Nikon has confirmed the release of two new lenses. The new FX lens; a small and light AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR , with (just) competent performance seems destined to serve the anticipated but still unconfirmed entry-level FX body (D600). The other lens; the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR, is a superzoom that appears destined to replace the popular AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II. I have no particular interest in the new 24-85mm lens, since it will not be in the same league as the venerable 24-70mm – based on the published MTF curves, a pro-level shooter would have to *really* need VR to go for the 24-85mm. I might be interested in the 18-300mm DX superzoom, but only if something more interesting than a D3200 body appears…not because I think the 18-300 would be the lens of choice on a pro-DX system (it definitely wouldn’t be), but just as a protest sort of thing. See, I’m still hoping for a D300s replacement – didn’t really think that the D7000 filled that need.
Copyright 2012 Peter F. Flynn. No usage permitted without prior written consent. All rights reserved.
The rumor mill has the D400 with some nice specs (if they are to be believed). I am holding out for the D400 and will give it some time. Wonder if they will do the D400 with the “e” option like they did with the D800/E versions?
I think it’s clear that if Nikon wants to hold market share in DX format that they will need to provide an option that is competitive with the Canon 7D – the specs that appeared recently on the Mansurov site would do that