Ultra Cool Gadgets

AF Nikkor lenses work with Nikon SLRs for optimal performance, even the very latest. The Nikon 80-400mm f4.5-5.6D ED AF VR is a compact, lightweight 5x telephoto zoom with Vibration Reduction. VR operation offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed three stops (eight times) faster. VR is automatically detected during panning operation with two modes of VR: Image plane and Viewfinder. VR for the viewfinder is cancelable to conserve battery power. Three ED glass elements ensure superior optical performance and high contrast even at maximum apertures. Filter does not rotate during zooming. The nine-blade rounded diaphragm achieves a natural blur for out-of-focus elements.
D-type and G-type Nikkors relay subject-to-camera distance information to AF Nikon camera bodies. This then makes possible advances like 3D Matrix Metering and 3D Multi-Sensor Balanced Fill-Flash. Note: D-type and G-type Nikkors provide distance information to the following cameras: Auto exposure; F6, F5, F100, F90X, F80, F75, F70, F65, F60, F55, F50, Pronea S, Pronea 600i, D2 series, D1 series, D100 and D70s/D70. Flash control; F6, F5, F100, F90X, F80, F75, F70, D2 series, D1 series, D100, and D70s/D70 cameras.

Technical Details
- Compact, lightweight 5x telephoto zoom lens
- Vibration Reduction operation offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed three stops faster
- VR automatically detected during panning operation
- Three ED glass elements ensure superior optical performance
- Nine-blade rounded diaphragm achieves a natural blur for out-of-focus elements
- Maximum aperture: f4.5-5.6
- Minimum aperture: f32
- Closest focusing distance: 7.5 feet
- Maximum reproduction ratio: 1:4.8
- Zoom control: Manual, via separate zoom ring
- Attachment and filter size: 77 millimeters

Customer feedback:

1. Many photographers who purchase telephoto lenses wind up disappointed in their lenses’ performance; they achieve subpar results and then swear that the lens is “not sharp.” Some lenses indeed might not be optically outstanding, but even in these cases the major cause of soft images, particularly when camera and lens are handheld, is camera/lens shake. People routinely try to take highly magnified photos at shutter speeds that are simply too slow.
Nikon has come up with a (partial) solution to this problem through its innovative “vibration reduction” series of lenses. These optics are designed to compensate, at least partially, for the camera shake/movement that is inevitable when a lens is hand-held. According to Nikon, the VR mechanism adds two or more “stops” worth of steadiness, meaning that a 400mm. lens that previously might be adequately handheld at 1/500 second now will (often) produce good results at 1/125. Out in the field this can make the difference between a successful photo outing and a frustrating one.
Does this technology work, and is this 80-400mm. lens a good product overall? To both questions I offer a qualified “yes.” As long as one realizes that VR is not magic and has definite limitations, this feature is definitely worth paying some extra money for, particularly if one’s photographic style prevents the regular and disciplined use of a tripod. The other thing about VR to keep in mind is that since camera shake itself is variable, it’s a good idea always to take multiple photos to ensure that at least one of them is optimally sharp (a slow-mo record of how much one ‘vibrates’ while holding a camera would reveal that from instant to instant there is considerable variation).

2. This is a great lens and takes simply amazing pictures. The results are much better than what you will get with the “plain” 70-300 telephoto lens. That being said, there are a few things to consider.
a) the lens is expensive. It cost more than my D70 did…
b) the lens is HEAVY. When lugging this baby around, you know *something* is in that camera bag…
c) the focus is SLOW, particularly compared to the 70-300.
However, using the tripod mount as a “handle” (an awkward but effective use of the mounting bracket), I got some shots that simply blew me away given the amount of perceived camera shake. I do not have very steady hands (particularly with something so heavy) so the VR feature is invaluable.

Nikon is a precision optical company with worldwide manufacturing, research and marketing capabilities. The Nikon name is equated with extraordinary photographic performance, innovation, precision and optical quality.

This piece is a Clear optical glass; used as a lens protecto.

Customer feedback:

1. UV Filters are usually most people buy just mainly to protect the lens, so am I. I never picky about UV or NC filters, so I settled all my filters on Hoya (reason is I bought few of the Hoya special filters such as Circular Polarizer, and Star-8) and I used to love Hoya filters until a month ago.
I got myself a 2nd hand Nikkor 105mm VR Macro F2.8, the previous owner sold it to me together with the Nikon 62mm NC Filter attached. I was amazed by the clarity the Nikon NC Filter was. You can test it out by simply putting the filters on top of a piece of white paper to check the clarity. Hoya UV had a slight yellowish, else Nikon is clearly a winner.

2. recently bought the Nikon 12-24mm wideangle zoom lens and bought this UV filter to protect it. It is very thin and it does not make any difference in your field of view which is what you look for with a wideangle like this. I strongly recommend UV filters to protect lenses. The other day my wife accidentaly (that’s what she told me!!!) drop my Nikon D200 which had the Nikon 18-200 VR zoom lens. It was inside its bag but when I took it out to take a picture I heard a terrifying noise… broken glass. When I started to see what it was I saw the lens-cap inside the filter ring and it was so stucked that I had to unscrew the filter in order to check my lens. Fortunately the filter was the only thing broken. If that filter hadn’t been there the broken thing would have been my precious lens and a heart attack would had come later.
With your eyes closed protect your lenses with UV filters and I strongly recommend this one for any 77mm filter sized lens, even a wideangle.

An important addition to the DX Nikkor lens lineup, the first fisheye lens designed specifically for digital SLR photography is also the first to achieve a full-frame 180-degree picture angle. The ultra-wideangle focal length of 10.5mm brings digital camera users a picture angle equivalent to that of a 16mm fisheye lens on a 35mm [135] format camera.The lens is targeted at Nikon DX Format digital SLR camera users who seek the unique visual effects a full-frame fisheye lens lends to landscape and other shots, to taking close-ups, or when shooting within vehicles or other tight interiors.The AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED excels at shooting extreme close-ups. Combining a minimum focus distance of just 3cm (1.2 in.) from the front of the lens with Nikon’s Close-Range Correction (CC) System ensures sharp results.The new “Fisheye to Wideangle Transformation” function in the optional Nikon Capture 4 software package transforms diagonal fisheye images shot using the AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED to ultra-wideangle photos, (by transforming the type of projection).

Technical Details

* DX-Nikkor reduces the diameter of the lens’ image circle, allowing a range of lenses with practical size and excellent performance
* DX-Nikkor lenses offer compact and lightweight design, fast aperture and fast autofocus via NIKON’s Silent Wave Motor design
* 180 degree diagonal angle-of-view
* Close range focusing up to a near 5.5 inches
* Innnovative Close Range Correction ( CRC ) technology ensures consistently crisp, sharp images

Customer feedback:

1. A fantastic lens! I was hesitant to move into the digital realm, because any lens wide enough to still be wide on the DX sensor can be priced in the area of thousands of dollars. As an advanced amatuer, willing to spend money, but not in a position to have an economic return on the investment, anything more expensive then a single paycheck is beyond my means. But I bit the bullet, and bought the amazing Nikon D70. Lo, and behold, Nikon actually DIDN’T disappoint its customers (like so many other companies which make promises that never come to fruition). The new line-up of DX lenses are amazing.
In my opinion the sexiest of all the new DX Nikkor lenses is the 10.5mm Fisheye (not the most usefull, nor the strongest lens in the series, yet certainly the most interesting, and definitely the least expected). With its 180% field of view, and dramaticly cartoonish effect, I’m sure that many Nikon shooters, myself included will be having alot of fun, and getting alot of laughs at some of the great pictures we’ll be taking with this affordable piece of glass.

2. This really is a fabulous lens - I am relatively new to digital SLR photography, and have been slowly acquiring lenses over the past six months. Just added this to my camera bag, and I am impressed. First, the build quality is first-rate. The lens feels solid in the hand. This is a DX lens, so there is no aperture ring, and the result is a lens with very few moving parts and a clean, well put-together appearance. Second, the optics are very good - I don’t know much about pincushioning, but I do know that the quality of the image I get is #1. I have been experimenting by taking close-ups of my dogs, and I can’t get enough of the fisheye treatment.

Enjoy a wider angle of view with the Nikon 12-24mm autofocus zoom lens, which is optimized for Nikon digital SLR cameras. The lens offers such features as a 2x zoom ratio, an exclusive Silent Wave Monitor that allows for accurate and quiet high-speed autofocusing, two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for minimized chromatic aberration, and three aspherical lens elements for low distortion. Nikon’s D-type design, meanwhile, provides precise distant information for the flash and ambient light exposure processes. Perhaps the nicest feature, however, is the small image circle–the size of the image that’s projected by the lens onto the sensor–which produces an optimal image from the center to the edge to the corner. Other details include a variable angle of view from 99 degrees (at 12mm) to 61 degrees (at 24mm), a rounded diaphragm that makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural, and an 11.8-inch close focus distance throughout the zoom range.

Detailed specs:

* Focal length: 12-24mm
* Maximum aperture: f/4
* Picture angle (Nikon digital SLR): 99 to 61 degrees
* Lens construction: 11 elements in 7 groups
* Lens drive: Silent Wave Monitor
* Extra-Low Dispersion (ESD) lens: 2 elements
* Aspherical lens: 3 elements
* Focusing: Internal Focusing (IF) type
* Minimum shooting distance: 11.8 inches
* Maximum reproduction ratio: 1:8.3
* Minimum F stop: 22
* Aperture blades: 7 (rounded)
* Lens hood: HB-23 (included)
* Filter size: 77mm
* Included accessories: HB-23 hood, 77mm lens cap, rear cap
* Dimensions: 3.2 inches in diameter, 3.5 inches long
* Weight: 1.07 pounds

Customer Feedback:

1. First, the cons. If you haven’t already standardized on 77mm filters, then you’ll have to buy all-new ones to fit this lens. That’s an extra expense to keep in mind before you buy. The hood that comes with this lens doesn’t snap into place as snug as it should. Getting the lens in and out of your bag, you may find the hood jiggling loose. The dinky built-in flash on Nikon’s popular D70 body isn’t a good fit with this lens. From about 12-18mm, the flash/lens combination will leave a dark shadow at the bottom of the frame. If you plan on shooting indoors with a flash, plan on using the Nikon SB-600 or -800.
Optically, however, this lens is a dream. Typical wide-angle distortion at the extreme 12mm, but less than you might expect. You might find softness around the edges at 12mm wide-open, but otherwise this is one sharp lens. I recently took it to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs (shooting on a 6.1mpix D70 body), and was shocked at the detail even on not-so-close objects. This lens delivers.

2. I do not know about anyone else but I love this lens. I love landscape photography and this lens is one of the best tools to assist you with taking breath-taking shots that are sharp and beautiful with magnificent distance and depth. This is one of the best tools available to get real wide angle and depth if you are using an DSLR camera. I performed several days of research before purchasing this lens by surfing the net for reviews and reading articles written by professional photographers. 99% of them gave this lens a very high rating… and after using it myself I can see why. The results of my pictures are worth every hard-earned dollar I spent to buy this lens.

The D80 packs high performance and high resolution into a body that is more compact and slimmer than previous Nikon digital SLR cameras. Optimized to capture sharp details, the 10.2 effective megapixel CCD image sensor yields extraordinarily high-resolution images, providing plenty of freedom to crop creatively or print impressive enlargements. Consistently dependable exposure is the hallmark of Nikon’s exclusive 3D-Color Matrix Metering II. Refinements for the D80 include its inheriting the advanced exposure evaluation system from the Nikon D2Xs and D200 digital SLR cameras. Brightness, color, contrast, selected focus area and camera-to-subject distance information is evaluated, with the results referenced against the expansive onboard database of exposure data from over 30,000 actual photographic scenes, and the final exposure value calculated–instantly. Variable-size center-weighted metering is also available, as are a choice of 11 spot meters linked to each of the 11-area AF system’s area sensors.

Technical Details

* 10.2-megapixel CCD captures enough detail for large, photo-quality prints
* Body only; lens must be purchased separately
* 2.5-inch LCD display; power-up time of approximately 0.2 seconds
* RAW and JPEG capture; burst mode allows for capture of three frames per second for up to 100 pictures
* Image optimization functions and in-camera image retouching

Customer feedback:

1. The Nikon D80, destined to replace the popular D70 series, is a great camera for Nikon fans who wish to upgrade from their D50s, 70s or 100s. It’s also attractive enough to maybe get a few people to jump ship! 10.2 megapixel. A substantial upgrade from the 6mp of the older cameras, performance should be very comparable to the highly regarded D200 camera; 11-point AF system. Similar again to the D200 in performance (though not as easy to change); Large viewfinder (.94x magnification). Again, taken from the D200, this is a clear improvement over the previous cameras. Spec wise, this is also better than all the competition, even though other, personal preference factors need to be taken into consideration (such as layout of LCDs and focusing points).; 2.5″ LCD. Not only is it larger, it can also be viewed at a much wider angle–particularly handy when locked to a tripod.
2. The most obvious improvement in D80 over the D70s and D100 is the upgrade from 6.1 to 10.2 Megapixels–the same as its “Big Brother,” the D200 This is not a major issue for many users, as a 6.1 MP image (uncropped) looks essentially exactly the same as a 10.2 MP image. However, if the user intends to crop images in post-processing, the larger amount of resolution becomes important–the more megapixels the more detail when images are cropped. Shooters of wildlife, for example, will appreciate the additional resolution of the D80, as it is often necessary to photograph wildlife at a distance and then crop the image to cause the subject to dominate the frame.
The other very obvious D80 improvements are the larger viewfinder and larger rear-LCD. These are very welcome improvements, also borrowed from the D200. The viewfinder is wide, bright, and a literal joy to use. Combined with the 11-point autofocus system (basically the same as that of the D200 although with some differences in options) the viewfinder makes the D80 a powerhouse camera for moving subjects, or for framing the subject in places other than the center of the image.
The autofocus is fast and sure. I literally never use manual focus with the D80–the autofocus is just too good not to use for almost every conceivable situation.
The 2.5 inch rear LCD is bright and vivid–a joy to use. This too, as mentioned above, is borrowed from the D200. The menu selections in the D80 closely track those of the D200 and are largely pretty intuitive for anyone who is somewhat familiar with the Nikon system.

Nikon introduces the Speedlight SB-600, a compact flash packed with impressive functionality inherited from the renowned SB-800. It serves as a solid base for the Nikon Creative Lighting System when used in combination with Nikon D70 or D2H digital SLRs. When used in combination with Nikon’s latest digital SLRs, the D70 or D2H, the SB-600 supports Advanced Wireless Lighting as a remote Speedlight that can be positioned as one of multiple remote flashes to significantly extend creative possibilities. To assist in such situations, the Speedlight SB-600 also has two Ready Lights located on both the left and right of the front that can be easily seen from a distance. The SB-600 can also emit an audible alert for further assistance.
Major Features of the Nikon SB-600

* Supports the Nikon Creative Lighting System.
* Supports i-TTL (for automatic balanced Fill-Flash), D-TTL, TTL, Manual.
* Easy-to-view LCD with 6 simple-to-understand backlit buttons.
* Guide Number of 30/98 [ISO100,m/ft], 42/138 [ISO200,m/ft] (at 35mm zoom).
* Auto zoom of 24 to 85mm, extendable to 14mm with built-in wide-flash adapter.
* Same Wide area AF Assist Illuminator as the popular SB-800.
* Advanced Wireless Lighting available with D2H or D70 when used as a remote.
* Auto FP High-Speed Sync (with D2H only); use with fast shutter speeds achieves effective lurring of out-of-focus background elements.
* Flash Color Information - optimized white balance makes use of data from the Speedlight.
* FV lock holds flash value, enabling recomposition prior to shooting.
* Accurate i-TTL flash control achieved through flash exposure monitoring control.
* Design consistent with those of next-generation D-SLRs, with a triangular design element on the top that complements the D-SLR motif.
* Supports optional Color Filter Set (SJ-1).
* Ready light located beside the LCD on the back panel - highly visible even when used as a remote.

Customer feedback:

1. I did extensive research before purchasing the Nikon SB-600. I also found the Amazon price better than elsewhere.
Since my purchase, I have used the Speedlight Flash on numerous occasions. It works perfectly. I heartily commend the SB-600 to all who are seeking a reliable and economical flash for their Nikon cameras.
2. Anyone with a Nikon camera which supports TTL will certainly appreciate the convenience and easy of the SB-600 flash. As an amateur photographer I was looking for a flash that would work primarily in the automatic setting and produce great lighting results in a variety of environments. My D40x with this flash has produced some great photos that I never would have been able to capture with the onboard flash. If you are considering the SB-400 for your D40/D40x/D60 camera, spend the extra money and buy the SB-600. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed!

If You Already Have the Nikon D300, or if You are Thinking About Buying One, this Battery Grip Should be a Must Have on Your Accessory List. Not Only Does it Serve as a Secondary Reservoir of Power, Boosting The Continuous Shooting Speed of the D300 (Crucial For Professionals), But Also, and Really Non-The-Less Important, it Complements Both its Balance and Ergonomic “Hand-Holdability” so to Speak, Especially for Outdoors Where You Frequently Find Yourself Having to Shoot From Very Difficult Positions, Switching From Horizontal to Vertical Configuration as Well as Having To Hold Your System By Either Hand While Changing Your Camera Settings on-The-Fly…… Buy it Without Asking Too Many Questions.
If You’re a Pro Buying the D300 as your Main or Back up Camera, You’ll Definitely Need The Reserve Power and the Extra Hand-Hodability afforded By the Battery Grip. And If You are a Serious Amateur, The Same Principle Applies to You; You’ll Need the Extremely Important Hand-Holdability Factor and the Extra Balance that this Battery Grip Provides. And If you are Other than a Pro or a Serious Amateur, Then You’ll be Very Happy to Learn that This “Contraption” Adds a Lot to The Appearance of Your Camera, Which Will Distinguish You From The Rest of the Toy-Camera-Toting Crowd You are Trotting Along With, Pretending to Be a Photographer of Some Stature, With All Your Expensive Geer, Lenses and Gadgets That You Have Never Learnt What To Do With, Much Less How To Use! In This Case, an Extra Piece of Expensive Gear Should Make You Really, Very Proud!

Customer feedback:

1. I’ve used similar battery grips with the F100 and D100 and just like those cameras, I have come to really like the handling of the camera with the grip when you’re using large or heavy lenses (like the 17-35 and 70-200VR which I typically use). What is probably the best feature is the shutter release that’s placed on the end for vertical shots, once you get used to it you’ll wonder why every camera doesn’t have it. Others will comment on the ability to use AA batteries or to bump up the shooting rate (fps) with the higher power battery, while valuable those features aren’t as needed for my work. Likewise the joystick control duplicates the control on the back of the camera but adds better tactile touch. The shutter release is slightly lighter than that of the camera, but after the first few shots one gets accustomed to it quickly.
2. This is a great addition to my Nikon d300. It makes the camera look more professional and I can shoot portrait easily with its own release button. I attached this grip to my nikon d300 all the time with and use the AA batteries; I can shoot sports with 8fps.

The powerful, feature-packed D200 digital SLR camera delivers a high-precision, high-performance package and creates a new class of camera between entry-level and professional digital SLRs. The Nikon D200 combines the solid look and feel and advanced camera operation of Nikon’s D2 professional series with the approved user-friendliness and stunning image quality that are the hallmarks of all Nikon digital SLRs.
The D200 has been crafted to connect a range of newly developed Nikon technologies with advanced features inherited from the Nikon D2x, ensuring an ultimate shooting experience with exceptional and versatile imaging performance, high speed, and an instant response. The result is a blend of superb features, high-quality components, and fantastic results. This combination makes the D200 perfect for passionate, dedicated amateur photographers, business users in fields such as the police, dentistry and museums, and professionals or semi-professionals looking for a second camera to complement their Nikon D2x or D2Hs.

Technical Details

* 10.2-megapixel SLR captures enough detail for photo-quality enlargements or creative cropping
* Body only; lens must be purchased separately
* 2.5-inch LCD display; power-up time of approximately 0.15 seconds
* Five frame-per-second continuous shooting with a time lag of approximately 50 milliseconds
* Stores images on CF cards or Microdrive; powered by EN-EL3a or EN-EL3 rechargeable lithium-ion battery (includes EN-EL3a battery and charger)

Customer feedback:

1. We buy cameras to take a variety of different pictures and my choice was driven by my needs, so my review is going to be colored by the kinds of pictures I tend to take. My favorite pastime is landscape photography. For this, any of the three cameras will take great pictures. The 6 mega pixels on the N50 and N70 are more than enough to take great pictures - I’ve got a 20×30 poster of Yosemite’s Half Dome taken with a friend’s N70 that is as crisp as anything I’ve seen. Having 10mps gives me more room to play with when it comes time for cropping, though, and that’s always nice, but hardly a reason to shell out an extra grand.
My next favorite photography subject is my yellow lab, Happy. If he’s standing or sitting still, then all three of these cameras take excellent portrait shots. But when he’s moving, such as launching himself off the end of a pier to fetch a toy in the lake, the D200 really shines. Its 5fps burst mode takes perfect pictures. It focuses each shot and with its rich 25 picture buffer built into the camera, I’ve yet to fill it up. What this means is that it doesn’t matter what speed your memory card is. The camera takes its pictures and puts them into its buffer. Then a separate set of processors moves the picture from the buffer to your memory card. I would have to hold the button down for over 8 seconds before the burst mode would slow down (it would simply slow down to the speed of your memory card here - it wouldn’t stop taking pictures). This clarity of the pictures in burst mode is what made me choose the D200, and with the 18-70mm DX kit lens you’ll get some brilliant photos.
While all three cameras let you take great picture, the D200 makes it very easy to change the most often used settings. Picture quality (e.g. resolution and depth), White Balance and ISO can be changed by holding down a single button with your left hand and rotating the command dials with your right. This means you don’t have to take your eyes off of what you’re looking at through the viewfinder in order to change these settings, and I find myself changing at least one of these on almost every picture I take. To be sure, you can change them on the N50 and N70 as well, but just not as quickly or easily.

2. I just had the opportunity to use 2 nikon D200 cameras on a trip to Antarctica. All I can say is “wow”! I have been hesitant to make the move to digital due to the relatively low resolutions of the early amateur digital SLRs. The specs for the D200 caught my eye. Of particular interest were the 10.2 MP resolution, the magnesium body and the enhanced environmental sealing. In fairly adverse conditions the cameras performed flawlessly. Particularly notable were their ability to work in cold conditions, something I was concerned about at the beginning of the trip. While other people’s cameras were having battery issues in the cold, the D200 kept shoothing. The camera handles very well and is easy to shoot with. There is a bit of a learning curve to understand all the custom settings and menus. The good news is that most of the controls build off of familiar Nikon concepts so they are not hard to pick up. The output of the camera is amazing and while I have not had the chance to review my shots on anything but a laptop, the early returns are very positive.

A remote control for the situation where you love your camera, but realize the need for a remote control (a remote control helps in situations where you want to be at some distance from the camera, or want to take a self-portrait).

Technical Details

* Slim wireless remote instantly triggers shutter without disturbing camera
* Ideal for subjects that are difficult to approach or for minimizing vibrations
* Includes pouch
* For use with Nikon D70, N65, N75, F65, Pronea S, Nuvis S, Lite Touch 110s, and 130 ED cameras
* Also used as replacement or spare for Nikon Coolpix 8400 and 8800

Customer feedback:

1. It works well with a N75 and a Nikon Pronea APS SLR (my tests) and is compatible with several other Nikon cameras. The range is acceptable and it comes with batteries pre-installed. There is no documentation, but it is a no-brainer. It also comes with a little fabric case that you can thread through your camera neck strap for safekeeping. Nikon should really include this sub ten dollar part with their high end cameras. I am sure that most users would have appreciated it even if it added a little more in price to a D70.
2. This remote is one of the best accessories I have purchased for my camera gear. It is almost essential for anyone serious about their photography, as it eliminates camera shake caused by pressing the shutter release. I have also enjoyed it for travel, because I can mount the camera on a tripod and set the camera on the 2 sec. delay, and take a picture of my family without worrying about some stranger running off with my camera. I have also found that the remote will work at distances of over 60 ft! While I have yet to find a use for using the remote at such a distance, I still think it is pretty cool.

Enjoy a wider angle of view with the Nikon 12-24mm autofocus zoom lens, which is optimized for Nikon digital SLR cameras. The lens offers such features as a 2x zoom ratio, an exclusive Silent Wave Monitor that allows for accurate and quiet high-speed autofocusing, two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for minimized chromatic aberration, and three aspherical lens elements for low distortion. Nikon’s D-type design, meanwhile, provides precise distant information for the flash and ambient light exposure processes. Perhaps the nicest feature, however, is the small image circle–the size of the image that’s projected by the lens onto the sensor–which produces an optimal image from the center to the edge to the corner. Other details include a variable angle of view from 99 degrees (at 12mm) to 61 degrees (at 24mm), a rounded diaphragm that makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural, and an 11.8-inch close focus distance throughout the zoom range. All Nikon lenses carry a five-year warranty.
* Focal length: 12-24mm
* Maximum aperture: f/4
* Picture angle (Nikon digital SLR): 99 to 61 degrees
* Lens construction: 11 elements in 7 groups
* Lens drive: Silent Wave Monitor
* Extra-Low Dispersion (ESD) lens: 2 elements
* Aspherical lens: 3 elements
* Focusing: Internal Focusing (IF) type
* Minimum shooting distance: 11.8 inches
* Maximum reproduction ratio: 1:8.3
* Minimum F stop: 22
* Aperture blades: 7 (rounded)
* Lens hood: HB-23 (included)
* Filter size: 77mm
* Included accessories: HB-23 hood, 77mm lens cap, rear cap
* Dimensions: 3.2 inches in diameter, 3.5 inches long
* Weight: 1.07 pounds

Customer feedback:

1. Is it worth a grand? Oh my yes.
First, the cons. If you haven’t already standardized on 77mm filters, then you’ll have to buy all-new ones to fit this lens. That’s an extra expense to keep in mind before you buy. The hood that comes with this lens doesn’t snap into place as snug as it should. Getting the lens in and out of your bag, you may find the hood jiggling loose. The dinky built-in flash on Nikon’s popular D70 body isn’t a good fit with this lens. From about 12-18mm, the flash/lens combination will leave a dark shadow at the bottom of the frame. If you plan on shooting indoors with a flash, plan on using the Nikon SB-600 or -800.
Optically, however, this lens is a dream. Typical wide-angle distortion at the extreme 12mm, but less than you might expect. You might find softness around the edges at 12mm wide-open, but otherwise this is one sharp lens. I recently took it to Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs (shooting on a 6.1mpix D70 body), and was shocked at the detail even on not-so-close objects. This lens delivers. And that’s the whole point: It delivers what you can’t get anywhere else for DSLR work. For that, most any price is cheap.

2. I performed several days of research before purchasing this lens by surfing the net for reviews and reading articles written by professional photographers. 99% of them gave this lens a very high rating… and after using it myself I can see why. The results of my pictures are worth every hard-earned dollar I spent to buy this lens. I purchased the Nikon D-70 camera and set the intent after spending that much for a camera I deserved great lenses to produce pictures that are inspirational and joyful to view. I am not a professional photographer; I am a serious student of photography who appreciates the art form.
Not everyone will have a need for this lens; however, for those of you who want to expand your tools and you want the best and can afford it, “go for it!’ If you want to read some professional reviews visit Nikonlinks.com and kenrockwell.com