Nikon today introduced the new 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens – a new compact telephoto zoom Nikkor lens that offers Nikon’s exclusive Vibration Reduction technology in a high-powered 3.6x zoom lens. Engineered exclusively for use with Nikon’s DX format digital SLR cameras, including the D80, D40 and recently announced D40x, this new lens approximates the picture angle characteristics of an 82.5-300mm lens on a 35mm film SLR camera. It incorporates many of Nikon’s most advanced lens design attributes such as Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM) and Vibration Reduction (VR), delivering outstanding optical performance at a remarkably affordable price. This new lens is ideal for sports, action, wildlife, travel, and portrait photography, among many other telephoto applications.

“Nikon’s range of Nikkor lenses with Vibration Reduction technology has grown substantially and the new 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens is another excellent addition, offering Nikon digital SLR photographers an advanced high-powered zoom lens in a remarkably compact, lightweight design,” said Edward Fasano, general manager for Marketing, SLR Systems Products, at Nikon Inc. “High quality lens design requires a challenging blend of art, science and, of course, photographic experience. With this new 55-200mm lens, Nikon engineers have again met that challenge, producing a lens whose optical performance delivers clarity and contrast typically found only in lenses costing substantially more."

Beyond the lens' incredible optical versatility is the amazing benefit of Nikon’s Vibration Reduction system, which enables photographers to take substantially sharper handheld pictures at slower shutter speeds than would otherwise be possible. This provides the distinct advantage of being able to shoot more effectively in a much broader variety of challenging conditions. With the Nikon VR advantage, users can take pictures at shutter speeds as many as 3 stops slower* than they ordinarily could shoot without the image-degrading blur closed by camera shake at slow shutter speeds.

To further ensure outstanding optical performance, the 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens features an Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass element that provides for high resolution, high-contrast images while minimizing chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion. The lens also features Nikon’s compact Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM), which combines fast and precise auto-focusing with super-quiet operation, as well as Internal Focusing (IF) construction that allows the lens to focus without changing its external size, improving balance and handling characteristics.

The 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens will be available beginning April 2007, with an estimated selling price of $249.95**. For more information about Nikon and Nikkor optics, please visit http://www.nikondigital.com.

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 In-camera Innovations, 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 http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the web's most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

*Under Nikon measurement conditions.

** Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.