NIKKOR

Nikon Unveils 18-140mm Lens, Speedlite, and Superzoom in One Fell Swoop

There's nothing like the smell of fresh press release in the morning, and earlier today, Nikon decided to send two our way. The releases contain info about three new products that Nikon is announcing all at the same time: a new DX format lens, a small speedlight, and a 14x superzoom compact camera.

Nikon Updates Vibration Reduction Stats to Comply With New Standard

This month, the Consumer & Imaging Products Association (CIPA) released a new standard to help make better sense of the world of image stabilization. Theoretically, the standard will make sure that all manufacturers test and report image stabilization statistics the same way, so you can better compare between lens brands.

And although we haven't heard anything from any other company, Nikon has already hopped aboard and released a list of CIPA-compliant numbers.

Nikon Debuts Super-Fast 32mm f/1.2 Lens for Nikon 1 Mirrorless Cameras

Nikon 1 photographers have a decent selection of eight lenses for their mirrorless camera, and now we can add one more choice to that list: the super-fast medium-telephoto 32mm f/1.2. The lens was announced earlier today, and promises "Superior Resolution and Incredible Depth of Field" for Nikon 1 shooters.

Nikon Unveils New AF-S 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6, First Update in Over a Decade

Released in 2001, Nikon's original 80-400mm telephoto zoom lens has consistently made it onto owners' "please update" lists for over a decade. It was the first of Nikon's lenses to feature VR, and though it wasn't without fault, it was a very versatile lens.

Now 12-years in the making, the new AF-S Nikkor 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR seeks to add to its predecessor's abilities, while improving on common complaints such as slow focus and the inability to use the auto focus with newer SLRs.

A Look at How Nikon’s Nikkor Lenses Are Made, From Start to Finish

On January 28, Nikon announced the 80th anniversary of the launch of the Nikkor lens brand, and that the total number of lenses manufactured since the beginning has exceeded 75 million units. The lineup now includes more than 80 types of lenses.

To celebrate the occasion, Nikon released the above video, which offers a behind-the-scenes look into how its widely used lenses are made. The video starts from the production of the glass from sand and goes through final assembly, all in three-and-a-half minutes.

Nikon’s 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR Monster Officially Released

Professional photographers have a choice to make: buy a car, put a down payment on a house, or buy Nikon's new 800mm f/5.6 FL ED VR behemoth. Obviously the last one, right? Well, maybe not, but still, this thing is impressive.

It was announced as "in development" way back in July, we got to see one in action at the Olympics in August, and now it's finally here -- and it was kind enough to come attached to a $17,900 price tag.

A Glimpse Into How Nikon Produces the Optical Glass Used in Its Lenses

Nikon recently put out this short 3-minute video that offers an interesting glimpse into one of the critical steps of lens making: the production of the optical glass. It steps through the various stages of manufacturing, from combining the raw elements through examining the chunks of glass before they're polished and perfected.

Nikon Selling a Limited Edition Nikkor f/1.8 Box Set in Europe

Behold: a box set of Nikon prime lenses. This unique kit is a limited-edition item currently being sold by Nikon exclusively in certain European countries (it's available in France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and the UK). Inside the Nikon-branded aluminum case are three f/1.8 lenses: the 28mm, 50mm, and 85mm. Oh, and you get the manuals, lens hoods, and soft cases as well.

Nikon to Unveil a 70-200mm f/4 Lens Next Week With Fancy Next-Gen VR

Since it was announced back in 2006, Canon's 70-200mm f/4L IS lens has been an attractive option for photographers who want a lighter and cheaper alternative to the 70-200mm f/2.8 IS. For the price of one stop, one could get a lens that's nearly half as heavy (1.7lb vs 3.3lb) and significantly less expensive. Nikon shooters may soon have a similar choice as well: Nikon is planning to fill in this gap in its lens lineup by announcing its own 70-200mm f/4 a week from now.

Nikon Expected to Announce New 800mm Lens, the Longest in Lineup

Based on some patents filed by Nikon, the company is expected to announce an updated 800mm lens, which will be the largest lens in the current lineup, according to Nikon Rumors. As of now, the 600mm f/4G ED VR is the longest lens Nikon is offering, though Sigma and Canon both have 800mm f/5.6 lenses in their lineups.

Guy Has Nikon Lenses Smashed by His Angry Girlfriend After Fight

An unfortunate photo-lover in Hong Kong recently got into a fight with his girlfriend, who proceeded to smash his beautiful collection of Nikon lenses. Among the casualties were a Nikkor 28-70 f2.8D, Tokina 28-70 F2.6-2.8, Nikkor 80-200 f2.8D, Nikkor 17-35 F2.8D, and a Nikon TC-20E teleconverter.

Nikon 50mm f/1.8G Lens Becomes Official

After being accidentally leaked on Nikon's website a couple weeks ago, Nikon's new AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8G lens was officially announced today. The lens -- compatible with both DX and FX DSLRs -- features an unusual aspherical element that typically isn't found in lenses like this. It will be available starting June 16th for $220, which includes a lens hood.

Breathtaking Images from the International Space Station Taken With Nikon Gear

Nikon and NASA are showcasing some amazing photos taken aboard the International Space Station with Nikon equipment. According to Nikon, NASA took over 700,000 photos with the Nikon gear kept on board, which includes one Nikon D3S DSLR, eight Nikon D2XS cameras, 36 NIKKOR lenses including three teleconverters, seven SB-800 Speedlights, and other gear. Nikon notes that the D3S is unmodified, and is the same quality as available on the consumer market.

Nikon has a long history with NASA since sending a Nikon F camera with Apollo 15 in 1971. Since then, Nikon's enjoyed exposure while helping NASA get image exposures. Most recently, the D3S that is currently on board was delivered to the ISS via the Space Shuttle Discovery, launched April 10, 2010. NASA says each shuttle launch costs approximately $450 million -- that is one expensive delivery! Here are more images from the International Space Station taken with Nikon gear: