dSLR Dad

Nikon has unveiled a few new lenses for PMA 2008. Their final introduction is the new PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED, PC (Perspective Control) lens.This lens employs a tilt/shift mechanism that allows you to manipulate image perspective,distortion, and focus in camera. This lens is perfect for the Landscape and Architecture dSLR Dad.

PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED Major Features

• Wide shifting and tilting range (shift: ±11.5 mm; tilt: ±8.5°)
• ±90° lens revolving capability for versatile tilt/shift effects
• Maximum reproduction ratio of 1/2.7 (at 0.21 m/0.7 ft.)
• Three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements for superior sharpness and color correction by effectively minimizing chromatic aberration
• Three aspherical lens elements minimize various types of lens aberration
• Nano Crystal Coat virtually eliminates internal lens element reflections, effectively reducing ghosting and flare
• High-performance Nikon Super Integrated Coating delivers superior color reproduction while substantially reducing ghosting and flare
• Rounded 9-blade diaphragm for more natural appearance of out-of-focus image elements
• Lens aperture can be preset by using aperture ring and aperture stop-down button
• With the Nikon D3 and D300, auto aperture control with electromagnetic diaphragm is possible

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Nikon has unveiled a few new lenses for PMA 2008. The second is their new AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens. This is a great focal length for any dSLR Dad. Of particular note is the 16mm wide angle, which makes for a very nice 24mm full frame equivalent. The inclusion of Vibration Reduction II image stabilization claims a 4 stop benefit in slower shutter speeds. The rounded 7-blade aperture should also help to blur out-of-focus background elements. All-in-all, this looks like a very solid offering from Nikon.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Major Features (more…)

Leaving everyone to wonder why it just wasn’t called the D40x Mark II

We are hitting the final stretch before PMA 20008. Today, Nikon USA issued their flood of Press Releases. The headliner for all of you dSLR Dads is the new D60. This is an update (although, a somewhat minor update) to the very popular Nikon D40X. Key features and “upgrades” include:

• Same 10.2 megapixel CCD sensor.
• Advanced 3-D Color Matrix Metering II with EXPEED image processor.
• New dual dust reduction countermeasures.
• Eye Sensor that turns the 2.5-inch (that’s right, still 2.5 inches) color LCD monitor on and off automatically. This is the same functionality as Canon Digital Rebel XSI and XTi.
• Stop-Motion Movie mode that enables users to create stop-animation movie clips from a series of as many as 100 consecutive JPEG picture files.
• Customizable LCD monitor user interface with in-camera editing tools.
• Supports Eye-Fi memory card functionality, enabling the convenient wireless transfer of images from the D60 to a computer, when using Eye-Fi Wireless SD Memory Cards.
• Kit will be packaged with the 3x zoom 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Lens
• Available in February 2008.  Order now at B&H Photo. (more…)

Nikon has unveiled a few new lenses for PMA 2008. The first is their new 60mm AF-S Micro(Macro or close-up for all of you non-Nikon dSLR Dads) lens. This is an interesting market reponse to Canon’s excellent EF-S 60mm f/2.8 Macro USM dSLR-only Lens, since it can be used on both full frame and APS-C sized dSLR cameras.

The following is an unedited press release: (more…)

This is for all of you wide angle dSLR Dads. Photozone has just reviewed Nikon’s brand new full frame, 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor Wide Angle Zoom Lens (available at Amazon, and B&H Photo). And it seems like Photozone (which is a great site by the way) liked it:

The Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED N is a phenomenal lens. It is the sharpest ultra-wide angle lens tested to date. The resolution figures are simply stunning and unprecedented (more…)

It was out for a while, but Nikon’s new D300 with the Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom Lens is now back in stock at Amazon as a kit. A note of caution to you potential D300 dSLR Dads: the price seems to fluctuate wildly on this one (no matter where you shop). In fact, it has stayed at the expected street price of $1800 only briefly during the past month. Before you buy, make sure that the kit price is cheaper than buying the lens. (more…)

I love this site. If you have never visited PhotoZone, head over there now. They have posted their review of the new Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor Zoom Lens (available at Amazon and B&H Photo). Nikon announced this lens earlier this fall along with the D3 and D300.

The Nikkor AF-S 24-70mm f/2.8G ED exceeds the already very good performance of its predecessor. The center quality is nothing short of outstanding matching or beating the resolution of a 10mp APS-C sensor. (more…)

Amazon has the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Nikkor Zoom Lens available now for pre-order. Makes a pretty good combo with the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for under $400. You can check it out over at the dSLR Dad Amazon Store.