Image from dpreview.com

I’m really tempted by this lens, I’m just waiting to see it’s performance when it comes out, the aperture is not that impressive but it does have VR and it should be fairly lightweight and cheap.

I’ve been looking for a 70-300mm lens for some time, I tried out the Sigma 70-300mm with 1:2 Macro function (between 200-300mm) but found it stiff and rather hard to hold still at 300mm.

I guess this should only be a few hundred more, if the optics are as good as my 18-70mm kit lens I’ll be happy indeed!

Full spec from Nikon:

Nikon UK is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED, a high-performance telephoto zoom lens incorporating Nikon’s most advanced features.

The lens features Nikon’s Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and enhanced Vibration Reduction (VRII) to ensure the best images. Optics have also been perfected for use with both Nikon DX format digital and 35mm film SLR cameras.

The Zoom-Nikkor lens offers 70-300mm (4.3x) zoom performance, and is suitable for various telephoto shooting opportunities, particularly in sports, nature and wildlife photography. When used with a Nikon DX format digital SLR, the picture angle is equivalent to what would be experienced with a 105-450mm lens on a 35mm.

SLR Advanced Nikon engineering has given rise to a compact lightweight lens design that offers outstanding optical performance and excellent handling characteristics.

The new Nikon Vibration Reduction (VRII) system enables users to take substantially sharper handheld pictures at slower shutter speeds approximately 4 stops slower* than would otherwise be possible. For VR shooting, users can select two VR modes to suit shooting conditions. Normal Mode primarily reduces camera shake in handheld shooting, detecting panning automatically. Active Mode can compensate for vibration when shooting from, for example, a moving vehicle.

The AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED also incorporates the Silent Wave Motor, an outstanding feature that offers fast and precise autofocusing with super-quiet operation. The two ED glass elements provide higher resolution and high-contrast images.

Together with the AF-S DX 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED lens, the new lens gives Nikon digital SLR owners a focal-length range from a wide 18mm to super telephoto 300mm (the picture angle is equivalent to 27mm to 450mm of 35mm format).

The price is quoted as £399.99 which seems kind of expensive for a f/4.5 aperture lens.

It works out to about RM2779. If it really comes out at that price, I’d prefer to pay double and get the 70-200mm f/2.8 unless the performance of this lens is fantastic.

Another option is the 70-200 f/2.8 VR with a 2.0 TC! Or the famous Nikon 1.7x TC.

It’s about time they upgraded the 80-400mm VR aswell, that’d be fantastic.

Argh it’s all money.