Nikon’s New 18-105mm Lens

August 27, 2008: Coinciding with the launch of the D90, Nikon has released details of a new AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR zoom lens with built-in Silent Wave Motor and Vibration Reduction.
Designed for use with both DX-format and FX-format Nikon DSLRs, the new 5.8x zoom lens covers a picture angle is equivalent to 27 to 157.5mm in 35mm format, when mounted on a DX-format camera. The compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) built into the lens body ensures fast, quiet and accurate autofocusing, while the VR (Vibration Reduction) function, which is specifically engineered for each Nikkor lens, gives photographers the ability to shoot handheld at shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible. The VR function also stabilises the camera’s viewfinder image, making composition easier and more comfortable.

The new AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR zoom lens.
The new lens boasts a high-performance optical system that includes an ED glass element and an aspherical lens element (see specifications below). A rounded 7-blade diaphragm renders out-of-focus elements more naturally. Supplied accessories include a 67mm snap-on front lens cap (LC-67), Rear lens cap (LF-1), Bayonet hood (HB-32) and Flexible lens pouch (CL-1018). The new lens is scheduled to go on sale in mid-September. Pricing has still to be determined.

Focal length: 18-105mm
Maximum aperture: f/3.5-5.6
Minimum aperture: f/22-38
Lens construction: 15 elements in 11 groups (with one ED glass element and one aspherical lens element)
Picture angle: 76 ° – 15 °20′
Closest focus distance: 0.45 m (throughout entire zoom range)
Maximum reproduction ratio: 0.2x (1/5)
No. of diaphragm blades: 7 (rounded)
Filter attachment size: 67mm
Focusing: Internal autofocus with built-in SWM and manual focus
Diameter x length: Approx. 76 x 89 mm
Weight: Approx. 420 g