Nikon has announced the AF-S DX Nikkor 10-24mm F3.5-4.5G ED, an ultra-wideangle zoom for DX format DSLRs. This mid-range optic offers a minimum focus distance of 0.24m through the entire zoom range, and includes a built-in AF-S motor that enables autofocus on entry-level Nikon bodies (including the D5000 also announced today). The optical formula consists of 14 elements in 9 groups, including 3 aspherical elements and 2 ED glass elements to combat aberrations. It will be available from May at a cost of €849.

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.

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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

MTF Charts

Click here to understand the MTF Chart (link to Nikon USA site)

Additional image