Photozone have recently posted sample photos and a review of the Nikon DX VR 18-200 mm F/3.5-5.6G, a compact, lightweight and packed with an array of advanced features, the AF-S DZ VR Zoom-Nikkor lens offers 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED focal range length and 11.1x zoom coupled with Nikon ED glass, Silent Wave Motor and enhanced Vibration Reduction (VR II). In conclusion they write:

“Regarding some glowing reviews available on the web the expectation were rather high. Unfortunately the (tested sample of the) Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR II DX wasn’t able to convince completely. Weak points are rather hefty distortions and high vignetting (@ f/3.5) at 18mm. Apart from a few weak spots the resolution figures are quite good though and it is possible to get very decent images from this lens under field conditions. The VR can surely help to safe the day in situations where similar zooms must fail utterly. The build quality is a little soso for a lens in this price class and probably the biggest disappointment. All in all the Nikkor is a highly interesting lens but not without flaws (hardly surprising for a 11x zoom).”

>> RELATED POST

- Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED Review Roundup & Sample Photos

Thom Hogan has recently posted a review of the Nikon DX VR 18-200 mm F/3.5-5.6G, a compact, lightweight and packed with an array of advanced features, the AF-S DZ VR Zoom-Nikkor lens offers 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED focal range length and 11.1x zoom coupled with Nikon ED glass, Silent Wave Motor and enhanced Vibration Reduction (VR II).

“Sharpness is excellent throughout most of the range, with f/11 being the point of maximum sharpness on my sample once you get to 100mm. At the wide angle end, though, there’s actually little to distinguish the central area in one aperture from another–go ahead and use maximum aperture if you’d like. At all apertures at 200mm you’ll see a bit of softness, with the best apertures being f/11 through f/16. (I should note that I’ve seen tests from others that say the opposite–that their sample was a tiny bit soft, especially in the corners at 18mm but pretty darned sharp across the board at 200mm. “

>> RELATED POST

- Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED Review Roundup & Sample Photos

Nikon Europe has issued a service advisory notice for Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR users about an issue that may occur when the lens is used with the D100, D2H or D70 digital cameras.

Notice for AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED users

We would like to inform customers of an issue that may occur when the Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens is used with the D100, D2H or D70 digital cameras. With the lens set to a wide-angle position, in some rare cases, the camera is unable to acquire accurate focus on near subjects when auto focusing starts from the infinity position.

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KenRockwell has posted his review on Nikon 105mm f/2.8GED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor and he does not recommend the lens by writting;

“I tried three samples at PMA 2006. All of them didn’t autofocus very well on my D200. They would often not get good focus, so the green focus confirmation dot in the lower left of the finder wouldn’t light, so the shutter wouldn’t release in S mode. This is bad. My old 105 mm AF, not even D, focuses much more reliably

Pass on it and get the older 105 mm f/2.8 AF instead. That older lens sells for $700 and this new one sells for $830. I’m hoping the focus issue I saw will go away. I’ll let you know if I try it again.”

>> Nikon 105mm f/2.8 GED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Review Roundup
>> Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro Nikkor Latest Price

Nikon has announced the release of AF-S VR Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED, world’s first macro lens with Silent Wave Motor and Vibration Reduction (VR) on board. The AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED lens features advanced optical features and technologies such as Nano Crystal Coat, Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass and Internal Focusing.

>> REVIEWS (Last Update: 08.03.06)

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Ken Rockwell has done some tests comparing five wide zoom lenses designed only for digital camera with APC-size sensor. Here’s what he says about each lens

“Nikon 12-24mm: The Nikon has the best optics, the best focusing and the best everything.

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Bjørn Rørslett has reviewed the new AFS Nikkor 300 mm f/2.8 VR lens and wrote:

“In terms of optical quality, the VR version of the old classic f/2.8 telephoto is the best yet. Colour saturation and image contrast are great, details are rendered with tremendous clarity, and the superb bokeh probably would endear the VR model to many people, including yours truly. I have to admit that going back to my old, AFS 300 mm f/2.8 Mk.I and having to put up with its questionable bokeh when that lens is stopped down, wasn’t easy. But I resent the idea of having to purchase yet another 300mm lens, and besides, for my line of work the new 300 VR wouldn’t be perfect. Downsides - once again - poor VR performance when the lens is mounted on a tripod, and a not acceptable tripod collar arrangement. You have to decide whether or not these drawbacks are show-stoppers for your personal shooting assignments. If you shoot from a monopod or can have sufficiently short shutter speeds, the tripod-mounted inadequacies may not be noticed at all. I expect a huge number of sports photographers will take to this lens as ducks take to water, thus the 300/2.8 VR likely will be the reference medium-length Nikkor from now on. Exeunt the old workhorse, enter the new King.”

Ian Andrews has recently posted a his review on Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED DX, The world’s first constant f/2.8 3.2x zoom lens developed exclusively for use with Nikon DX Format, at Ephotozine and writes:

“In summary, the positive points of the Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED DX are: Excellent wide-open performance, especially at the wider focal length, Good build quality, Excellent contrast and colour rendition, Good hood included

The negative points area are: Disappointing control of distortion at the wide end, Price, although value for money is relative, Hood useless with on board flashes.

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Digitalreview.ca has recently posted the new Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED Zoom samples shot with Nikon D70. They commented:

“In terms of handling and design, the Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED is sure to please. The sharpness and optical quality of the DX 18-200mm VR seems very good taking into account the broad 11x zoom range offered. The incorporated ED glass and aspherical elements contribute to this achievement. Overall, we feel the new Nikkor AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED will make for a nice “all in one” walk around lens, great if you don’t want to carry a lot of gear with you.”

>> RELATED POST

- Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED Review Roundup & Sample Photos

Nikon Imaging.com has recently published the new Nikkor 18-200mm page with its main features, specifications, MTF chart and lens construction. The page also has sample photos of Nikon 18-200mm shot with Nikon D200 @ 95mm, 1/8 secs, f/5.3, ISO100

>> RELATED POST

- Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED Review Roundup & Sample Photos