Nikon DTownTV

There's a new Nikon site called DTownTV , they will be presenting tips for using Nikon Digital cameras, this first weeks show included the following tips:

1. How to set your white balance by using the Live View mode.
2. Using Control Points in CaptureNX2
3. A GPS unit that attaches to your Hot Shoe

and more.....

They will have new show weekly.

Go here to check it out Nikon DTownTV

New Book from Joe McNally - Hot Shoe Diaries

Flash and Lighting expert Joe McNally has a new book out called

The Hot Shoe Diaries - Big Light From Small Flashes

Joe uses Nikon equipment but he says the book should appeal to anyone who uses flash photography. Here's a quote from Joe's website:

The book is Nikon-centric, obviously, cause that’s the system I use, and to the extent I talk over buttons and dials and where they are and what they do, they are Nikon buttons and dials. But the much larger part of the book is devoted to using light, in this case, light that comes from hot shoe flashes. I try to show progression and the tools that are used, and how to use small flash in an intuitive way.

You can read more about Joe's book and see excerpts from it here: Joe McNally

D3x Review

You can see a review of the Nikon D3x here: DPReview

AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G

AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G

February 9, 2009
Nikon's first DX-format 35mm single-focal-length lens


AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G

TOKYO –Nikon Corporation is pleased to announce the introduction of the DX-format 35mm single-focal-length lens AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G, which offers a picture angle equivalent to a focal length of 52.5mm in FX and 35mm formats.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G features a large maximum aperture of f/1.8 enabling effortless handheld shooting in dark settings, such as a dimly lit room. This lens makes it easy to create large, beautiful blur effects. And the built-in Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast, quiet autofocus, even with SLR models that do not have a built-in motor, such as the D40 series and D60.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G is the first single-focal-length lens with a normal picture angle developed exclusively for Nikon's DX format. It is a compact, lightweight model that achieves the high reproduction performance unique to single-focal-length lenses at an affordable price. This lens is most suitable for natural portrait and landscape shooting.

Note:
Although DX NIKKOR lenses can be attached to 35mm film and APS cameras, they cannot actually be used with them due to their small image circle. When the lens is mounted on a Nikon FX-format digital SLR, with the image area in the shooting menu set to Auto DX crop (default), DX crop is selected automatically.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Major Features

* DX-format, normal single-focal-length lens with 35mm focal length (picture angle is equivalent to a focal length of 52.5mm in FX and 35mm formats)
* Large maximum aperture of f/1.8
* Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures smooth AF operation
* High-performance optical system with aspherical lens delivers superior reproduction capability
* Compact, well-balanced design when attached to small SLRs
* Two focus modes available – M/A (manual-priority autofocus) and M (manual focus)
* Metal mount
* Natural blur effect thanks to seven-blade rounded diaphragm


AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G Specifications
Focal length 35mm
Maximum aperture f/1.8
Minimum aperture f/22
Lens construction 8 elements in 6 groups (with one aspherical lens)
Picture angle 44°
Closest focus distance 0.3 m/0.98 ft.
No. of diaphragm blades 7 (rounded)
Filter attachment size 52mm
Diameter x length (extension from lens mount)
Approx. 70 x 52.5 mm/2.8 x 2.1 in.
Weight Approx. 200 g/7 oz.
Supplied accessories 52mm snap-on front lens cap LC-52, Rear lens cap LF-1, Bayonet hood HB-46, Flexible lens pouch CL-0913

The AF-S NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G lens is scheduled to be available at Nikon authorized dealers beginning March 2009 at an estimated selling price of $199.95.* For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

More info and photos can be found here: Nikon Rumors