Nikon didn’t wait long to respond to Canon’s 18-55mm IS lens that was announced in August along with the Canon 40D. I would expect to see this lens in offered in kits with the likes the Nikon D40, D40x and a replacement to the Nikon D80 that could appear at PMA.

MELVILLE, N.Y. (November 19, 2007) – Nikon Inc. today introduced the new versatile AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens that offers Nikon’s proprietary Vibration Reduction (VR) technology to help consumers snap sharper photos than ever before, even while shooting handheld. Compact and lightweight, this affordable lens is an optimum lens to use with Nikon DX-format digital SLR cameras and is the ideal focal length as a “first lens” to faithfully capture life’s day-to-day moments, or a welcome addition to a Nikon D-SLR photographer’s already-established lens assortment.

From family gatherings to sunny vacation beaches, the NIKKOR 18-55mm VR lens produces stunning results with vivid color and incredible sharpness. The 3x optical zoom offers users of Nikon DX-format D-SLR cameras including the D40, D40x, D80 and new D300 with a versatile picture angle perspective ranging from wide angle for dramatic landscapes and interiors, to moderate telephoto that is ideal for flattering portraits.

Beyond the lens’ incredible optical versatility is the amazing benefit of Nikon’s VR technology, which enables photographers 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. Nikon’s VR system affords users the ability to take pictures at shutter speeds up to three stops slower* than they ordinarily could shoot without the image-degrading blur caused by camera shake at slow shutter speeds.

Like all NIKKOR lenses, the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens is engineered to exacting standards to meet the demanding needs of digital photography. This digitally optimized lens features hybrid aspherical elements to minimize chromatic aberration, while Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating reduces instances of lens flare and ghosting. The lens also features Nikon’s compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology for quiet, fast and accurate autofocus performance so no moment is missed.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR lens will be available beginning December 2007 at an estimated selling price of $199**.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. 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 consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Digital SLR cameras,” according to the latest J.D. Power and Associates 2007 Digital Camera Satisfaction Study. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated its 90th anniversary and announced the production of over 40 million NIKKOR SLR interchangeable lenses. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

*Under Nikon measurement conditions.
** Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
For J.D. Power and Associates award information go to jdpower.com

[tags]nikon, 18-55mm vr, lens, availability[/tags]