Nikon has put in place an "instant savings" campaign for great values on two of their most popular new lenses, the "must have" 18-200mm VR II version--a great upgrade to the original whose only downside is the increased cost, and the new VR version of their small and very sharp 70-300mm lens. The catch is that you get the $200-$250 discount only when you purchase a new D-SLR...

The $200 off on the 70-300 is good with purchases of the D5000, D90, D300S or D700 while the $250 off on the 18-200 is good with purchases of the D90 or D300s. So if you've wanted to upgrade your lens and camera, now might be the time to purchase a D300s + 18-200mm VR. B&H is unfortunately out of stock on the pre-packaged kits but your local camera store (like ours, Keeble and Schucat in Palo Alto) is likely running the identical promotion and may well have stock. Or if you want to pick up the 70-300 and either play with HD Video or give a D5000 to someone as a great Christmas gift you can purchase the D5000 with the 70-300mm AF-S VR lens for under $1000 from B&H (a $250 savings). For those needing a backup body and a lens update the Nikon D90 plus the 70-300mm AF-S VR for under $1300 also from B&H (a $200 savings).

If you don't want a new camera body but are envious of the quick, sharp new 70-300mm lenses, the Sigma version of the 70-300mm DG OS SLD Super-multi-layer Lens is available from Amazon for $399. I can personally attest to its sharp images, small size, and good stabilization. Don't confuse it with the older and much cheaper Sigma you can find for under $200. That is an entry level "kit" quality lens, while the new one is comparable to the mid-range Nikon lenses like the new 70-300.

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!--David