Now through September 28, 2013 Nikon is offering 30 Nikkor lenses at up to $300 off with any DSLR purchase. The offer is combined with the current $200 instant rebate on the D800 body, making this the best time to buy a new Nikon camera. Two speedlights (SB-700 and SB-910) are available at a discount, as are the 1.4x and 1.7x teleconverters.

Some of the lens discounts on popular lenses include $100 off the 50mm 1.8G ($369), 85mm 1.8G ($396). Zoom lenses include $300 off the 24-120mm f/4 VR ($996), 70-200mm f/4 ($1096) and 70-200mm f/2.8G ($2096). And $200 off the 24-70mm f/2.8G ($1686). If you plan to buy a few lenses, you could essentially get one of the lower priced DSLR bodies (D3200 or D5200) for free.

Nikon lens discounts at B&H Photo
Nikon lens discount offer at Amazon

Today Nikon releases firmware updates for many recent DSLR including the D800 and D800E. The updated firmware addresses several bug fixes in addition to improving AF-C focus tracking and adds support for the new Nikkor 800mm f/5.6 VR lens.

The new firmware for the D800 and D800E is version A:1.01 / B:1.02. Following is a complete list of the issues addressed in this firmware update

• Support for the AF-S NIKKOR 800mm f/5.6E FL ED VR has been added.
• Subject tracking performance in AF-C (continuous-servo autofocus) autofocus mode with framing using the viewfinder has been improved.
• Gamut for Adobe RGB images displayed in the camera’s monitor has been changed. This enables more vivid display of images.
• With live view photography in [M] (Manual) exposure mode, exposure preview was always on. This issue has been resolved.
• In some very rare cases when certain memory cards were used, movie recording would stop, even when the time remaining display indicated remaining recording time. This issue has been resolved.
• With shooting at an image quality setting of TIFF (RGB) and an image size setting of Small, the right edge of images contained a purple line. This issue has been resolved.
• In some rare cases, images recorded in JPEG format could not be opened by some software applications. This issue has been resolved.
• In some very rare cases, colors would change with shooting when white balance was set to a specific color temperature, as with Preset manual or Choose color temp. This issue has been resolved.

You can check your current firmware version by pressing the Menu button and navigating to the Setup menu, then select Firmware Version. The process to install the firmware update is to download the new firmware program, run the program which creates a .bin file on your computer. Copy the .bin file to the root of a media card (SD or CF card) and insert it into your camera. Then navigate to the Firmware Version using the camera’s menu and select update firmware. Make sure you are using a fully charged battery before you begin the update.

Firmware updates available:

Nikon D800
Firmware A: 1.01 / B:1.02

Nikon D800E
Firmware A: 1.01 / B:1.02

Notes about updating firmware on Nikon cameras: Firmware versions are notated part A and B. Updates may change one or both of these parts. It is not possible to go back to a previous firmware after an update has been installed (it requires Nikon Service). New firmware updates include all previous updates.

Only one more day to take advantage of Nikon lens rebates. The special promotion will end March 30, 2013 and is not expected to be offered again anytime soon. Unlike recent rebates, the current lens promotion does not require purchase of a camera.

• Complete List of Nikon Lens Rebates Save up to $350 per lens.

Many retailers are backordered on popular lenses, but if you order now you can lock in the low price and your lens will be delivered as soon as stock is available.

Nikon is also offering a separate $200 instant rebate on the purchase of a D800 or D800E camera body. This offer is also expected to end March 30.

• Save $200 on Nikon D800 or D800E body

The Rokinon & Samyang 24mm f/3.5 Tilt-shift Lens for Nikon are now available for pre-order at B&H Photo. The price is $999 US. The same lens is sold under both the Rokinon and Samyang brands. Expected availability of the lens is April 15, 2013.

• Pre-Order Rokinon 24mm f/3.5 Tilt-Shift at B&H Photo
• Pre-Order Samyang 24mm f/3.5 Tilt-Shift at B&H Photo

Nikon USA is currently offering instant of rebates up to $350 on 14 FX Nikkor and four DX Nikkor lenses. The discount is applied at the time of purchase. Unlike recent instant rebates, no camera purchase is required to get these deals.

These rebates are available at participating Nikon retailers, including Amazon and B&H Photo. Rebates in effect through March 30, 2013.

FX Zoom Lenses
f/2.8
24-70mm f/2.8G $200 off @ B&H, Amazon
70-200mm f/2.8G VR II $300 off @ B&H, Amazon
f/4
24-120mm f/4G VR $300 off @ B&H, Amazon
variable aperture
24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G VR $100 off @ B&H, Amazon
28-300mm f/3.5-5.6G VR $150 off @ B&H, Amazon
80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D $350 off @ B&H, Amazon

FX Prime Lenses
f/1.4
24mm f/1.4G $200 off @ B&H, Amazon
35mm f/1.4G $200 off @ B&H, Amazon
50mm f/1.4G $100 off @ B&H, Amazon
85mm f/1.4G $200 off @ B&H, Amazon
f/1.8
28mm f/1.8G $100 off @ B&H, Amazon
50mm f/1.8G $20 off @ B&H, Amazon
85mm f/1.8G $100 off @ B&H, Amazon
f/2.8 marco
AF-S Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8G ED $100 off @ B&H, Amazon

DX lenses
18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G VR $300 off @ B&H, Amazon
18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II at $250 off @ B&H, Amazon
16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G $100 off B&H, Amazon
DX Micro 85mm f/3.5G VR $100 off @ B&H, Amazon

See all the Nikon Lens Discounts at B&H Photo.