Nikon 70-300mm AF-S VR

[Andy]

With the fanfare surrounding today's announcement on the Nikon D80, the dual announcement of the Nikon 70-300mm AF-S VR lens got overlooked by many.

We knew it was coming, but it is official now. 70-300mm has always been a popular zoom but Nikon has been losing a ton of sales to Sigma over the last few years (the 'ED' version wasn't that good, the Sigma APO Macro cheaper and better in may ways).

With AF-S and VR, this lens could stop the rot.

F-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED Major Features

• 4.3x, 70-300mm telephoto zoom (picture angle, when used with Nikon DX format digital SLRs is equivalent to a 105-450mm on a 35mm format SLR).
• The VRII minimizes camera shake by offering the equivalent of a shutter speed 4 stops* faster. Normal and Active modes are available.
• Two ED glass elements minimize chromatic aberration in the entire zoom range while ensuring high resolution and contrast. Outstanding Nikkor optical performance makes it suitable for photography with both Nikon digital and 35mm film SLR cameras.
• The Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables fast and quiet autofocusing, and quick switching between autofocus and manual operation.
• Two focus modes are available — M/A and M
• The Internal Focus (IF) design provides a constant lens length and eliminates rotation of the front lens element, facilitating the use of circular polarizing filters.
• The nine-blade rounded diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural.
• A flower-shaped bayonet hood is provided.
• ø62mm filter attachment size

cheers,
Andy

[Nigel G]

Originally Posted by Andy

With AF-S and VR, this lens could stop the rot.

Andy

Ah Yes - but will it be available. The 18-200 that came out with the D200 still seems almost impossible to get hold of.

[Andy]

Originally Posted by Nigel G

The 18-200 that came out with the D200 still seems almost impossible to get hold of.

Loads on ebay, though I suspect many are just perpetually changing hands between speculators

Yeah, Nikon has a terrible supply problem, the 70-300 VR is supposedly available from October.

[Leif]

Originally Posted by Andy

Loads on ebay, though I suspect many are just perpetually changing hands between speculators

Yeah, Nikon has a terrible supply problem, the 70-300 VR is supposedly available from October.

From discussions on other forums it looks like Canon have supply problems too. I reckon they are selling more kit than expected.

I hope the is as good as it seems. A nice light decent telephoto zoom is just what I want. The current consumer 70-200 and 70-300 zooms are all so-so according to reviews.

Leif