10-24mm F3.5-4.5G ED lens from Nikon

We've had a brief opportunity to handle the new lens, and in design terms it’s placed clearly in the middle of Nikon's range, with build and finish resembling lenses like the AF-S 18-200mm F3.5-5.6G DX VR.

Given the similar basic specification, there will undoubtedly be some speculation over a possible relationship between the Nikon 10-24mm and Tamron's recently-introduced 10-24mm F3.5-4.5. However the two are clearly not the same design; the Tamron lens has a different optical formula (12 elements in 9 groups with 4 aspherical elements, 2 LD glass elements and 1 HID glass element) and is about 3mm shorter in length. Having said that, comparison of the optical diagrams does reveal a distinct similarity between the underlying layouts (the Nikon's is shown below, the Tamron's is available here).

Press Release:

Nikon launches the AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED

New ultra-wide-angle zoom with SWM

Amsterdam, the Netherlands, 14th April 2009 – Nikon Europe is pleased to announce the introduction of the AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED lens. This new NIKKOR DX-format ultra-wide-angle zoom lens has a focal range starting at 15mm equivalent in FX/35mm format.

At a very affordable price, this new lens with superior build quality would be a great addition to anyone’s Nikon system. It is perfect for users wanting to shoot scenes that require a wide angle perspective effect such as in a small room, or for shooting architecture and landscapes.

Ludovic Drean, Product Manager Lenses at Nikon Europe B.V says: “This great new lens is perfectly suited for Nikon D300 and D90 users, and works very well with our other mid-class DSLRs too. Thanks to its Silent Wave Motor, it is also suitable for models without a built-in motor such as the D40 and the D60, for example. Its affordable price is no reflection on its superior quality, though, as its high-reproduction performance, minimum distortion and build quality are almost equivalent to those of the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED.”

Superior quality build and excellent reproduction capacity
The AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED offers a focal length between 10 to 24mm and a picture angle equivalent to a focal length of 15 to 36 mm in FX/35mm format. Thanks to its ring-type Silent Wave Motor (SWM), its autofocus is quiet and fast. Housed in a compact and lightweight body with Nikon’s unique high-quality exterior design, the NIKKOR advanced build quality ensures smooth operation and durability.

The optical system features ED glass and a-spherical lenses optimised for digital SLRs with an excellent capacity for accurate image reproduction, delivering high-resolution, high-contrast images whilst minimising chromatic aberration. Using the internal focusing (IF) system, the lens barrel length does not change whilst focusing, giving it a more durable build and allowing for the use of heavy attachments.

The lens also has two focus modes – M (Manual) and Manual-priority auto (M/A). M/A mode enables a user to switch rapidly between autofocus and manual focus by merely rotating the focus ring even during AF operation. This allows precise focus adjustment without taking your eye off of the viewfinder.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED is supplied with 77-mm snap-on front lens cap LC-77, rear lens cap LF-1, bayonet hood HB-23 and flexible lens pouch CL-1118.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED will be on sale from May (TBC) with an MSRP guide price of EUR849.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 10-24MM F/3.5-4.5G ED specifications

Maximum format size	DX
Focal length	10-24mm
35mm equivalent focal length	15-36mm
Diagonal Angle of view (APS-C)	109º - 61º
Maximum aperture	F3.5-4.5
Minimum aperture	F22-29
Lens Construction	• 14 elements/9 groups • 2 ED glass elements • 3 aspherical elements
Number of diaphragm blades	7, rounded
Minimum focus	0.24m /0.8 ft
AF motor type	Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
Focus method	Internal
Image stabilization	None
Filter thread	77mm
Supplied accessories*	• 77mm Snap-on Front Lens Cap LC-77 • Rear Lens Cap LF-1 • Bayonet Hood HB-23 • Flexible Lens Pouch CL-1118
Weight	460 g (16.2 oz)
Dimensions	83 mm diameter x 87 mm length (3.3 x 3.4 in)