Nikon(R) Introduces New 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens

    MELVILLE, N.Y., Aug. 9 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikon(R) (http://www.nikondigital.com)
today introduced the versatile, affordable new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens, further expanding Nikon's successful line of DX
Nikkor lenses, engineered for use exclusively with Nikon's DX format
digital SLR cameras. Developed for use with all Nikon D-series digital SLR
Cameras, the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX lens will be included as the
compact, lightweight 7.5x zoom lens in the recently announced Nikon D80(TM)
10.2-megapixel digital SLR camera Outfit.
    The 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX has a broad focal length range
(providing picture angle performance approximating a 28-200mm lens on a
35mm film SLR camera) that is suitable for a wide variety of shooting
situations, ranging from wide-angle landscapes to portraits, recreational
sports, action and close-ups. This new lens offers a selection of Nikon's
highly regarded technologies such as compact Silent Wave motor (AF-S) for
super fast and quiet autofocus operation, Extra-Low Dispersion glass (ED)
for minimized chromatic aberrations, and Internal Focusing (IF) for
convenient and balanced handling.
    "The new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX is an excellent,
all-encompassing lens that can be an ideal companion to any Nikon digital
SLR camera, especially the recently announced D80," said Edward Fasano,
general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. "The
18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX demonstrates remarkable optical
performance along with wonderful compactness," he added.
    Designed exclusively for use with DX Format digital SLR cameras, DX
Nikkor lenses deliver a versatile range of angle-of-view, higher
performance, and outstanding center-to-edge-to-corner image quality, while
making possible smaller and lighter designs.
    The 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX lens will be available beginning
September 2006 for a suggested retail price of $485. The lens will also be
sold packaged with the recently announced D80 10.2-megapixel digital SLR
camera. The packaged outfit will have an estimated street price of
$1299.95*, offering photographers substantial savings when purchased
together.
    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.
    * Estimated selling prices listed are only an estimate. Actual prices
are
    set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

SOURCE Nikon