Along with the introduction of the new D2H Digital SLR Nikon is also introducing two 'complementary' DX format lenses. The Nikkor AF-S DX 17-55 mm F2.8 G provides an equivalent field of view of 25.5 to 82.5 mm on a DX format digital SLR (D2H, D1 series, D100), having handled this lens I can say that it is slightly smaller and lighter than the Nikkor AF-S 28 - 70 mm F2.8 lens. The other amazing lens is the new AF DX 10.5 mm F2.8 G fisheye, on a DX format digital SLR this lens provides an equivalent field of view of 15.75 mm.

Press Release:

DX digital goes wider still

Nikon announce two DX wide-angle lenses to join Nikkor line-up

June 22nd 2003. 08:00 CET. Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

The DX Nikkor concept of ultra wide-angle lenses for use with DX-format digital SLRs has been extended with the announcement of two new models – the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55m f/2.8G IF-ED and a breakthrough digital fisheye the AF DX Fisheye Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8G ED. The new lenses join the AF-S DX 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED to offer a variety of creative wide-angle optics designed for all Nikon D series Digital SLR cameras.

The AF-S DX Zoom- Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8 G IF-ED is a flexible, wide-angle zoom designed for general photography with a picture angle equivalent to 25.5-82.5mm in 135 format. The DX optical design enables a high 3.2 zoom ratio with a fast aperture of f/2.8, without sacrificing performance or handling. Incorporating three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and three aspherical (for reduced distortion) elements in the 14-element, 10-group construction.

Designed to offer increased telephoto range over the popular AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8D ED, the new lens also incorporates a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for near-silent, high-speed AF.

In a further move to expand the opportunities for creative photography with digital sensors the new AF DX Fisheye-Nikkor 10.5mm f/2.8 G ED provides a true 180-degree picture angle.

Capable of being focused down to just 14cm, the lens displays the incredible depth of field and unique perspective characteristics of traditional fisheye lenses with a useful additional digital bonus. Digital Fisheye images captured in NEF (Raw) format can now be automatically corrected using a new function of Nikon’s Professional image editing software Nikon Capture 4.

The characteristic fisheye distortions effect can be minimised to deliver rectangular ultra wide
images if desired.

Both DX Nikkors exhibit extremely low coma and lateral aberration, and improved MTF over their respective 135-format cousins, the AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8G IF-ED and the AF Fisheye-Nikkor 16mm f/2.8D.

DX Nikkors project an image circle tailored to the digital sensor format consistently used in all of Nikon D series SLR cameras; The D1, D1X, D1H, D100 and latest D2H.

As with all new Nikkors, the DX lenses adhere to the latest environmental friendly glass manufacturing standards.

Both will be available in Autumn 2003.