

Nikon announced two new DX lenses (I reported on that rumor last month). The new AF-P stands for "fast and quiet AF with adoption of a stepping motor for AF drive operation":

"The AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR accelerates phase-detection AF speeds by approximately 10 times and contrast-detection AF speeds by approximately 3.5 times. With a 25% reduction in noise within the AF drive, this lens is great for shooting stills and even better for videos." (source: Nikon Asia)

Few sample pictures can be found here.

Additional information:

Lens design:



MTF chart:



Technical specifications:

Type: F-mount, Type G AF-P DX lens with built-in CPU and F mount

Format: DX

Focal length: 18–, 55mm

Maximum aperture: f/3.5, to5.6

Minimum aperture: f/22, to38

Lens construction: 12elements in, 9groups, (2 aspherical lens elements)

Angle of view: 76° to 28° 50'

Minimum focus distance: 0.25m (0.9ft), from focal plane at all zoom positions

VR (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization: Yes

No. of diaphragm blades: 7 (rounded diaphragm opening)

Diaphragm: Fully automatic

Metering: Full aperture

Filter-attachment size: 55mm, (P = 0.75 mm)

Dimensions: Approx. 64.5 mm maximum diameter x 62.5 mm (distance from camera lens mount flange)

Weight: Approx.205g (7.3 oz.)

Autofocus: Yes

AF-S (Silent Wave Motor): Yes

Internal focusing: Yes

Focus mode: Manual/Auto

Focus distance indicator: Yes

Focal length scale: Graduated in millimeters (18, 24, 35, 45, 55)

Zoom: Manual zoom using independent zoom ring

Supplied accessories: 55 mm snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-55A Rear Lens Cap

G-type: Yes

Press release:

TOKYO - Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G, two normal zoom lenses compatible with Nikon DX-format digital SLR cameras.

The AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G are 3.1x normal zoom lenses covering the 18-55mm range of focal lengths (effective angles of view equivalent to those of a lens with 27-82.5mm focal lengths in FX and 35mm [135] formats). They are the first "AF-P" lenses for Nikon digital SLR cameras, utilizing stepping motors to drive AF for fast and quiet autofocusing. In addition, they have a compact and lightweight design for which retractable barrels were adopted for excellent portability, and the use of two aspherical lens elements has resulted in superior optical performance with which various types of aberration, including distortion and spherical aberration, are effectively suppressed. The AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is also equipped with a vibration reduction (VR) mechanism offering camera shake compensation equivalent to a 4.0-stop* (with testing in accordance with CIPA standards) increase in shutter speed.

The combination of superior AF performance and excellent agility afforded by these lenses makes them perfect for those ready to try their hand at full-scale photography with a digital SLR camera.

*At the maximum telephoto position when a digital SLR camera equipped with an APS-C size image sensor is used.

AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G primary features:

"AF-P" lenses that achieve fast and quiet AF with adoption of a stepping motor for AF drive operation

Compact and lightweight 3.1x 18-55mm (effective angles of view equivalent to those of a lens with 27-82.5mm focal lengths in 35mm [135] format) normal zoom lenses utilizing a retractable barrel and compatible with the Nikon DX format

Adoption of aspherical lens elements (2) achieves superior optical performance with which various types of aberration are effectively suppressed

Equipped with a vibration reduction (VR) mechanism offering camera shake compensation equivalent to a 4.0-stop* (with testing in accordance with CIPA standards) increase in shutter speed (AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR)

*At the maximum telephoto position when a digital SLR camera equipped with an APS-C size image sensor is used.