105mm VR Micro-Nikkor Field Test

Nikon Pro has published a nice brief article and sample photos by photographer Joel Sartore covering the new 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro Nikkor Lens, examining how it performs for shooting wildlife close ups. This recent update to a legendary performer is proving to be a real pro tool with the addition of vibration reduction and faster autofocus. Says Joel: “With the 105 Micro-Nikkor’s super-fast autofocusing, no noise due to AF-S and internal focusing, my odds of getting good and tight have just gone way up.”

Technorati Tags: 105mm, Micro-Nikkor, VR

Looking for a Compact Flash Card for your D200?

Rob Galbraith tested write speeds for different compact flash cards with the Nikon D200 and published his findings here. Not surprisingly, the best performer was the new Sandisk Extreme IV card. He also covers most other cameras in the report which is an excellent resource if you want to find out which Compact Flash cards perform the best with which cameras.

Technorati Tags: Compact Flash, D200, Extreme IV, Sandisk

D80 Announced, Plus 2 new Lenses

Nikon today formally announced the D80, a new 10-megapixel camera aimed at the amateur and prosumer markets. Price is set at $999US for the body only. DP Review has a good D80 preview, as does Lets Go Digital and Imaging Resource. Nikon also announced 2 new lenses, an AF-S 18-135mm DX f3.5-5.6 and an AF-S VR 70-300mm f4.5-5.6.

Technorati Tags: 18-135mm, 70-300mm, D80, Nikon

Santa Fe Digital Darkroom Free PDFs

The Santa Fe Digital Darkroom provides some great PDF tips and tutorials each month that can be downloaded for free. This months offerings include a Digital Darkroom Guide to embedding copyright info into photos using Photoshop CS2 and a very interesting resolution comparison between the Nikon D200/D2X and Canon 1DS Mark II. According to Michael Clark, the author of the resolution comparison, the Nikon bodies provide image quality nearly equal to that of the higher resolution and more expensive Canon, even when uprezzed in size through software interpolation.

Technorati Tags: Canon, Copyright, D200, D2X, Nikon

Free D70 Quick Setup Guide

Out There Images has posted a D70 Quick Setup Pocket Guide as a PDF which you can download for free from their website. It’s a one-page 4″ x 6″ guide that you can download and print for quick reference. You can also order a laminated version for only $4.50, see Out There Images for more info.

Technorati Tags: D70, Nikon

PlanetNikon Monthly Photo Contest: Landscapes and Scenics

PlanetNikon has just announced their August Monthly Photo Contest which covers Landscapes and Scenics. This is a good chance to submit your photo or vote on other people’s submissions. Click here for more info.

Technorati Tags: Contest, Nikon, Photography