It’s been mentioned in Nikon’s lenses bronchure here:
http://imaging.nikon.com/products/imaging/lineup/brochure/index.htm#04

It’s also worth noting that all AF-S lenses are either D- ot G-types, so in other words all AF-S lenses in effect has the feature of a D-type.

Only VR II giveaway/misshap I can see is :
JAA630DA 105MM AF-S VR II F2.8D MICRO NIKKOR LENS

Nikkor AF-S VR-II 180mm f2.5DG (Yes DG, with detachable aperture ring)
Nikkor AF-S VR-II 500mm f3.5DG
Nikkor AF-S VR-III 80-410mm f3.2-5.0G ED (VR-III, works until 8 stops, able to shoot through the lens cap)
Nikkor AF-S VR-III 22-70mm f2.6 3D ED (A twin lens, shoots in 3D)

Expected release: very beginning of 2Q09

=Matt=

The 300 f/2 remake is a possibility ( remember the rumor about the 200-400 f/4 and everyone said on way – would not be done – then it showed up). Figure that a new 300 f/2 AF-S VR II would sell for at least US$35,000.00 — serious special order. The original 300 f/2 manual focus sold for almost $30K new.

The 70-200 f/2.8 is due for a remake because of its edge problems on full-frame. However, it is unlikely that the new lens would be an f/2.5 — again, that would add to its weight and diameter.

The other rumor about the 35 f/1.8, 135 f/1.8 and updated 80-400 makes much more sense.

worst rumour yet.

All make sense, even though f/1.8 looks a bit weird for a 35mm. Either f/2, a very classic design, cheap to make, or the faster f/1.4, which would have more appeal for those already having the f/2.8 zooms.

I was in a large camera store here in Southern California yesterday afternoon and overheard a conversation between a customer, sales person and a Nikon Representative. The customer was looking for an inexpensive telephoto lens for his D90. The sales person brought out the 70-300mm G VR lens for about $500.00 and the customer thought that was too much money. The salesman then brought out a 70-300mm D lens that he stated had just been reduced in price. The customer asked why and the Nikon Representative stated that they are starting to phase out all “D” type lenses.

So, with all of the new lenses that we have seen developed over the past several years being “G” type, why would they now start developing new “D” type lenses?

I THINK NOT!!!

I thought it wasn’t ASAAR’s usual style.

It’s now a dusty old corner of the ‘net where a few old gits like me hang out and have the same old P&S vs. DSLR arguments over and over again. Occasionally someone will post a really wild rumour and claim they heard it from a friend on the inside.

No real information came out of usenet for many, many years.

I can see Nikon changing out the high end glass to introduce the very latest VR technology. But I can’t see major effort going into such low volume lenses when the introduction of the D3 and FX series cameras is creating demand for pricey high volume lenses.

My prediction would be that Nikon will change out lenses according to demand and ease of making the necessary manufacturing changes. Which is not so much a prediction as a statement of the obvious.

The lenses in most need of modification are

80-400 needs to focus faster.
70-200 needs to have fall-off at the corners fixed.
The primes need AFS upgrades.
They need another couple of fast primes. a fast 28 and a fast 135 would be nice.
They need a cheaper ultra-wide DX lens than the 12-24.

That is pretty much it.

http://www.camerarumors.com/2008/11/three-new-nikon-lenses-coming.html

*****