3 new lens and 1 new DSLR from Nikon

Alright! So now it's Nikon's turn to make headlines....

First up, a new announced DSLR body - the D60, which looks like a replacement for the D40 / D40X. It's still the same as the D40X at 10.2Megapixels, but seems to have added a built-in dust reduction system. Unfortunately, it also has inherited the weakness of the D40X, namely, the inability to use autofocus with non-AF-S lens. :(

For Nikon's new's flash, follow the link [ HERE ]

Also announced, 3 new lens:-

• PC-E NIKKOR 24mm f/3.5D ED ( click [ HERE ] )
  
• AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR ( click [ HERE ] )
• AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED ( click [ HERE ] )

The PC-E Nikkor 24mm f/3.5D ED is a tilt-and-shift wideangle manual focus lens which will be of interest to photographers of buildings and other architecture, as the the mechanism will enable the photographer to align the plane of the film (or, nowadays, the imaging chip) parallel to the face of the object. The result is, a tall building will not appear as though the top end is "leaning away" from the photographer. For a clearer picture on this, refer to the link : http://photo.net/equipment/canon/tilt-shift (sorry, example is for Canon lens)

The tilt and shift lens can also be used to maximize or minimize the depth of field, for some creative options (portraiture, and making a landscape look like a miniature model.

Next up, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR appears to be an entry level kit lens kind of lens for the new range of entry level DSLR's. Wider by 2mm compared to the 18-200mm lens, this will be lighter and more balanced on the small bodied Dxx bodies. The market price had better be low, as right now I feel that nothing beats the Tamron 17-50mm F2.8!

Lastly, the AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED is a welcomed replacement for the AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D which was release 15 years ago. With the addition of the silent wave motor, hopefully the focusing is faster and more accurate. In the end though, it's the optics that will define the success of this lens.

Well, given that Nikon has not yet announced when these will be available in the market, it's anyone's guess when the will physically materialize. Nikon's weak point is that they will announce something well in advance, and we have to wait like half a year before the parts start shipping. Add to their low production volumes and supply, you have to be quite lucky to get anything within 9 months of the initial launch date. Come on, Nikon! Don't let your loyal supporters down...!