Nikon announced today a new 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DX zoom lens, which will act as the standard lens for the yet to be released Nikon D40. The lens will incorporate some of Nikon's newest lens technology, including ED glass, aspherical lens elements, and a compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM).


Official Press Release

A compact 3x zoom lens featuring Silent Wave Motor Autofocus for Nikon digital SLRs

Tokyo – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the new AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II, which has been specially developed to provide a compact DX lens equipped with Nikon's compact SWM (Silent Wave Motor). An ideal companion for Nikon's newest, smallest and most affordably-priced digital SLR, the 18-55mm Zoom-Nikkor lens will be included with D40 digital SLR outfits. Incorporating cutting-edge Nikon optical technologies such as ED glass and aspherical lens elements, D40 customers will enjoy superior image quality made possible in part by legendary Nikkor optics.

The lens offers users the popular 3x 18-55mm focal length range, which conveniently covers picture angles that meet the needs of everything from tight portraits to wide-angle landscapes.

Thanks to the compact SWM, the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II lens offers fast, quiet and smooth autofocus performance. Further ensuring exceptional image quality, the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II features an ED glass element minimizing chromatic aberration, and a hybrid aspherical lens element to reduce astigmatism and other forms of distortion while ensuring high resolution and contrast. External lens design has also been improved for smoother zoom operability.

Note:
This lens is designed exclusively for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras and 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 II Major Features Offers the popular focal range of 18-55mm (picture angle equivalent to a 27-82.5mm lens in the 35mm format) for use in a variety of situations Compact SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet and smooth autofocusing An ED glass element minimizes chromatic aberration, and a hybrid aspherical lens element minimizes astigmatism and other forms of distortion while ensuring high resolution and contrast Compact and lightweight, making it easy to carry Optical performance highly complements Nikon digital SLR cameras Ideally complements the D40 kit The seven-blade rounded diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural

AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II Specifications
Focal length	18-55mm (picture angle equivalent to a 27-82.5mm lens in the 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 and one aspherical lens element)
Picture angle	76° - 28°50'
Minimum focus range	0.28m (0.9 ft.) (through the entire zoom range)
Attachment size	52mm
Color	Black (Silver version are available depending on country or area)
Dimensions (approx.)	70.5 x 74.0mm (2.7 x 2.9 in.)
Weight (approx.)	205g (7.2 oz.)
Included accessories	52mm Snap-on front lens cap (LC-52)
Optional accessories	Rear lens cap (LF-1), Bayonet hood (HB-33), Flexible lens pouch (CL-0715)

Specifications and equipment are subject to change without any notice or obligation on the part of the manufacturer. November 2006