New from Nikon: Nikkor Lens and Speedlight

Words: Rozanne Ras

Nikon in South Africa today announces a new DX-format zoom lens with a broad reach from wide-angle up to telephoto, a compact build and Vibration Reduction.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–140mm f/3.5–5.6G ED VR

Capturing sweeping landscapes, detailed shots of distant subjects, and sharp HD movies, this versatile lens is a great all-rounder. Ideal for novice photographers, this lens boasts a broad 18–140mm focal range that allows the freedom to shoot a wide variety of subjects without changing lenses. It’s practical and portable, and makes a highly convenient option when you want to travel light but still make the most of a wide range of shooting opportunities.

 

Marli van Schalkwyk, Head of Marketing for Nikon in South Africa says: "Versatility, affordability, portability and optimal image quality were key in developing this lens. There is huge benefit to using various lenses for specific purposes, but when circumstances call for portability and flexibility, some photographers prefer to stick to one lens. Adding to Nikon’s extensive range of zoom lenses, this new NIKKOR is ideal for those who want an all-in-one solution. Slated to be included as a kit lens with selected DX-format cameras, it will let owners of those cameras tackle a variety of subjects straight out of the box.”

 

All-rounder
A capable walkabout lens is an incredibly handy piece of equipment to own. With a broad 18–140mm focal range that covers most commonly used focal lengths with ease, this new NIKKOR is a true all-rounder. Whether shooting sweeping landscapes at the wide-angle end of the range, or making the most of the lens’s telephoto capabilities to zoom in and capture subject detail from a distance, budding photographers and occasional weekend shooters will appreciate the chance to capture high-quality photos and movies without needing to change lenses.

 

Steady shooting
Complementing the versatile focal range is Nikon’s Vibration Reduction technology (VR) that lets photographers use shutter speeds up to four stops slower, allowing more effective low-light shooting and ensuring substantially sharper handheld images across the zoom range. Image blur is dramatically reduced, especially when shooting towards the telephoto end of the range. The VR technology also ensures the camera maintains a steady view, even when shooting movies, and it actually enhances visibility when panning. Operation is quiet, when shooting stills or filming.

 

Optimal image quality
Optimized to meet the requirements of today’s high megapixel D-SLR sensors, this lens delivers superior images throughout the zoom range. The optical design boasts 17 elements in 12 groups. One ED (extra-low dispersion) glass element and one aspherical lens element help ensure high resolution and contrast while minimizing most forms of aberration and colour dispersion.

 

Travel light
Well-balanced in terms of size, weight, price and image quality, this lens offers a worthwhile combination of precision NIKKOR optics, a broad focal range and a lightweight (490 g) build. The metal mount and rubber weather-sealing provide extra durability when traveling.

 

SB-300 Speedlight

Nikon in South Africa today introduces a new entry-level flash unit, the Nikon SB-300.
Compact, lightweight and versatile, this portable Speedlight is ideal for novice photographers who want to go beyond the limitations of a camera’s built-in flash and explore more creative lighting possibilities. Compatible with Nikon D-SLRs and COOLPIX cameras equipped with an accessory shoe, it allows control of the quality and direction of light in order to add impact to images.

 

Offering incredibly easy operation, even for beginners, the SB-300 will inspire novice photographers to develop their creative vision, allowing a simple way to add impact to daylight shots, expose subject detail even in tough backlit situations or soften light by ‘bouncing’ the flash off the ceiling.

 

Marli van Schalkwyk, Head of Marketing for Nikon in South Africa says: “Flash units can do more than merely illuminate subjects in dark surroundings, and the new SB-300 is a great chance for budding photographers to discover that. It’s an easy way for users to take control of light in situations where ambient or natural light might be falling from an undesirable angle or not have the desired colour, warmth and intensity. Even if you’re new to flash photography and working under difficult lighting conditions, you’ll be able to defy uncooperative light and produce images just like you envisioned.”

 

Light Control
Photography is the art of creating images with light, and the SB-300 offers an easy and affordable way to explore the impact an external flash can have on the quality of images. With a guide number of 18/59 (m/ft at ISO 100), you can illuminate distant subjects even in low-light conditions, use it as a fill flash to highlight subtle subject details and soften shadow areas created by ambient lighting, or to compensate for strong backlight.

 

Versatile
The flash head can be tilted up to 120°, giving you more flexibility when shooting a variety of scenes. Avoid flat images by ‘bouncing’ the flash off the ceiling or walls, or angle the head in order to depict your subject with a softer, more natural look and create beautiful indoor portraits. Support for Nikon's i-TTL flash control enables optimum automatic flash balance, and D-SLR users can easily set slow sync, red-eye reduction and other flash modes from the camera body for natural-looking lighting.

 

Easy
Delivering significant lighting power in a small package, the SB-300 is the perfect travel companion. Shooting with the flash is easy—simply attach it directly to the camera’s accessory shoe and turn it on. There’s no need to try and understand unfamiliar menus. Powered by two AAA-size batteries, which are readily available across the world, the SB-300 ensures that users can enjoy flash photography wherever they go.
The SB-300 comes with a soft pouch included.

 

Major Features
Portable flash unit: The ideal piece of kit to have at hand when you need more light, or want to add a creative touch to your images. i-TTL compatible.

 

Compatible with Nikon D-SLRs, and COOLPIX cameras equipped with an accessory shoe.
Versatile coverage: A guide number of 18/59 (m/ft at ISO 100) lets you illuminate distant subjects even in low light conditions.

 

Direct the light: The flash head tilts up to 120°, giving you the freedom to angle the light just the way you want. Get creative with shots by ‘bouncing’ the flash off the ceiling or walls.

 

Easy operation: Simple to operate, the unit attaches directly to the camera’s accessory shoe.

 

Thermal cutout function: Prevents damage to the flash due to overheating during high-intensity firing.

 

AAA-size batteries: The SB-300 is powered by two AAA-size batteries, which are readily available across the world.
Firmware is updatable via the camera body.

 

For more information about Nikon’s award winning products please visit: www.nikon.co.za

 

Topic: 
Product Reviews