seeing the world through new eyes…

NIKON INTRODUCES VERSATILE ULTRA WIDE-ANGLE 10-24mm DX-FORMAT NIKKOR LENS FOR ADDED CREATIVE PERSPECTIVE

MELVILLE, N.Y. (APRIL 14, 2009) – Nikon Inc. today announced the next addition to the expansive NIKKOR lineup with the new AF-S DX-NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens, giving photographers the opportunity to capture a unique perspective in a variety of shooting environments. Compact and lightweight, the new 2.4x zoom DX-NIKKOR lens offers a focal length of 10 to 24mm, creating a picture angle ranging from 109-degrees to 61-degrees
(FX-format equivalent of 15-36mm) making it ideal for a variety of applications including restrictive interiors, architecture and sweeping landscapes.

“The development and release of the 10-24mm f/ 3.5-4.5 DX-NIKKOR lens continues Nikon’s tradition of providing expertly engineered tools for photographers to realize their unique creative vision,” said Edward Fasano, General Manager for marketing, SLR Systems Products at Nikon Inc. “The ultra wide-angle 10-24mm lens offers DX-format digital SLR shooters the outstanding performance for which NIKKOR optics are well-known and the opportunity to capture dramatic perspectives that only wide-angle lenses can achieve.”

The AF-S DX-NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens offers an array of versatile Nikon technologies, including Nikon’s compact Silent Wave Motor (SWM) technology for quiet, fast and accurate autofocus performance. An advanced optical formula, featuring two extra-low dispersion (ED) glass and three aspherical lens elements renders stunning images while minimizing distortion, a common problem with ultra wide-angle lenses.

A rounded diaphragm opening, combined with the seven-blade aperture, contributes to the 10-24mm lens’ ability to capture images with soft background effects, referred to by experienced photographers as the “bokeh.” Additionally, the new DX-NIKKOR lens offers the user two focus modes; manual and automatic and features an M/A mode that allows the photographer to quickly switch between the two modes. Both use an internal focusing (IF) design that enhances AF speed and eliminates lens barrel rotation and changes to lens barrel length during focusing.

Fully compatible with Nikon’s complete line of DX-format digital SLR cameras – including the D300, D90, D60, D40 and the newly announced D5000 – the AF-S DX-NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED lens enables photographers to broaden their view in new and interesting ways. FX-format shooters can also benefit from the AF-S DX-NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED, as Nikon’s FX-format cameras – the D3X, D3, and D700 – will automatically apply the DX-Crop Mode when shooting.

The AF-S DX-NIKKOR 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5G ED will be available at Nikon authorized dealers beginning May 2009 at an estimated selling price of $899.95*. For more information, please visit www.nikonusa.com.

About the NIKKOR brand
With a comprehensive assortment of FX and DX-format lenses and focal lengths, from the new ultra-wide 10-24mm to the super-telephoto 600mm VR, Nikon photographers have come to rely upon the NIKKOR core technologies that contribute to their optical superiority. NIKKOR is the brand name for Nikon’s photographic lenses, which was created by adding an “R” to “NIKKO”, an abbreviation of Nippon Kogaku K.K., the original company name of Nikon Corporation at the time of its founding. In 1933, Nikon marketed its first camera lens under the NIKKOR brand name, the “Aero-NIKKOR” for aerial photography applications. Since then, NIKKOR has been used as a brand name for Nikon’s lenses that symbolizes durability, high image quality and optical excellence.

About Nikon
Nikon, At the Heart of the Image™. Nikon Inc. is the world leader in digital imaging, precision optics and photo imaging technology and is globally recognized for setting new standards in product design and performance for its award-winning consumer and professional photographic equipment. Nikon Inc. distributes consumer and professional digital SLR cameras, NIKKOR optics, Speedlights and system accessories; Nikon COOLPIX® compact digital cameras; COOLSCAN® digital film scanners; 35mm film SLR cameras; Nikon software products and Nikon sports and recreational optics. For the second consecutive year, Nikon D Series digital SLR cameras are recognized as “Highest in Customer Satisfaction with digital SLR cameras, Two Years in a Row, Tied in 2008.” according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2007 and 2008 Digital Camera Usage and Satisfaction Studies?. Nikon Corporation, the parent company of Nikon Inc., recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of its legendary F-mount lens-mounting system. Only Nikon has sustained an original lens mount for such an extraordinary period, ensuring that photographers can continue to leverage their previous investments while still taking advantage of new innovations. For more information, dial (800) NIKON-UX or visit http://www.nikonusa.com, which links all levels of photographers to the Web’s most comprehensive photo learning and sharing communities.

*Estimated selling price listed is only an estimate. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.

 
***NOTE*** Content courtesy of the NikonUSA website press room.

I now have desktop wallpaper available for your computers. Currently, the only size for sale is 1680 pixels by 1050 pixels. In the near future, I’ll create wallpaper in the following sizes:

1. 1920 pixels by 1200 pixels
2. 1680 pixels by 1050 pixels (available today)
3. 1280 pixels by 768 pixels

It’s a possibility that I’ll create other sizes as well, if I receive enough interest. To view and/or purchase my wallpaper, please visit the Desktop Wallpaper galleries in my online store.

To request a size that I don’t currently offer, please use the Contact page on this site.

Here’s a small sample of what’s available today . . .

Cedar Falls Panorama, Hocking Hills Ohio

This is the second installment in a series on the Hocking Hills region of Ohio. Hocking Hills is a deeply-dissected area of the Allegheny Plateau, near Logan Ohio, that features cliffs, gorges, rock shelters, and waterfalls. The relatively extreme topography in this area is due to the Blackhand Sandstone (so named because of Native American graphics on the formation near Newark, Ohio), a particular formation that is thick, hard and weather-resistant, and so forms high cliffs and narrow, deep gorges. The result is a collection of parks that are jewels in the Ohio State Park system.

 
CEDAR FALLS

Cedar Falls is probably the most spectacular waterfall in the Hocking Hills region. It almost certainly has the largest volume of water flowing over it. At 50 feet high it is definitely a site to see. Cedar Falls begins flowing at full capacity in mid April and continues through mid to late May, as the snow from winter melts and the area enters into a traditionally rainy period. It’s thought to be the most photographed waterfall in Ohio.

The stream that flows down the gorge from Cedar Falls is clean, clear, unpolluted water. It provides an environment for a robust community of aquatic life. Here you will find things such as large snapping turtles, and several species of fish, including smallmouth bass. The surrounding gorge and trees play host to birds like woodpeckers, doves, owls and many more. The depth of the gorge keeps the temperature somewhat cool and even. This makes hiking the trail on a hot summer day, something of a treat.

Visitors can expect to encouter terrain featuring a gorge and sandstone cliffs covered with moss. The remains of a gristmill built near Cedar Falls in the 1830s can still be seen today. Hikers can enter Ohio’s Buckeye Trail at Cedar Falls and hike to either Ash Cave or Old Man’s Cave, two other popular destinations in the Hocking Hills. This six-mile section of the Buckeye Trail at Cedar Falls Ohio, also known as the Grandma Gatewood Trail, is part of two national trails: the North Country Scenic Trail and the American Discovery Trail.

As is the case with Old Man’s Cave, I usually arrive quite early to photograph Cedar Falls. Arriving at, or slightly after sunrise, gives you plenty of time to yourself so that you can create some truly wonderful images. I must say though, I’m curious to see what it would be like to photograph this location at sunset. Maybe that will be one of my photographic goals this Spring.

Like most of the popular areas in Hocking Hills, Cedar Falls is easy to get to. It’s located on S.R. 374 between S.R. 654 and S.R. 46. Below, you’ll find a few examples of images I’ve been able to create at Cedar Falls.

Cedar Falls, Hocking Hills Ohio Cedar Falls, Hocking Hills Ohio	Ripples at Cedar Falls, Hocking Hills Ohio
Cedar Falls, Hocking Hills Ohio	Cedar Falls, Hocking Hills Ohio