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Christmas is just a glance away. Outside the winter sky is hoary, and the chilled fingers of an icy wind blasts through the coats and scarves, but everywhere there is anticipation, excitement, expectancy. Shop windows are adorned with holly and mistletoe, festive colour and lights, ribbons of bright pigment, dark green, crimson, scarlet, burnished silk, glittering silver and gold. The entrances to each store echo with Christmas carols and song.

Last-minute shoppers bustle in and out of shops with renewed energy, swathed in thick coats and brightly-coloured scarves, carrier bags filled with shiny gifts. Children skip beside them, faces alight with wonder, tightly clutching hold of their parents with tiny gloved hands. A child looks up to the sky and, illuminated by the street lights, a few flakes of snow, like tiny pieces of opaque crystal, fall slowly, silently to the ground. Soon there is a crisp layer of snow on the streets and the sky above is filled with a strange other-worldly light.

Inside every home, beside each hearth, the presents are packed, stacked and ribboned, knotted and named, covered with iridescent paper and velvet bows, piled high beside each Christmas tree. A fragrant mix of cloves, cinnamon and pine needles fills the room, and the ambient flames from the coal fire casts a shimmer of ever-changing shapes against the walls. A time for family, a time to celebrate friendships old and friendships newly-formed.

2009 plays its passing chords and a new decade will soon begin.

May all of us from both Grays of Westminster and Nikon Owner wish you a very Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year.

Warmest wishes

Gillian (Greenwood)
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Nikon UK is launching the new AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-20E III, the world’s first teleconverter with an aspherical lens element. With a completely new optical design, the compact new teleconverter offers class leading image quality for wildlife and sports photography.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager for Lenses, Accessories and Software, Nikon Europe says: “The ground breaking optics in the new AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-20E III allow photographers to extend the reach of their NIKKOR telephoto lens with the confidence that there will be no comprises on image quality.”

World’s first teleconverter with aspherical lens element

The AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-20E III is the world’s first teleconverter with an aspherical lens element, which delivers brilliant image quality in a compact package. Completely compatible with the latest VR, autofocus and metering coupling systems, the AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-20E III is a ‘must have’ addition to any sports or wildlife photographer’s kit.

Built for professional demands

The new AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-20E III is designed to provide a seamless fit with the NIKKOR range of compatible telephoto lenses, and features rubber seals for body mount, tough release mechanism for intensive use and an oversized button for fast removal with gloved hands. It comes with newly designed caps and a practical storage pouch to protect it when not in use.

About teleconverters

Teleconverters are attached between the camera body and telephoto lens to multiply focal length without affecting closest focusing distance. This magnification factor comes at the cost of reduced light transmission which reduces the effective minimum aperture of the lens in use. The AF-S TELECONVERTER TC-20E III reduces aperture by two stops. So when attached to an f/2 aperture lens (such as the AF-S VR 200mm f/2G) the minimum aperture becomes f/4.

Specifications


For more information, please contact Grays of Westmister on:

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Nikon UK today announces a new super telephoto lens, the AF-S NIKKOR 300MM F/2.8G ED VR II. The new telephoto lens features the new generation of Vibration Reduction technology (VR II) and a new A/M focus mode, making it an ideal choice for serious sports, action and wildlife photographers.

Zurab Kiknadze, Product Manager Lenses, Accessories and Software, Nikon Europe says: "The new lens's comparatively light weight and compact dimensions make it a perfect choice for hand held super telephoto photography, particularly when used with a teleconverter. The new VRII system allows photographers to shoot pin sharp images at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than normally required, making this a practical solution for the news and wildlife photographer".

The evolution of the AF-S NIKKOR 300MM F/2.8G ED VR II NIKKOR lens reflects a commitment to developing a range of products tailored to photographers' needs, and strengthens the line-up of high-performance NIKKOR lenses.

Sharper action images

The AF-S NIKKOR 300MM F/2.8G ED VR II features second generation built-in Vibration Reduction (VRII), providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops slower so sharper images can be achieved when using the camera for hand-held shooting. In addition, the new A/M mode added to existing M/A and M modes enables autofocus priority even if the focus ring is being handled during shooting. Weighing in at 2,900g this is a lens that ticks every box for those who are serious about action photography.

Built for any environment

This super telephoto lens is designed with the photographer in mind and has the same excellent optical system as its predecessor. Those who need extreme speed and quiet to capture wildlife, can rely on the autofocus with a built-in silent wave motor to ensure you won't disrupt the action. To top off the extensive features, this lens is also sealed to withstand the affects of dust and moisture, allowing photographers to keep shooting whatever the conditions. Finally, the lens construction features eleven elements in eight groups, including three ED glass elements and Nano Crystal Coat.

Specifications:


For more information, visit http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk/products/ or contact Grays of Westminster on +44 (0)20-7828 4925 or info@graysofwestminster.co.uk
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The New 85mm f/3.5 VR II micro Nikkor has arrived into stock. This is a new compact and lightweight DX format Macro lens with high quality optics. It's the perfect choice for exploring the world of close-up photography.

Ideal for those new to macro photography, the AF-S DX MICRO NIKKOR 85MM F/3.5G VR boasts a 1:1 reproduction ratio, allowing photographers to get lifelike close-ups of more intricate textures and details, even down to the fine texture on flower petals or insect wings. On top of this, the VR II system provides both a steady viewfinder image for composition and sharper results at slow shutter speeds or when shooting movie clips.

Beautifully balanced to take anywhere, the Nikon DX format provides a compact and light form factor that balances well with Nikon's range of DSLRs like the D90 and D5000. With a picture angle equivalent to a focal length of 127.5mm in FX/35mm format, it extends options beyond those offered by standard kit lenses, ideal for portraits or candid photography.


Both the D3s and 70-200mm f/2.8 VR II lens are now available in stock. If you have not been reached from our waiting list, please call to place your order and we should be able to supply you now (while stocks last).

Please note, there is a VAT increase on the 1st of January 2010 and prices are set to increase.



If you are puzzled as to what to get for the Nikon devotee this Christmas, why not take out a subscription to the Nikon Owner magazine. The cost is £59.00 for a year and here are some of the benefits of subscribing:

Three-year warranty

A three-year warranty is available to Nikon Owner subscribers only for any new Nikon purchases made at Grays of Westminster. An eighteen-month warranty has just now also been made available for Nikon Owner subscribers purchasing second-hand kit from Grays of Westminster’s superb second-hand department.

Technical Helpline

Full use of our Technical Helpline, which is run expertly by Simon Stafford. There is an encyclopaedic list of Q&A’s on the Nikon Owner website, or subscribers can email him directly with any photographic queries, no matter how small or large.

Interactive website

Interactive subscribers' only website: subscribers' message board, subscribers' gallery (post your own images), press releases, technical equipment reviews, subscriber events, etc, etc.

Discounts off courses

Subscription to Nikon Owner also provides discounts off a range of other photographic courses, including the annual Heather Angel Wildlife and Natural History Workshop, and 10% off all courses at Nikon UK.

Discounts off Think Tank photographic bags

Nikon Owner subscribers also receive a 10% discount off Think Tank photographic bags if purchased at Grays of Westminster.

Events

Special events are regularly organized for Nikon Owner subscribers.

Also for a short amount of time we have very nice leather Nikon diaries to give away to brand new subscribers. In the back of the diary is a history of Nikon cameras starting back to the establishment of Nippon Kogaku in 1917.

Please contact us at the shop to order a subscription for yourself or as a present and we can activate the online web access just before Christmas (or whenever you wish).

We look forward to hearing from you!

Kindest regards,

Tabitha Hardy

Grays of Westminster - Exclusively... Nikon
40 Churton Street
Pimlico
London SW1V 2LP
Tel: +44 020 7828 4925
Fax: +44 020 7976 5783
E-mail: info@graysofwestminster.co.uk
Website: http://www.graysofwestminster.co.uk
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For a number of years, Grays of Westminster has presented and hosted a number of comprehensive photographic seminars, workshops, tutorials and events covering a wide variety of subject matter including wildlife and natural history, flash, general photographic technique, portrait, macro and many more.

We are delighted to announce a very special flash seminar to be held in central London, at Fitzroy House, 37 Fitzroy Street, London W1T 6DX on Saturday 16th January, 2010.


The seminar will be presented by Simon Stafford, technical director of Nikon Owner magazine and respected author of many Nikon books, and will take place on Saturday January 16th from 2.00 p.m. until 5.30 p.m. It will be limited to 15 delegates in order that each attendee will be able to benefit more fully from the tuition. The cost of the session will be £135 with a special price of £95 if you are a current Nikon Owner subscriber.

To book, please 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; alternatively send an email with your full name, daytime landline and mobile telephone number to:info@graysofwestminster.co.uk

Agenda for the session:

Part One: Flash basics

• Introduction to Nikon Speedlights and the Nikon Creative Lighting System
  

• Understanding light, sync speeds, flash modes, and flash sync modes
  

• Shooting with one Speedlight on your camera
  

• Modifying light, its colour, quality, and direction
  

• Taking the flash off camera, using a cable
  

• The Advanced Wireless Lighting system
  

Part Two: Digging deeper

• Advanced Creative Lighting System features: FV Lock and Auto High-speed Sync

• Shooting with multiple Speedlights using wireless control

• Controlling light: get creative with filters and light modifiers
  

• Practical considerations for location shooting
  

Part Three: Shooting with one light

• A practical demonstration of setting up and shooting a portrait photograph, using a single Nikon Speedlight and the few simple lighting accessories
  

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 £40 off the normal price of £135 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
  

• Three-year warranty
  

A three-year warranty is available to Nikon Owner subscribers only for any new Nikon purchases made at Grays of Westminster. An eighteen-month warranty has just now also been made available for Nikon Owner subscribers purchasing second-hand kit from Grays of Westminster’s superb second-hand department.

• Technical Helpline
  

Full use of our Technical Helpline, which is run expertly by Simon Stafford. There is an encyclopaedic list of Q&A’s on the Nikon Owner website, or subscribers can email him directly with any photographic queries, no matter how small or large.

• Interactive website
  

Interactive subscribers' only website: subscribers' message board, subscribers' gallery (post your own images), press releases, technical equipment reviews, subscriber events, etc, etc.

• Discounts off courses
  

Subscription to Nikon Owner also provides discounts off a range of other photographic courses, including the annual Heather Angel Wildlife and Natural History Workshop, and 10% off all courses at Nikon UK.

• Discounts off Think Tank photographic bags
  

Nikon Owner subscribers also receive a 10% discount off Think Tank photographic bags if purchased at Grays of Westminster.

• Events
  

Special events are regularly organized for Nikon Owner subscribers.

Please email info@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 £59.

With best wishes,
Gillian (Greenwood)
Features Editor, Events’ Coordinator

The Duke of Wellington is a wonderful historic pub and the same excellent venue that has been used before. It is a superb location for a celebratory dinner and Adrian and Andy would appreciate it if everyone possible could attend, in order that the landlord can justify our use of the room.

Places for the dinner are limited to 20, but please do feel free to bring family members and additional guests. The Christmas Menu and Booking Form can be accessed on the Nikon Owner Message Board forum

The cost is just £34.00 per head for a full three-course dinner with wine included. Kindly pay on the night. We look forward to seeing you Saturday 19th, December 2009. Please indicate your attendance by replying to the message on the Nikon Owner Message Board under the subject: South Coast Group Christmas Dinner

Kind regards,

Gray Levett
Editor, Nikon Owner magazine

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Nikon Owner magazine
40 Churton Street
Pimlico
London SW1V 2LP
Tel: +44 020 7828 8971
Fax: +44 020 7976 5783
Website: www.nikonownermagazine.com

THE HISTORY OF THE DUKE OF WELLINGTON PUB
Located in Southampton's historic Bugle Street, the Duke of Wellington Pub, a dark timbered medieval building, was originally built upon Norman vaults and cellars in 1220. In 1494 the building was for the first time converted into a public house after being bought by brewer Rowland Johnson who named it Bere House or Brew House, and subsequently set up Southampton's first brewery. In 1620 the pub would have been passed many times by the Pilgrim Fathers on their way to the Mayflower, which sailed its maiden voyage to The New World from the bottom of Bugle Street. Since that time, the pub has gone through a number of name changes. In the eighteenth century the pub was renamed the Shipwrights Arms serving the many local ship-builders. After the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, the owners of the pub celebrated by changing its name to that of the victorious Duke of Wellington who had become a national hero.
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