MELVILLE, N.Y., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikon Inc.
(http://www.nikondigital.com) today introduced the new 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G
ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor lens, a 4.3x zoom lens that is ideal for
telephoto shooting opportunities. It incorporates many of Nikon's most
advanced lens design attributes such as Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass,
Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM) and Enhanced Vibration Reduction (VR
II), in a design engineered for use with both Nikon DX format digital and
35mm film SLR cameras. With a high-powered 70-300mm focal length range, the
lens is ideal for sports, action, wildlife, travel and portrait
photography, among other telephoto applications. When used on a Nikon DX
format digital SLR, this lens approximates the picture angle performance of
a 105-450mm lens on a 35mm SLR camera.
    "Nikon's range of Nikkor lenses with Vibration Reduction technology has
grown substantially and the new 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR
Zoom-Nikkor lens is another excellent addition, offering both Nikon digital
and 35mm SLR photographers an advanced high-powered zoom lens in a
surprisingly compact, lightweight design," said Edward Fasano, general
manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products, at Nikon Inc. "High quality
lens design requires a challenging blend of art, science and, of course,
photographic experience. With the new 70-300mm AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor, Nikon
engineers have again met that challenge, producing a lens whose optical
performance delivers clarity and contrast typically found only in lenses
costing substantially more," he added.
    Beyond the lens' incredible optical versatility is the benefit of
Enhanced VR II Vibration Reduction -- an innovation that makes it possible
to take substantially sharper handheld pictures at slower shutter speeds
than would otherwise be possible. This provides the distinct advantage of
being able to shoot more effectively in a much broader variety of
challenging conditions. With the new Nikon VR II advantage, users can take
pictures at shutter speeds as many as 4 stops slower* than they ordinarily
could shoot without the image degrading blur associated with camera shake
at slow shutter speeds. Nikon's advanced VR technology further enhances
picture taking potential with a choice of two modes to match most shooting
conditions. VR Normal Mode primarily compensates for camera shake, and
includes automatic panning detection, as well as automatic tripod
detection. VR Active Mode effectively compensates for vibration in
situations where it is more pronounced and more frequent, such as when
shooting from a moving vehicle.
    To further ensure outstanding optical performance, the 70-300mm
f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor features two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED)
glass elements and three complex aspherical lens elements that provide for
higher resolution, high-contrast images while minimizing chromatic
aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion. The lens also
features Nikon's compact Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM), which combines
fast and precise autofocusing with super-quiet operation, as well as
Internal Focusing (IF) construction that allows the lens to focus without
changing its external size, improving balance and handling characteristics.
    The 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor lens will be
available beginning October 2006 with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail
Price of $669.00**. For more information about Nikon and Nikkor optics,
please visit http://www.nikondigital.com.
    About Nikon
    Nikon, At the Heart of the Image(TM). 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 the Nikon Total Imaging System of
consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights
and System Accessories; Nikon Coolpix(R) compact digital cameras;
Coolscan(R) digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software
products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every
Nikon camera is Nikon's Exclusive Feature System, making it easy for anyone
to take amazing digital pictures. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative(TM),
the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced
photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational
programs, events and workshops. 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.
    ** Manufacturers Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) are for reference only.
Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

SOURCE Nikon Inc.