Rumors of a new "Walk-around" lens from Nikon

There has been a rising tide of rumors on many of the Web's photography forums, notably DPReview, regarding a new lens to be introduced by Nikon sometime soon, probably at PMA on January 31. The lens is supposed to be a 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 VR AFS DX, which would give DX camera users a much wider angle than is available in the current crop of "18 to whatever" lenses (55, 70, 135, 200, you get the picture)

Skepticism abounds, as it should for any unproven internet rumor, but evidence is solidifying, with Nikon reviewer Thom Hogan stating "Moreover, it appears that the DX equivalent of a 24-120mm lens has also entered production (that would be a 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G VR DX AF-S for those who really want to know, and that's a ~24-128mm equivalent)" and a number of quite convincing images surfacing about the web.

I'm personally a believer in this one, and if it's sharp and hits the market under $400, I'll be buying one to replace the 18-135 as my walk-around lens. I don't use the telephoto end of this lens much, but I'm ALWAYS looking to go wider.