Contextually with the announcement of the Nikon D5000 Nikon presents the new mid-range zoom characterized by ultra wide focal lengths equivalent in 35 mm format to 15-36mm. It is proposed as an alternative to the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24 mm f/4G IF-ED for all those users of DX sensors sized cameras. The technical specifications are: internal motor for focusing ( compatible with D40 D40x D60 and D5000), construction in 14 elements in 9 groups, 3 aspherical lenses and 2 ED in order to reduce aberrations. Thanks to the internal focusing system the front lens does not rotate during the focusing of the subject and thus makes easier the use of filters, especially polarizers.
MTF Charts (source Nikon) let us suppose it is a quite sharp lens.

The new lens is available from May 2009 at the price of € 849 VAT included.