70-200mm lenses

[Quicklabs]

Sure complicates my decisions about next camera. There's a lot I like about DX and that's why I'm still on the fence about the D700. I do love some of my DX glass as well, my Siggy 10-20 and the dirty thirty.
7fps is important to me for shooting at agility trials. Will need to see what that ISO 3200 looks like. I also like the expansion downward to ISO 100. I also like the dual memory card slots. The video might good just for grins.

The 70-200 is now a VR II and goes for $2400!!! VR II and a ZOOM LOCK SWITCH have also been added to the 18-200mm.

On the B&H and Ritz Camera site:


Announced by Nikon Today!
The All New D300s Is Available for Pre-Order Now, Shipping Dates Will Be Announced Soon
The rugged D300S' hallmarks include versatility, speed, agility and exceptional image quality. Versatility is its 12.3-megapixel, DX-format CMOS image sensor, with Nikon EXPEED image processing that captures stunning low-noise stills and extraordinary 24 fps, 720p HD video with sound. Speed is split-second startup and continuous shooting at up to 7 fps-8 fps with the optional MB-D10 grip, which also extends shooting capacity and makes shooting more comfortable. Accurate image review, Live View shooting and Menus come alive on a 3-inch tempered glass-protected, 920k-dot LCD monitor, while image quality is bolstered by a 51-area AF system and Nikon's 1,005-pixel RGB exposure sensor, in concert with the newly accelerated Scene Recognition System-technology that increases exposure and AF accuracy, improves white balance detection, and more. Photographers have preferences, and the D300S offers choices-including Picture Control, Center-Weighted and Spot Metering, user-assignable CompactFlash and SD card slots and an external stereo microphone input. Included is Nikon ViewNX software-ready to process rich 14-bit NEF (RAW) or JPEG files. For more editing power, optional Capture NX 2, with U-Point technology, safeguards image quality and speeds workflow. The D300S' pro-level performance, paired with world-famous NIKKOR lenses, was engineered to exceed the expectations of demanding photographers.

Nikon's D300s. Fast. Precise. Agile. Evolution in Motion.


•12.3-megapixel DX-format CMOS Image Sensor
Delivers stunning high resolution, low-noise images with striking detail and tonal gradation.

•Continuous Shooting up to 7 fps
High speed shooting and fast response-essential to versatile performance in a wide variety of shooting disciplines.

•Nikon EXPEED Image Processing
Drives breathtakingly rich image fidelity, low noise and fast image processing.

•D-Movie HD Video
Capture cinematic 24 fps, 720p HD movie clips, enhanced by NIKKOR interchangeable lens quality and versatility-featuring stereo Mic input and AF

•One-button Live View
Handheld and Tripod Live View modes, activated with one button, for challenging studio and remote shooting conditions.

•3-inch Super-density 920,000-dot VGA LCD Monitor
Every monitor is factory-calibrated to assure accurate color for critical still image review and Live View or D-Movie shooting.

•Low Noise ISO Sensitivity from 200 to 3200
Additional expanded ISO settings of Lo-1 (ISO 100 equivalent) and Hi-1 (ISO 6400 equivalent) extend versatility to match shooting requirements.

•Fast, Accurate 51-point Autofocus
Features 4 Dynamic AF modes including 3D Focus Tracking for precise autofocus and razor sharp images.

•1,005-Pixel 3D Color Matrix Metering II
Nikon?s unique RGB metering-the only sensor that also evaluates color information when determining exposures with remarkable accuracy.

•Scene Recognition System
Referencing an onboard image database and teamed with RGB metering, SRS enables even more sophisticated determination of exposures and auto white balance, along with faster, more accurate autofocus.

•Dual memory card slots (CF and SD)
Assign card functions from a variety of storage options, optimizing available memory and file handling.

•Dynamic Integrated Dust Reduction System
Ultrasonic process combats the accumulation of dust in front of the image sensor, safeguarding image quality.

•Picture Control
Select from 4 preset image capture preferences (Standard, Neutral, Vivid an Monochrome, plus 9 user customizable settings) control settings) controlling Sharpening, Contrast, Brightness, Saturation and Hue.

•Nikon's Active D-Lighting
Optimize shadow and highlight detail in real time - Selectable values and 5-frame ADL bracketing offer complete control.

•In-Camera Image Editing
Exclusive in-camera image editing, featuring Edit movie, D-Lighting, Image Overlay, Monochrome, NEF(RAW) processing and more. Rugged and Durable
The strength and precision of magnesium-alloy construction with advanced dust and moisture countermeasures is teamed with a shutter with a shutter mechanism tested to beyond 150,000 cycles for real-world reliability.

•100% Viewfinder Accuracy

•Virtual Horizon Graphic Level Indicator

•Up to 950 shots per EN-EL3e battery charge

 

[Quicklabs]

Fast f/2.8 Zoom-NIKKOR lens
Perfect for sports, photojournalism and wildlife photography.
Nikon VR II (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization
Vibration Reduction, engineered specifically for each VR NIKKOR lens, enables handheld shooting at up to 4 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper images.
7 Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements
Offers superior sharpness and color correction by effectively minimizing chromatic aberration, even at the widest aperture settings.
Nano Crystal Coat
Further reduces ghosting and flare for even greater image clarity.
Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC)
Enhances light transmission and offers superior color consistency and reduced flare.
Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
Enables fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus.
Rounded 9-blade diaphragm
Renders more natural appearance of out-of-focus image elements.
Internal Focus (IF)
Provides fast and quiet autofocus without changing the length of the lens, retaining subject-working distance through the focus range.
Focuses to 4.6 feet
Close focusing provided throughout the entire zoom range for extended versatility.
M/A focus mode switch
Enables quick response to changing situations between manual and autofocus operation.
Flower-shaped lens hood
Included HB-48 lens hood—shades the objective from unwanted, image-degrading light

18-200
11x Zoom versatility
A remarkable 18-200mm one-lens solution—adept in a wide variety of situations. Picture angle equivalent of a 27-300mm lens in 35mm format.
Nikon VR II (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization
Vibration Reduction, engineered specifically for each VR NIKKOR lens, enables handheld shooting at up to 4 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper images.
Two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements
Offers superior sharpness and color correction by effectively minimizing chromatic aberration, even at wide aperture settings.
Three aspherical lens elements
Virtually eliminates coma and other aberrations, even at wide apertures.
Zoom lock switch
Secures lens barrel at its minimum length.
Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC)
Enhances light transmission and offers superior color consistency and reduced flare.
Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
For fast, accurate and quiet autofocus.
Rounded 7-blade diaphragm
Renders more natural appearance of out-of-focus image elements.
Focus to 20 inches
Extends versatility.
M/A focus mode switch
Enables quick response to changing situations between manual and autofocus operation.
Flower-shaped lens hood

 

[mabas9395]

In camera RAW editing? I don't get that one.

 

[YesDear]

It has the same ISO settings as the D300. The D300 also has the low and the high setting.

 

[Gdad]

Aside from adding video I don't see the 300s as much of an upgrade.

 

[oregondaddyof2]

Aside from adding video I don't see the 300s as much of an upgrade.

I see two upgrades.... The video and the price

 

[oregondaddyof2]

I want them both... Anyone have an extra $3500 you want to give me?

 

[ssanders79]

Here is a blog posting on the new Nikon gear from Scott Kelby
http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2009/archives/5827

 

[Chikabowa]

I haven't seen any reviews on the new 70-200, have you? I'm curious if it's worth the upgrade from the VR I technology I currently have.

 

[Suburbanmom]

I can't imagine the 70-200 being any better, unless it's lighter
can't wait to hear some reviews, though.

 

[Quicklabs]

s

I can't imagine the 70-200 being any better, unless it's lighter
can't wait to hear some reviews, though.

 

[fitzperry]

I see two upgrades.... The video and the price

B&H lists the price as $1799.95 (body only), same as the D300 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/635645-REG/Nikon__D300s_SLR_Digital_Camera.html)

I seem to be in the minority of dslr users on this, but I'd love to have the video capability.

 

[Chikabowa]

LOL... yeah, but I could sell the one I have right now for about $1800 (which is actually a $300 from the price when I bought it!) since the current going rate on that lens is about $2000-$2100.

But I'm just wondering if it's worth the upgrade or not. I splurged on a bunch of lenses back in January when the Nikon price increase rumor hit. I'm glad I did because I saved myself a ton of money, but at the same time, it makes you sad to see new technology come out and be left behind!

(I'm totally the 'must have the coolest gadget around' crowd)

 

[Gdad]

I would like video also- but not enough to spring for a new camera right now or when the D700s comes out. I'm thinking when the D90 is replaced I may see if I can pick up a used one cheap.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I can't imagine the 70-200 being any better, unless it's lighter
can't wait to hear some reviews, though.

My guess is that it is optimized for FX rather than DX use. The prior 70-200 is often said to have been optimized for DX use.

 

[mabas9395]

LOL... yeah, but I could sell the one I have right now for about $1800 (which is actually a $300 from the price when I bought it!) since the current going rate on that lens is about $2000-$2100.

You'll probably see the resell value of the older version go down a bit from where its been before. The market will be flooded with a lot of people trying to upgrade. At the same time, thats good new for someone in the market for a used older version.

 

[Chikabowa]

My guess is that it is optimized for FX rather than DX use. The prior 70-200 is often said to have been optimized for DX use.

Eh.
There is a LITTLE vignetting, but I like it. I would actually hate to loose it honestly. It's no worse than you'd see with film.

 

[Chikabowa]

You'll probably see the resell value of the older version go down a bit from where its been before. The market will be flooded with a lot of people trying to upgrade. At the same time, thats good new for someone in the market for a used older version.

That's probably true. I hadn't thought of that.
I love it though... and Mark is right... I'm sure it is optimized for the FX, and I don't want to loose my vignetting, so I'm keeping it.

 

[Suburbanmom]

I agree about the vingetting....has a certain charm.

 

[Coach]

Not to ruffle any feathers but I’m old school and if I want to take videos I’ll use my video camera and if I want to take stills I’ll use my still camera… I’ll just wait for the D400 thank you.