Nikon is bringing stepping motors to its DSLR lens lineup for the first time with a pair of ‘AF-P’ lenses, both of which are collapsable 18-55mm zooms (one with vibration reduction, the other without). Nikon says that its stepping motor lenses are both faster and quieter than their predecessors, making them quite appealing for video recording. These lenses have two aspherical elements as well as a Super Integrated Coating, with the VR model reducing shake by 4 stops (using the CIPA standard).
These aren’t the company’s first lenses to use this type of AF motor – they can be found on most, if not all, of the lenses for the Nikon 1 system.
Nikon has not disclosed pricing or availability information for either lens.
Press release:
AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR / AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G
Fast and quiet AF with adoption of a stepping motor
Compact and lightweight normal zoom lenses covering the 18-55mm range of focal lengths with a maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6
TOKYO – Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the release of the AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G, two normal zoom lenses compatible with Nikon DX-format digital SLR cameras.
The AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G are 3.1x normal zoom lenses covering the 18-55mm range of focal lengths (effective angles of view equivalent to those of a lens with 27-82.5mm focal lengths in FX and 35mm [135] formats). They are the first “AF-P” lenses for Nikon digital SLR cameras, utilizing stepping motors to drive AF for fast and quiet autofocusing. In addition, they have a compact and lightweight design for which retractable barrels were adopted for excellent portability, and the use of two aspherical lens elements has resulted in superior optical performance with which various types of aberration, including distortion and spherical aberration, are effectively suppressed. The AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is also equipped with a vibration reduction (VR) mechanism offering camera shake compensation equivalent to a 4.0-stop* (with testing in accordance with CIPA standards) increase in shutter speed.
The combination of superior AF performance and excellent agility afforded by these lenses makes them perfect for those ready to try their hand at full-scale photography with a digital SLR camera.
AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G Primary Features
- “AF-P” lenses that achieve fast and quiet AF with adoption of a stepping motor for AF drive operation
- Compact and lightweight 3.1x 18-55mm (effective angles of view equivalent to those of a lens with 27-82.5mm focal lengths in 35mm [135] format) normal zoom lenses utilizing a retractable barrel and compatible with the Nikon DX format
- Adoption of aspherical lens elements (2) achieves superior optical performance with which various types of aberration are effectively suppressed
- Equipped with a vibration reduction (VR) mechanism offering camera shake compensation equivalent to a 4.0-stop* (with testing in accordance with CIPA standards) increase in shutter speed (AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR)
*At the maximum telephoto position when a digital SLR camera equipped with an APS-C size image sensor is used.
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR / AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G specifications
| |
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G VR |
Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G |
| Principal specifications |
| Lens type |
Zoom lens |
| Max Format size |
APS-C / DX |
| Focal length |
18–55 mm |
| Image stabilisation |
Yes (4 stops) |
No |
| Lens mount |
Nikon F (DX) |
| Aperture |
| Maximum aperture |
F3.5 – F5.6 |
| Minimum aperture |
F22.0 – F38.0 |
| Aperture ring |
No |
| Number of diaphragm blades |
7 |
| Optics |
| Elements |
12 |
| Groups |
9 |
| Special elements / coatings |
Two aspherical elements + super integrated coating |
| Focus |
| Minimum focus |
0.25 m (9.84″) |
| Maximum magnification |
0.38× |
| Autofocus |
Yes |
| Motor type |
Stepper motor |
| Full time manual |
Yes |
| Focus method |
Internal |
| Distance scale |
No |
| DoF scale |
No |
| Physical |
| Weight |
205 g (0.45 lb) |
195 g (0.43 lb) |
| Diameter |
65 mm (2.54″) |
| Length |
63 mm (2.46″) |
| Materials |
Composite |
| Sealing |
No |
| Colour |
Black |
| Zoom method |
Rotary (extending) |
| Power zoom |
No |
| Zoom lock |
No |
| Filter thread |
55.0 mm |
| Hood supplied |
No |
| Hood product code |
HB-N106 |
| Tripod collar |
No |
Articles: Digital Photography Review (dpreview.com)
