The Nikon D3300’s kit lens redefines DSLR portability
This new glass will have you "retracting" your opinion on bulky lenses
Think all DSLRs and their accompanying lenses have to challenge the physical limits of your hands? The entry-level Nikon D3300 will have you questioning that notion thanks to its compact kit lens.
All kitted out
The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VRII kit lens has a nifty mechanism that allows the lens barrel to retract and shrink the size of your kit. Do note that this portability comes at the expense of an added step before you snap a picture; you’ll have extend the lens before attempting to shoot.
Aside from its compact size, the lens’ Vibration Reduction function offers up optical image stabilisation comparable to shooting at 4 stops faster. And be prepared to get a lot closer to your subject with its minimum focus distance of 0.25m.
The camera itself packs an EXPEED 4 engine and a 24.2 megapixel DX-format CMOS sensor without an optical low-pass filter, which should help to capture crisper detail. It supports 1080/60p movie recording, 5fps continuous shooting as well as an ISO range of 100 to 12800 to push your image-capturing skills even further.
For eager beavers, the WU-1a Wireless Mobile Adapter is available as an option for immediate image transfer between devices and to enable shooters to control the camera’s shutter remotely for those stealthy wildlife shots.
Compared to its predecessor, the D3200, the new Nikon D3300 is slightly smaller, and the retractable kit lens should make a world of difference for your posture, especially if you have to spend the entire day lugging it around.
The D3300 is on sale from 6th February, priced at £500 body-only and £600 with the new kit lens.
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