New Gear: Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-140mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens and SB-300 Flash
Some new options for mid-level Nikon shooters
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For some time, the 18-135mm has been a familiar focal range for mid-level zoom lenses, but Nikon has taken it just a little further with the 18-140mm AF-S DX Nikkor F/3.5-5.6G ED VR.
The new lens is made for APS-C DSLRs (DX format) and has revamped VR that promises up to four stops of stabilization according to the new, more stringent standards. It has a seven-blade diaphragm and a built-in silent-wave motor for quiet focusing.
When it arrives later this month, it will cost $599, which makes it a likely upgrade option from the standard kit lens.
Also new is the SB-300 Speedlight, which is priced at just $149 and is designed for use with DSLRs as well as Nikon’s advanced compacts like the CoolPix A. It’s powered by a pair of AAA batteries and it has a wide coverage area to accommodate wide-angle lenses on APS-C cameras. You can also tilt the head up 120-degrees four bounce. flash controls are handled by on-camera menus, so the actual flash design is kept pretty simple.
Like the 18-140mm lens, the SB-300 should arrive later this month. We’re eager to get our hands on both and take them for test drives.
Full press releases below:
MELVILLE, N.Y. (August 6, 2013) – **Today, Nikon Inc. announced the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR **lens and the compact SB-300 Speedlight, both versatile and exciting tools to help capture amazing images and HD video. Ideal for shooting everything from portraits to landscapes, the 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR presents a great zoom lens option for DX-format D-SLR users. Sporting Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization, users will be able to capture sharp handheld photos and videos in a variety of shooting scenarios. The SB-300 provides a compact and easy-to-use adjustable Speedlight option for photographers who want to explore creative lighting at an affordable price point.
“Nikon’s system accessories are designed to let the user capture their memories in vibrant detail and tell compelling stories through imagery and HD video,” said Bo Kajiwara, Vice President of Marketing, Planning and Customer Experience, Nikon Inc. “While the new 18-140mm lens** **presents a versatile and powerful lens option for DX-format shooters, the SB-300 Speedlight introduces the benefits of flash photography to a wide range of users, specifically those who use either Advanced Performance COOLPIX or D-SLR cameras.”
The 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR: A Versatile Zoom Lens for DX-Format Shooters
A valuable and practical asset for everyday photographers and enthusiasts, Nikon’s newest lens features a 7.8x zoom range that helps capture beautiful images and HD video from a variety of focal lengths. Whether shooting portraits, landscapes, travel or architecture, the 18-140mm offering** **delivers astounding image quality when shooting wide-angle or far-away telephoto. Equipped with VR image stabilization, the lens also features four stops* of VR image stabilization, helping to ensure sharp photos and video even in low-light situations or while handheld.
The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens is built upon core NIKKOR technologies designed to render photos and HD video with the utmost clarity and color reproduction. Constructed with one ED glass element and one aspheric lens element, the 18-140mm lens sports a seven-blade diaphragm for natural image blur and a Silent Wave Motor (SVM) that provides quiet and precise AF operation. Additionally, photographers can operate the lens using one of two focus modes, M/A (AF with manual override) and M (manual) for complete control.
The**** ****SB-300: Illuminate Creative Possibilities
The SB-300 Speedlight is small enough to fit comfortably into a shirt pocket yet it is built for the user looking to take flash photography to the next level. Providing more power and coverage than a built-in flash, the versatile and portable SB-300** **is a simple and valuable lighting accessory compatible with both Nikon D-SLR and Advanced Performance COOLPIX cameras. This new Speedlight covers a wide-angle 18mm in DX-format and operates via simple on-camera controls, making it easy for beginner photographers to use light to their advantage.
The SB-300** tilts up 120 degrees, allowing for the use of creative bounce flash to soften shadows and diffuse the flash, resulting in more flattering portraits and even exposures. For additional convenience, the firmware is upgradable through supporting D-SLRs, and this Speedlight is powered by two AAA batteries. Additionally, the SB-300 **features thermal cut-out protection to prevent overheating when capturing rapid flash images in succession.
Price and Availability
The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR** lens **will be available in late August 2013 for suggested retail price (SRP) of $599.95**. The SB-300 will also be available in late August 2013 for a suggested retail price (SRP) of $149.95**. For more information on NIKKOR lenses and accessories as well as other Nikon products, please visit HYPERLINK “http://www.nikonusa.com/” www.nikonusa.com.
