The AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR and AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G are the first Nikkor lenses to boast Nikon’s new stepping motor, aimed at videographers. The pair are due in shops next month, priced £199.99 and £149.99 respectively.
The newcomers are also the first Nikon lenses allowing users to switch between AF and manual focus, or turn VR on and off, via the camera menu. This feature is currently only compatible with the D5500, D5300 and D3300.
The lack of switches on the lens barrel should mean users do not accidentally change settings ahead of their intended shot.
It is possible that the new lenses will serve as standard zooms to accompany an expected entry-level Nikon DSLR announcement at CES in the next few hours.
The stepping motor is built to allow quiet, fast focusing when shooting video.
Nikon claims: ‘When shooting video footage, the motor allows you to smoothly shift focus from subject to subject with practically no drive noise. Footage shot won’t be ruined by any tiny, but still audible, sounds of the lens focusing.’
Nikon UK’s head of product management Simon Iddon said both lenses are designed to offer enthusiast and entry-level users a ‘more natural way to shoot with the lightweight build and improved portability’.
He added: ‘The autofocus is now faster and quieter than ever before due to Nikon’s stepping motor, while the image quality continues to be first-class.
‘Whether you’re using the 18-55mm lenses to shoot film or take photos, you’re guaranteed superb image quality and a convenient, reliable companion for your DSLR.’
