Nikon D4, D800 & D800E Are You Ready For Yours?

Goods News! We have now completed allocations to all our back orders for the D4, D800 and D800E DSLR cameras and have a limited number of each model available for sale on a first come, first served basis. Please telephone 020 7828 4925 to place your order.

We also have stocks of the two new zoom lenses the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR And the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR arriving today.

AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR

The AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR is a highly versatile lens with a focal length of 24-85mm, making it ideal for shooting in a wide variety of situations including landscapes, portraits and snapshots. The lens also offers an extensive set of features including vibration reduction (VR II) to provide camera shake compensation equivalent to a shutter speed increase of approximately four steps, the Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for quiet autofocus operation and two focus modes – M/A (autofocus with manual override) and M (manual). Furthermore, despite the fact that it is compact, lightweight and priced affordably, the AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR realizes images that maximizes the characteristics of high-resolution, high image quality FX-format D-SLR cameras, making it a lens that you can use regularly.

AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR Primary Features:

• A standard zoom lens with a zoom ratio of 3.5x, a focal length of 24-85mm and FX-format compatible, allowing you to enjoy shooting a wide variety of situations with just one lens
• Vibration reduction (VR II) offering camera shake compensation equivalent to a shutter-speed increase of approximately four steps
• Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for extremely quiet autofocusing
• Two focus modes, M/A (autofocus with manual override) and M (manual)
• The optical system with ED and aspherical lens elements optimal for D-SLR cameras enables sharp rendering and superior optical performance
• A size and weight that makes it very portable. Cost £519.00 inc. VAT

The world’s first interchangeable zoom lens for D-SLR cameras with the world’s highest 16.7x zoom ratio*: The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is a high-power zoom lens with a focal length of 18-300 mm and a zoom ratio of 16.7x, allowing a wide variety of shots from wide-angle to super telephoto with just one lens. The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR joins the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II and the AF-S NIKKOR 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR to enhance the high-power zoom lens line-up. In addition to achieving a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:3.2x and the f/5.6 maximum aperture at the maximum telephoto position, it also has built-in vibration reduction (VR II), offering camera shake compensation equivalent to a shutter speed increase of approximately four steps to effectively reduce camera shake for easy telephoto shooting. By incorporating ED and aspherical lens elements, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR offers superior optical performance through an optical system optimized for D-SLR cameras.

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Primary Features:

• A high-power zoom lens with a focal length of 18-300 mm (angle of view equivalent to that of 27-450mm lens in 35-mm [135] format) and the world’s highest 16.7x zoom ratio.
• Maximum reproduction ratio: 1:3.2x
• Vibration reduction (VR II) offering camera shake compensation equivalent to a shutter speed increase of approximately four steps
• Achieves the f/5.6 maximum aperture at the maximum telephoto position
• Equipped with a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for extremely quiet autofocusing
• Equipped with two focus modes, M/A and M
• The optical system with ED and aspherical lens elements optimal for D-SLR cameras enables sharp rendering and superior optical performance. Cost £849.00 inc. VAT.

*Among interchangeable lenses for D-SLR cameras (As of June 14, 2012).

The new Grays of Westminster Gazette issue 66 is now available to download here: http://bit.ly/MzIZXJ

It features two preview articles by the respected photographer, author and technical editor of Nikon Owner magazine, Simon Stafford: Peak Pace Performer on the Nikon D4 and Resolution Revelation: Nikon D800 and a whole lots more.

Finally if you have not seen it yet you might like to watch our interview with world-renowned National Geographic legend Jim Brandeburg on his experiences testing the D800 last year on YouTube: http://bit.ly/NAU9YN

If your taste is for second-hand Nikon, I think we can say we have what is probably the widest range of second-hand Nikon in the world. If you would like to visit you do not even need Aladdin’s slippers to Open Sesame!

The Shop with the Dragon for You…

Nikon FM2 Millennium Edition – Year of the Dragon

To celebrate the new Millennium Year 2000 (The Chinese Year of the Dragon), Nikon released the Nikon FM2 Millennium Edition. The camera has special markings: a Chinese-style golden Dragon sits above the self-timer and has matching serial numbers for the camera body and lens; this example is supplied with a 50mm f/1.4 Nikkor AIS lens serial number 1963/2000. It is presented in a rich gold maker’s box with a red satin lining, a white outer shipping carton, warranty card, an instruction manual and a certificate of authenticity signed by Mr. Michio Kariya, President Nikon Imaging Company, Japan. NEW £3500.00

The Dragon is one of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar, and the only animal that is legendary. The Year 2000 is a Chinese Golden Dragon Year.

Richard Young Gallery is delighted to announce a Summer Group Show. Featuring six of the gallery’s most popular artists, and introducing two new artists, this unique exhibition is not to be missed.

The gallery is excited to present the stunning, abstract depictions of the sky and water by accomplished photographer Paul Vicente, and the provocative black and white silkscreened photographic images by recent graduate, Turner Moyse. The works on display by these two artists are being shown for the first time in London.

Other highlights include: Delicate nude female portraiture by Corinne Manches; bright, South African fashion photography by Jonty Van Zeller; colorful, superimposed imagery by Diego Portuondo; quirky 3D fashion photography by Matjaz Tancic; and contemplative black and white photographs by Luke Harris. A selection from Richard Young’s colour Signature Series will also be on display.

With something for everyone, this exhibition is a must see for any Contemporary Art or photography enthusiast. All photographs are for sale. The Richard Young Gallery is dedicated to exhibiting innovative and contemporary fine art photography by emerging and mid-career photographers.

Exhibition Runs from 14th July – 30th September 2011

Please Note: The Gallery will be closed from August 13th – 31st.

Information was extracted from the Richard Young Gallery website.

I often find myself in shops in big cities and airports when I’m ready to buy my next toy, but I’m hesitant because I’m not yet certain. The trouble with chains and franchises is that you’re usually being served by a spotty teenager whose understanding of a ‘good quality point-and-shoot’ is a pump-action-water-pistol. Photography is my hobby so my knowledge comes from my little experience, magazines, blogs and online reviews. When I’m in a shop, I’m almost sure of what I’m buying and if I’m still thinking, I need a little help. I don’t want to get there only to hear someone read the product description from the box. I’m there to see the item in real life, feel it and perhaps hear an opinion about other potential options. I don’t want to waste my time, nor feel obliged to buy something, just because I answered the dreadful question: ‘Can I help you?’. No you can’t… and no I would not like fries with that!

Amateur photographers fall into a strange customer segment. Our world of shopping is polarised between a shop whose product knowledge (and stock) is limited, and the virtual world where nothing can be touched nor tested. There are of course exceptions: you don’t need to touch a battery, this can be bought online, and there are some chains with very professional sales people who’ve been trained to explain things better… BUT I’m often in and out of a shop in city far away for a maximum of thirty minutes… and I usually get the water-pistol guy!

Two weeks ago I was in London on business. I arrived in the evening, hired a car the next morning, drove to the east coast for a meeting, back to London in the afternoon and flew home that same night. With such a small window, I needed a shop. A real one. With people. I remembered my last experience (back in 2009) when I visited Grays of Westminster, which is arguably the best store for Nikon worldwide,. I went there to buy a replacement lens hood and a battery grip both of which were almost impossible to find anywhere in London.

This time I wanted to buy an every-day lens and a wide angle lens. The former to replace my 18-200, and the latter is something I really missed when I was in Turkey! 18mm is not wide enough for inside a beautiful church or a mosque so I thought it may be time for a wider angle. I emailed Grays asking about stock availability. I had a nice positive reply the following morning so I stopped there before heading to the airport.

This shop is mainly aimed at professionals, but you’re made to feel welcome regardless of your knowledge (and budget). You can hear from professionals who know the cameras and the lenses better than anyone I have access to. They listen to your need and try to match it with the best option – offering second-hand options if available. They have a history with Nikon and they know every accessory, lens and camera body. My focus (sorry) is only on digital, but this shop covers it all. They have two publications, a gazette and a quarterly magazine. The gazette is available for download from their website. Speaking of their website, they have a great virtual tour (where the image above was taken from) and a few interesting links. The shop itself is small enough to be personal and large enough to hold the vast stock they maintain. Their second-hand section is a real treat even if you’re not looking for anything specific. I was in and out of the shop having tried the lenses, made my purchase and got the VAT reclaim forms filled. I was there for less than an hour! When I checked in (foursquare) I added the comment: ‘My Hamleys’. Now that I reflect to write this post today, I can’t think of a better description. If you’re in London and you’re a Nikon user, this really is a must-stop.

The arrival of spring brings with it hundreds of things to be thankful for; the promise of longer days, warmer sunshine and new beginnings. And here at Grays of Westminster, you’ll find us full of the joys of spring. In spite of ongoing supply issues due to the current situation in Japan, you will find that our shop is full to the brim with Nikon. For example, we currently have stocks of two hard-to-obtain DSLRs – the Nikon D3s and D90 cameras as well as limited stocks of two very popular lenses: the AF-S 24-120mm f/4G ED VR and the AF-S 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR.


Aladdin’s Cave
If you have not had an opportunity to visit Grays of Westminster in person and see for yourself the Aladdin’s cave which is our second-hand department, you might like to take a virtual tour by clicking on here: http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk/tour/

We would also like to remind you that if you are buying either new or second-hand kit from Grays, you will be able to extend the warranty by taking out a subscription to Nikon Owner.


NIKON D5100

The anticipated replacement for the D5000 still features a vari-angled LCD Monitor, a very popular feature amongst travel photographers, but with all the censor capabilities of the D7000, allowing you to take fantastic photographs with the ease of several automatic and manual modes, and stunning HD home movies.

Key features include:

A vari-angle monitor which allows you to take pictures from above, below, around, and in-front of the camera. Ideal for those hard-to capture shots and self-portraits.

Built in filter effects and creative effects, including features such as a fisheye filter, night vision mode, colour sketch mode, low and high-key shooting modes and many more, for in-camera creativity.

Beautiful video recording up to 1080p HD shooting, including facial recognition features and auto-focus during movie mode. The D5100 is also compatible with the new Nikon M-1 microphone accessory, soon to be available sold separately.

A 16.2 megapixel sensor captures high-quality images.
This camera is available in stock now and the price for body only is £649.00 or with the 18-55mm lens £749.00 including VAT.

Our shop overflows with the best of Nikon from cameras to lenses and thousands of accessories both new and second-hand.

As always at Grays of Westminster, you can be sure of a warm welcome.

For a number of years, Grays of Westminster has presented and hosted a number of comprehensive photographic seminars and workshops covering a wide variety of subject matter including Mike Maloney’s recent House of Lords Photographic Event, wildlife and natural history weekend workshops in Pembrokeshire and Sussex, flash, general photographic technique, portrait and macro training sessions, and many more.

Due to overwhelming demand, we are delighted to announce a further general photographic technique seminar to be held in central London, at Fitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX on Saturday, June 5th, 2010.

The seminar will be presented by Simon Stafford, technical director of Nikon Owner magazine, and will take place from 2.00 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. The cost of the session will be £155 with a special price of £95 if you are a current Nikon Owner subscriber. To book, please email me with your full name, daytime mobile and landline, or call between 2.00 p.m. and 5.30 p.m. Monday to Friday on 020 7828 4925 or for International calls telephone + 44 (0)20 7828 4925, and ask to speak to me, Gillian Greenwood.

gillian.greenwood@graysofwestminster.co.uk

Agenda for the General Photographic Techniques session

Part one: Camera skills

• Understanding f/numbers & shutter speeds
• Learn how to optimise white balance and ISO
• Mastering camera menu settings
• JPEG versus RAW: the pros and cons of both
• How to achieve accurate exposures
• Understand how your camera’s metering system works
• Learn the benefits of digital histograms
• Improve your focus techniques with AF and manual focus

Part two: Shooting skills

• Learn good camera handling
• Camera support systems, tripods, monopods, and alternatives
• Understanding and using depth-of-field
• Choosing and using filters
• Imaginative use of shutter speed
• Creative use of white balance

Part three: Beyond the camera

• Planning and visualising the picture
• Techniques of composition
• Transporting photographic equipment
• Tips for location shooting

Please note: there will be ample opportunity to ask questions throughout the event.

About Simon Stafford

Simon Stafford is considered by many to be one of the foremost technical Nikon experts in the UK . With over twenty-five years of experience using the Nikon system, he brings his considerable expertise to bear both as technical editor for Nikon Owner, and as author of a number of comprehensive books on the Nikon system, including his best-seller series of Magic Lantern Guides on the Nikon D70s/D70, the Nikon D80, the Nikon D40, D40X, D50, D60, D200, D300, D700, D90, D3. The series includes a Magic Lantern Guide on the Nikon AF Speedlights & Creative Lighting System, and he is currently working on a fully updated, second edition to include the latest Nikon SB-900.

Special Nikon Owner discount off the price of the course

Enrolling on this course as a current Nikon Owner subscriber will allow you the benefit of a discount of £60 off the normal price of £155 for the session.

About Nikon Owner

Nikon Owner is a worldwide users’ group initially founded with the purpose of assisting Nikon owners to make full use of the Nikon equipment they own, to give advice on a wide spectrum of photographic queries and problems, and at the same time to offer ideas to bring about an increase in photographic skills. As a subscriber to this group, you will receive an array of offers and assistance, which includes:

Nikon Owner Magazine

Nikon Owner Magazine

Nikon Owner Magazine and Interactive Website is considered by many to be the world’s number 1 user group for Nikon owners.

Subscriber benefits include:

• Nikon Owner Magazine: a stunning, full-colour 60 page glossy quarterly magazine which is 100% Nikon.
• Subscribers’-only website with a lively forum, message board, technical equipment reviews, events’ page and use of a photo gallery.
• Simon Stafford’s Technical Helpline: free technical consultation and support from Simon Stafford, one of the top Nikon experts in the UK.
• FREE 3-year warranty on all new Nikon products from Grays of Westminster, or a free 18-month warranty on second-hand Nikon from Grays of Westminster.
• 10% off Think-Tank bags purchased at Grays of Westminster.
• Special trips: past visits have included a two-week trip to Japan and a personal tour of the Nikon factory, a visit to Nikon Thailand , Angkor Watt, Cambodia.
• Substantial discounts on events and training sessions such as Mike Maloney’s House of Lords Photographic Workshop, Heather Angel’s Wildlife & Natural History Workshops, Simon Stafford’s Definitive Flash, Portraiture and Macro Seminars, Chris Weston’s Photographic Courses, Michael Eleftheriades’ Panoramic Seminars.
• 10% off any training courses run by Nikon UK.
• A range of complimentary meetings and outings organized by local Nikon Owner Groups.

Please email me at gillian.greenwood@graysofwestminster.co.uk with your name, daytime landline and mobile telephone number if you are interested in enrolling in Nikon Owner or call me after 2.00 p.m. Monday to Friday on 020 7828 4925 or for International calls, telephone + 44 (0)20 7828 4925. The cost of an annual subscription to Nikon Owner is currently only £59.
With best wishes,

Gillian ( Greenwood )
Features Editor, Events’ Coordinator

Giles and Heather Angel