Nikon Inc. today introduced the versatile, affordable new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor lens, further expanding Nikon's successful line of DX Nikkor lenses, engineered for use exclusively with Nikon’s DX format digital SLR cameras. Developed for use with all Nikon D-series digital SLR Cameras, the 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX lens will be included as the compact, lightweight 7.5x zoom lens in the recently announced Nikon D80 10.2-megapixel digital SLR camera Outfit.

The 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX has a broad focal length range (providing picture angle performance approximating a 28-200mm lens on a 35mm film SLR camera) that is suitable for a wide variety of shooting situations, ranging from wide-angle landscapes to portraits, recreational sports, action and close-ups. This new lens offers a selection of Nikon's highly regarded technologies such as compact Silent Wave motor (AF-S) for super fast and quiet autofocus operation, Extra-Low Dispersion glass (ED) for minimized chromatic aberrations, and Internal Focusing (IF) for convenient and balanced handling.

"The new 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX is an excellent, all-encompassing lens that can be an ideal companion to any Nikon digital SLR camera, especially the recently announced D80,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “The 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX demonstrates remarkable optical performance along with wonderful compactness,” he added.

Designed exclusively for use with DX Format digital SLR cameras, DX Nikkor lenses deliver a versatile range of angle-of-view, higher performance, and outstanding center-to-edge-to-corner image quality, while making possible smaller and lighter designs.

The 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX lens will be available beginning September 2006 for a suggested retail price of $485. The lens will also be sold packaged with the recently announced D80 10.2-megapixle digital SLR camera. The packaged outfit will have an estimated street price of $1299.95*, offering photographers substantial savings when purchased together.

About Nikon Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes the Nikon Total Imaging System of consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, Nikkor optics, Speedlights and System Accessories; Nikon Coolpix® compact digital cameras; Coolscan® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. At the heart of every Nikon camera is Nikon’s Exclusive Feature System, making it easy for anyone to take amazing digital pictures. Through the Nikon Spirit Initiative™, the company, plays an active role in supporting aspiring and advanced photographers through a variety of philanthropic organizations, educational programs, events and workshops. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-US or visit www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

*Under Nikon measurement conditions.

** Manufacturers Suggested Retail Prices (MSRP) are for reference only. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.