To coincide with Nikon?s announcement of the D80 SLR, the manufacturer has also unveiled a new AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED telephoto lens.
The lens features Nikon?s Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and enhanced Vibration Reduction (VRII). Optics have also been perfected for use with both Nikon DX format digital and 35mm film SLR cameras.
The Zoom-Nikkor lens offers 70-300mm (4.3x) zoom performance, and is targeted at sports, nature and wildlife photographers. When used with a Nikon DX format digital SLR, the picture angle is equivalent to what would be experienced with a 105-450mm lens on a 35mm.
Nikon claims its new Vibration Reduction (VRII) system will enable users to take substantially sharper handheld pictures at slower shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower than would otherwise be possible. For VR shooting, users can select two VR modes to suit shooting conditions. Normal Mode primarily reduces camera shake in handheld shooting, detecting panning automatically. Active Mode can compensate for vibration when shooting from, for example, a moving vehicle.
The lens also incorporates a Silent Wave Motor, which aims to ptrovide fast and precise autofocusing with quieter operation.
Together with the jointly announced AF-S DX 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens, the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED gives Nikon digital SLR owners a focal-length range from a wide 18mm to telephoto 300mm (the picture angle is equivalent to 27mm to 450mm of 35mm format) .
The lens is expected to retail for £399, full specifications are shown below.

SUMMARY OF KEY FEATURES
Focal Length: 70-300mm
(Picture angle when used with Nikon DX format digital SLRs is equivalent to a 105-450mm on a 35mm format SLR)
Maximum aperture: f/4.5-5.6
Minimum aperture: f/32-40
Lens construction: 17 elements in 12 groups (two ED glass Elements)
Picture angle: 34°20? – 8°10? (22°50? – 5°20? with Nikon DX Format)
Minimum focus range: 1.5m (4.9 ft.) (Through the entire zoom range
Attachment size: 67mm
Dimensions: 80 x 143.5mm (3.1 x 5.6 in.)
Weight: 725g (26.3 oz)
Included accessories: 67mm Snap-on front lens cap (LC-67), Rear lens cap, (LF-1), Bayonet hood (HB-36), Flexible lens pouch (CL-1022)
Optional accessories: 67mm screw-in filters

For more information, visit www.nikon.co.uk