Nikon D610 Black Friday Deals: Save on 30 Nikkor Lenses

Nikon D610 pictureBlack Friday is here and Nikon has rolled out discounts of up to $300 on 30 popular Nikkor Lenses. To qualify you need to purchase a new Nikon DSLR, including the D610 as well as the D3100, D3200, D5200, D7100, D800, D800e, D4 and Df. With camera purchase you can buy one or multiple different lenses. Futher discounts include SB-700 and SB-910 Speedlights and 1.4x and 1.7x teleconverters.

The lenses include the “Holy Trinity” 14-24mm f/2.8G ($200 off), 24-70mm f/2.8G ($200 off) and 70-200mm f/2.8G zoom ($300 off), the popular f/4 zooms: 70-200mm f/4G ($300 off) and 24-120mm f/4G ($300 off). Primes are also available with the discount: The f/1.4 series: 24mm, 35mm and 85mm at $200 off each, and the 50mm f/1.4 at $50 off. The two f/1.8G lenses 28mm and 85mm are also $50 off. Tilt-shift lenses are on discount: 24mm f/3.5 PC-E ($200 off), 45mm f/2.8 PC-E ($200 off) and 85mm f/2.8 PC-E ($180 off).

If you already own a D610 and still want to get a discount on several lenses, you might consider purchasing an inexpensive DSLR such as the D3100 or D3200 and either sell it, keep it as a backup body or give it away as a gift. The potential discounts add up fast, and an inexpensive Nikon DSLR can be entirely paid for with the discount on as few as 2 lenses.

Select retailers also include additional accessories. For example, Amazon offers a free camera bags and SD media card with the Nikon D610. See all the Nikon Savings on Lenses and Accessories at Amazon.

Nikon D610 announcement coming in 2 weeks

The Nikon D600 FrontNikon D610 could be announced in just 2 weeks. The admin of Nikon Rumors reports that tips point to Nikon announcing the new camera on October 7 or 8, 2013. The D610 will be a revised version of the Nikon D600, brought to market to address concerns over the shutter mechanism causing oil spots to be deposited on the image sensor.

The new D610 is expected to have a new shutter mechanism, and is rumored to be able to shoot at 6 frames per second, rather than the current 5.5 frames of the D600. Other specifications of the camera are expected to be largely similar to the existing D600. Last week the D600 was removed from the minimum price policy (MAP) which signaled retailers to clear their inventory at unrestricted price.

We expect the retail price of the D610 to fall in line with the current D600 model, with a suggested retail price of $2095 US Dollars, and discounted to $1995 with instant rebate for the body-only version.

Low price on Nikon D600 body-only

Nikon D600 Strip TopSince Nikon removed the D600 from its Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy, retailers are free to advertise the camera at lower than retail price. The first major discount has appeared at Samy’s Camera, who now offer brand new Nikon D600 for $1799 on its website at samys.com with full Nikon USA warranty. Also included is a free 180 LED light for both still and video, along with free shipping. Samys is an authorized Nikon dealer. The same discount was published in a major newspaper in the Southern California area, where Samys has five retail store locations.

Retailers are expected to lower the D600 to help clear inventory as rumors about a possible new Nikon D610 continue to develop. At this point, the new camera appears like it will be a minor update that will share most features with the existing D600.

Nikon D600 removed from Minimum Price list

Nikon D610

Nikon D600 has been removed from the Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) list by Nikon. This is according to a rumor posted today on Nikon Rumors. Along with the D600, the Nikon D5100 has been removed from the list. This signals to retailers that they may freely advertise the D600 and D5100 at a lower than retail price. By removing the D600 from the MAP list, speculation is that a new Nikon D610 camera could be announced very soon. The camera could end the controversy over dust and oil issues that some D600 users have experienced. It could also mean new features are in the works, placing the D610 at the top of the Holiday wish list for many photography enthusiasts.

Nikon Releases D600 Firmware Update Version C: 1.01

Today Nikon has released updated firmware for the Nikon D600. The new firmware fixes the HDMI video output to allow full 100% frame size when the information display has been turned off. Previously, the display was only 95% with black bands displaying on the output HDMI image. Continuous auto focus (AF-C) tracking has also been improved. Support for the ultra-telephoto Nikkor 800mm f/5.6 VR has been added. Other minor bugs were fixed including:

  • When shooting in DX mode with Active D-Lightning turned Off, sometimes the right edge of the image had a white cast. This has been fixed.
  • When using Camera Control Pro 2, with Storage set to PC+CARD mode, pressing the shutter-release button on the camera repeatedly could result in an error (displaying “Err” on top LCD on the camera) and it would stop responding. The issue has been fixed.
  • When shooting with a custom white balance, either in Kelvin (K) or in a preset white balance (PRE), in rare cases the color would change when shooting. This issue has been fixed.

To check the firmware version or update the firmware installed on your D600, press the Menu button and go into the Setup menu. Select Firmware Version.

In order to update the firmware, download the new firmware from Nikon’s support site. Running the program will extract the update file named .bin file on your computer in the selected directory. Copy this file to the root (not in a folder) on a SD card and place the card in the D600. Your battery must have a full charge before you begin the update process. Then on your camera, go to Menu > Setup > Firmware Version and select update firmware.

Download Firmware Update for Nikon D600: Firmware Version C: 1.01

Nikon Lens Rebates Ending March 30, 2013

Nikon 85mm 1.8G Lens

Nikon is ending its financial year at the end of the month, and the current batch of instants rebates on 18 Nikkor lenses will also end March 30, 2013. Unlike many recent Nikon promotions, the discount is not tied to the purchase of a new camera. You can save up to $350 per lens on many popular lenses.

Because of strong demand during the lens promotion, several popular lenses are backordered. If you order by March 30, you will lock in the low price and lenses will be delivered as stock becomes available.

The rebates are available at participating Nikon retailers, including Amazon and B&H Photo. Rebates in effect through March 30, 2013.

FX Zoom Lenses
24-70mm f/2.8G $200 off @ B&H, Amazon
70-200mm f/2.8G VR II $300 off @ B&H, Amazon
24-120mm f/4G VR $300 off @ B&H, Amazon
24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G VR $100 off @ B&H, Amazon
28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G VR $150 off @ B&H, Amazon
80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D $350 off @ B&H, Amazon

FX Prime Lenses
24mm f/1.4G $200 off @ B&H, Amazon
35mm f/1.4G $200 off @ B&H, Amazon
50mm f/1.4G $100 off @ B&H, Amazon
85mm f/1.4G $200 off @ B&H, Amazon
28mm f/1.8G $100 off @ B&H, Amazon
50mm f/1.8G $20 off @ B&H, Amazon
85mm f/1.8G $100 off @ B&H, Amazon
AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED $100 off @ B&H, Amazon

DX lenses
18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G VR $300 off @ B&H, Amazon
18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II at $250 off @ B&H, Amazon
16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G $100 off B&H, Amazon
DX Micro 85mm f/3.5G VR $100 off @ B&H, Amazon

Visit the special promotion page: Nikon Lens Discounts at B&H Photo.

Deals on Nikon D600 Refurbished $1599, New for $1846.95

Nikon D600 Body OnlyThe latest deals on the Nikon D600: You can now get a Nikon Factory Refurbished D600 for $1599 @ B&H Photo.

Cameta Camera is offering bundles including the Factory Refurbished Nikon D600 plus 32GB SD Card, Battery, Remote & Accessory Kit for $1699. Cameta includes a free 1 year Cameta warranty. A 90 day Nikon factory warranty applies to refurbished products.

If you’re looking for deal on a brand new D600, Abt is listing the D600 new for $1846.95. That is a $250 instant rebate! Abt is an Authorized Nikon Retailer so you get the full Nikon USA warranty. Abt is out of stock now, but expects the next shipment in 2-3 weeks. The rebate is listed to end March 3, order now to lock in the low price.

Huge Nikon Lens Discounts

Nikon Lens Discounts
Nikon is dropping lens prices up to $350 on popular Nikkor lenses for a limited time. Unlike previous offers, there is no camera purchase required. These lens discounts will not lost long are set to expire on March 2, 2013 Update: Extended through March 30, 2013.

Of the 18 lenses on discount, 14 are full frame FX-format lenses. They include professional-grade f/2.8 zoom lenses: $200 off the 24-70mm f/2.8G and $300 off the 70-200mm f/2.8G VRII zoom.

The complete set of f/1.4 G prime lenses is also on huge discount: $200 off the 24mm f/1.4G, 35mm f/1.4G and 85mm f/1.4G and $100 off the 50mm f/1.4G. The wide f/1.4 aperture provides low-light capabilities and a shallow depth of field.

The recent f/1.8 prime lenses are also included: $100 off the 28mm f/1.8G and 85mm f/1.8G as well as $20 off the already bargain-priced 50mm f/1.8G. These lenses offer outstanding performance at a fraction of the cost of the f/1.4 primes and are a good match for the latest high resolution Nikon D600 and D800.

Discounts on FX lenses include $300 off the excellent 24-120mm f/4G VR Zoom and $150 off the 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G VR zoom and $100 off the 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G VR kit lens. The ultra-telephoto zoom 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D is discounted by $350. The AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED gets $100 off.

DX lenses include the wide range zoom 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G VR at $300 discount and 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II at $250 discount. The excellent 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G zoom and DX Micro 85mm f/3.5G VR are both $100 off.

See all the Nikon Lens Discounts at B&H Photo.

DxO Rates Nikon Nikkor 85mm 1.8G Highest of All 85mm Lenses Tested


DxO Labs has published their full review on the Nikon NIKKOR 85mm 1.8G AF-S lens. The lens produced the highest score of all 14 85mm prime lens the lab has tested to date. This $499 lens achieves sharpness rivaling the $1699 Nikon 85mm 1.4G, while producing minimal distortion (0.1%) and extremely low chromatic aberration (4um). It’s main shortcoming is vignetting at maximum aperture.

Those seeking maximum subject isolation and a professional build quality may prefer the 85mm 1.4G, however given its outstanding performance at a relatively bargain price, the 85mm 1.8G is the go-lens for portraiture and low-light photography for any full-frame photographer on a budget. It’s small size and low 12.4 oz weight also make it a preferred medium-telephoto choice for travel and backpacking.

You can purchase the Nikon 85mm 1.8G at the following retailers:
Nikon 85mm 1.8G Lens at Amazon
Nikon 85mm 1.8G Lens at B&H Photo
Nikon 85mm 1.8G Lens at Adorama