Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm lens is announced today. The Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm lens is designed specifically for digital SLR cameras and is available in two colours, black and silver, to match the new Nikon D50 DSLR. The The new Nikon 18-55mm lens will be available in June for £199.99 / €299.00 / $180.

Nikon UK Press Release

Wednesday April 20, 2005

Nikon is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED.  This ultra compact, lightweight standard zoom lens has a 3x focal range and is ideally suited to the new Nikon D50.

The AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED offers users a focal length range which conveniently covers everything from tight indoor portraits to standard snap shots. (The picture angle is equivalent to a 27-82.5mm lens in 35mm format.)  The lens features the newly developed compact SWM (Silent Wave Motor) which allows excellent handling and an ultra compact, lightweight design.  Including the new SWM, the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED measures a compact Ø69 x 74mm (2.7 x 2.9 in.) and weighs approximately 210g (6.8 oz.).

One ED glass element and one hybrid aspherical lens element guarantee high-resolution, high-contrast images while minimising chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion. The new SWM built into the lens offers the smooth and quiet autofocus performance that users have come to expect from our existing SWM.

The AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED is available in black and silver, to match the colour variations of the Nikon D50.

Note: This lens is not compatible with 35mm [135] or IX240 format film cameras.
Specifications, design, product name, standard accessories, and release schedule may differ by country or area.

AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Major Features

• Offers the popular 18-55mm focal range for use in a variety of different situations (equivalent to a 27-82.5mm lens in 35mm format)
• ED glass and hybrid aspherical elements minimize chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion, while ensuring high resolution and contrast
• Ultra compact dimensions of 69 x 74mm (2.7 x 2.9 in.) and just 210g (6.8 oz.) in weight
• Incorporates a newly developed compact SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet focusing
• Delivers high-level optical performance that is specially designed for use with the Nikon digital SLRs
• Employs a seven-blade rounded diaphragm opening that achieves a natural blur for out-of-focus elements
• Enables focusing from as close as 28cm (11 in.) from the subject through its entire focal range
• Available in black and silver to match the colour variations of the new Nikon D50
• Serves as an ideal complement to the similarly priced AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED lens

AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Specifications

Focal length  
18-55mm (equivalent to a 27-82.5mm lens in 35mm format)

Maximum aperture
f/3.5-5.6

Minimum aperture
f/22-38

Lens construction
7 elements in 5 groups (one ED glass element, one aspherical lens element)

Picture angle
76° - 28°50’

Minimum focus range
0.28m (11 in./0.9 ft.)

Max. reproduction ratio
1/3.2 (0.31)

Attachment size
52mm

Dimensions (approx.)
69 x 74mm (2.7 x 2.9 in.)

Weight (approx.)
210g (6.8 oz.)

Included accessories
52mm Snap-on front lens cap (LC-52)

Optional accessories
52mm screw-in filters, Rear Cap (LF-1), Hood (HB-33), Semi soft case (CL-0715)

Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. April 2005

©2005 Nikon Corporation