Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR

Last update (23 January’13):
- Review & Sample Photos @ CameraLabs

Nikon 18-55mm DX VR (equivalent to focal length from 27 to 82.5mm in Nikon FX-format camera or 35mm-format camera) features Hybrid aspherical lens element, 1 elements in 8 groups (1 aspherical lens element), Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor, and Vibration Reduction – up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible. The lens measures 73 x 79.5 mm / 2.9 x 3.1 in.and weighs approx 265 g (9.3 oz).

nikon18-55mm-vr
Overall Rating: ★★★½☆ | Latest Price Info: sold start from $99.00

Expert Reviews

Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Reviews

CameraLabs reviews the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR and writes;
“the new DX 18-55mm VR performs very well for the money, offering compelling features and respectable quality that puts many rival kit lenses to shame. It’s certainly a good time right now for Nikon DSLR owners on a budget.”
Rating: ★★★½☆

KenRockwell reviews the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR and writes;
“I’d get one! It’s super-sharp, and can give images as good or better than the more expensive 16-85mm and 18-200mm lenses. “
Rating: N/A

Photozone reviews the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR and writes;
“the 18-55 VR is a good choice both for anyone buying his or her first DSLR as well as advanced users looking for an affordable standard zoom. At least unless you plan to focus manually or can’t stand the haptics of cheap plastic.”
Rating: ★★★½☆

SLRGear reviews the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR and writes;
“Optically it’s alright, maybe even better than alright if you get a good copy, but to get the best results you have to stop down to ƒ/8. Fortunately, the addition of VR does make that possible. In the final analysis it’s a good lens, not a great lens, excellent for the beginning photographer.”
Rating: ★★★★½

Lenstip reviews the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR and writes;
“The new stabilized “kit” is really an interesting device you can get good quality shots with. It did have some faults and minor slip-ups but it is rather unavoidable in this price segment. Every amateur photographer who buys this lens in the set with a reflex camera won’t be forced to look for another one too soon because this device will allow him/her to get satisfying effects.”
rating: N/A

Video Reviews

Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Reviews

User Opinions

Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR User Reviews

Excellent incremental improvement over an already-excellent lens
“I think the addition of VR makes it the perfect lens for the D40, D40x or newly-introduced D60, since its performance is so much better in all metrics and tests (particularly distortion and sharpness) than some of its would-be step-up replacements (i.e. the 18-135, the 24-120, etc.)” – By Scooter
Rating: ★★★★★

Nice little lens
“I own both the VR and non-VR versions of this lens and use them on a Nikon D40.. I fully recommend this lens, and highly recommend purchasing a polarizing filter to use with it for outdoor shooting. The VR is very useful when shooting indoors as it allows me to take crisp, clear pictures down to 1/20 sec shutter speeds while shooting hand-held.” – By Mark A. Manske
Rating: ★★★★★

Great Lens
“This is a great lens, and a good upgrade over the older 18-55mm ii with NO VR. The image stabilization really helps you here, i used to get blurry pictures in the evenings and dark environments. This one solves those problems.” – By Ali S.
Rating: ★★★★★

Fantastic value with compromise
“My pros list is short but to expand on the hybrid aspherical element as to what it does it substantially compensates for distortion aberrations at wide angles and effectively eliminates comatic flare.” – By Nathaniel Reynolds
Rating: ★★★★☆

Best walk around glass for D80
“I love this glass as much as I love my 50mm f/1.8, and that is saying a lot. This one, however, is more versatile because of its zoom and is the best walk around lens for the D80. The VR is useful in low light, it is a nice option to have and the price is right.” – By Alfredo F. Lacayo
Rating: ★★★★★

Great lens for the price
“As in all things in life, “You get want you pay for.” But this lens is just a good deal. More than I expected for sub $200 and pleasant surprise. If you shoot in “demanding situations” spend the thousand bucks and enjoy, but if you want to take pictures of the kids in the front yard, this lens is sharp, has great VR (that no shaky thing), and again, is cheap.” – By David J. Roberts
Rating: ★★★★★

Excellent light weight walk about lens
“There are times I’ll take this lens rather than the 18-200 mm lens because it’s much lighter and more compact, while producing the same sharp and colorful images.” – By BostonAaron
Rating: ★★★★☆

VR Works Great, but noisier than non-VR lens
“The actual lens itself looks better than the non-VR version. It’s hard to explain, but the texture of the casing is better. VR works great, I’ve taken many pictures at 1/4 of a second handheld that turn out crystal clear.” – By David Devine
Rating: ★★★★☆

Great Starter Lens for Nikon
“Picture quality. I have a pro photographer friend with L Canon primes and an 5D mkII. I have seen what pro equipment can do. That being said, I think this beginner lens delivers great image quality while you build up your photography skills to the point where the lens is the limiting factor.” – By M. Kaainoa
Rating: ★★★★★

Great Lens
“I am very happy with this lens on the D40. It is so light and with the VR and the D40, hand held shots are a breeze below 1/15 second.” – By Victor Tinney
Rating: ★★★★★

Awesome and cheap lens
“Great upgrade to the already excellent kit lens that came with my d40. Like the kit lens, this lens has excellent sharpness, a good focal range and it focuses fast. The build is great, a little better then the kit lens. And of course VR!” – By Gadget freak
Rating: ★★★★☆

More User Opinions | Write your opinion

Samples Images

Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Sample Photos

- Nikon 18-55mm VR Sample Photos @ CameraLabs

- Nikon 18-55mm VR Sample Photos @ Amazon

- Nikon 18-55mm VR Sample Photos @ Dpreview

- Nikon 18-55mm VR Sample Photos @ Pbase

- Nikon 18-55mm VR Sample Photos @ Flickr

Features

Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX VR Features & Specifications

* 3x zoom lens covering the most frequently used focal range of 18 to 55mm (picture angle is equivalent to focal length from 27 to 82.5mm in Nikon FX-format camera or 35mm-format camera)
* Vibration Reduction enables sharper pictures while shooting at shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible
* Hybrid aspherical lens element minimizes lens aberration
* Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor ensures fast, quiet autofocus operation
* 0.28 m/0.9 ft. closest focus distance throughout the entire zoom range

Lens Construction (Groups/Elements)
11 elements in 8 groups (1 aspherical lens element)

Picture Angle with Nikon DX Format
76° – 28°50′

Minimum f/stop f/
22-36

Closest focusing distance
0.28 m / 0.9 ft (throughout the entire zoom range)

Maximum reproduction ratio
0.31x

Filter Attachment Size
52 mm

Dimensions (approx.) (from the camera’s lens mounting flange)
73 x 79.5 mm / 2.9 x 3.1 in.
Weight (approx.) 265 g (9.3 oz)

Popularity: 3%


See also: Lens Reviews | Nikon Lenses





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1 Comment »

Comment by DC-ZONE Subscribed to comments via email
2011-02-23 00:28:14

It is for the beginners of DSLR, the distortion of wide angle and the color is acceptable, the imaging itself is not bad, but this lens has the bad workmanship, ordinary feeling and no large aperture.

 

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