Nikon unveils AF-S DX Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR lens

Nikon has announced the new AF-S DX Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR lens for DSLR cameras with APS-C sensors in a compact and lightweight body.

The rumor mill has recently revealed that Nikon is working on a new 18-300mm lens. At first it was believed that it would be aimed at 1 system mirrorless cameras, but new evidence pointed out the fact that it will be aimed at DX-format DSLRs.

After these details had become available, it was believed that the new model would replace the current one. However, it seems like nobody is replacing anything, as the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR lens is not as fully-featured as the current model, instead using lightness as its trump card.

Nikon announces lightweight AF-S DX Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR lens

AF-S DX Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR is a new lens announced by Nikon as a lighter, cheaper, and more compact version of the current 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6 model.

Nikon says that the new AF-S DX Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR is a versatile lens thanks to its 16.7x optical zoom. The product will offer a 35mm equivalent of 27-450mm, thus allowing users to get very close to the action whether they are shooting sports, wildlife, or their vacation.

This is an all-in-one solution for photographers and videographers, as the Silent Wave Motor is powering the focus drive. Additionally, the three aspherical elements and the trio of ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) elements are providing superior optical quality.

As stated above, the new model does not replace the old one. It is one thirds of a stop slower and does not feature a depth of field scale. However, its main advantage is the weight and size, being about 30% lighter than the original version.

Users who do not mind the weight of the 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G lens can go for that one as it offers a faster maximum aperture at 300mm, while people who travel a lot and need to shed some weight should definitely go for the new Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR lens.

VR technology stabilizes the camera, older model will remain in production and on sale

The internal design of the Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR lens consists of 16 elements divided into 12 groups. The lens comes with built-in Vibration Reduction technology, stabilizing the camera – a useful thing when zooming in at telephoto focal lengths.

Its maximum magnification stands at 0.32x while the minimum focusing stands is 48 centimeters or 18.9-inches.

As for the exact dimensions, the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR lens measures 99mm / 3.9-inches in length, 79mm / 3.11-inches in diameter, and offers a 67mm filter thread. The total weight is 550 grams, about 260 grams lighter than the f/3.5-5.6G versions.

Nikon has confirmed that the optic will be released in May for $899.95 and that it is already available for pre-order at Amazon, while the f/3.5-5.6G model can be purchased for a price a little under $1,000.