Nikon is adding three news lenses to its F-mount Nikkor library, one of which is priced at a level that mere mortals can afford: a new premium zoom lens for DX (APS-C) Nikon SLRs.

The AF-S DX Nikkor 16-80mm f/2.8-4E ED VR offers a serious upgrade over a typical kit lens in terms of coverage and light-gathering capability. Its angle of view is equivalent to a 24-120mm zoom on a full-frame camera, and its 1.2-foot minimum focus distance delivers 1:4.5 macro magnification at the telephoto end of its range.

The 16-80mm measures 3.3 by 3.1 inches (HD) and weighs just over a pound. It uses 72mm front filters and its aperture is a 7-blade design. The vibration reduction system is rated for four stops of stabilization, and there is a tripod VR mode available to minimize vibration even when you're shooting from a support system. The front and rear elements have a fluorine coat for extra protection, and the lens uses Nikon's Nano Crystal Coat to minimize flare and ghosts.



Photographers with very old Nikon SLRs should take note of the E in the lens name; it means that the aperture is electronically controlled. This allows for more consistent exposure when shooting in continuous drive mode.You'll need to own a D3000, D5000, or D7000 series, or a D300 DX SLR to use the lens.



The 16-80mm is priced at $1,149.95 and will go on sale on July 16.

The other two lenses are lighter versions of existing telephoto primes. The AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4 E FL ED VR and AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4 E FL ED VR come in at 2 and 2.8 pounds lighter than their existing counterparts, respectively. Both offer improved autofocus speed, four stops of vibration reduction, Nano Crystal Coat, a tripod collar with ball bearings for smooth operation, and magnesium alloy construction.



Both lenses feature the same electronic aperture control system that's found in the 16-80mm, with the same restrictions when used with DX bodies. However, they'll work fine with any FX Nikon SLR, even the D3.



The 500mm lens is priced at $10,999.95 and the 600mm at $13,499.95. Both go on sale on July 16.



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