Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED DX VR
Last updated: Video Review by CameraLabs (added on 29 March’07)
The Nikkor AF-S DX VR 18-200mm 3.5-5.6G IF-ED is a compact, lightweight lens features High-ratio, 11x zoom lens and 18-200mm focal range, VR II Vibration Reduction technology provides a four-steps-faster shutter speed, two ED glass and three aspheric lens elements, AF-S Silent Wave Motor provides fast quiet autofocusing, and M/A mode makes it easy to switch from auto to manual focus.
Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Latest Price
>> REVIEWS (last updated: 28.03.07)
CameraLabs reviews the Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED DX VR and writes;
“The big question then is whether Nikon’s 18-200mm is worth twice the price of its rivals from Sigma and Tamron. In terms of optical quality, the Nikkor certainly edged ahead of its competition, particularly in our outdoor real-life and corner sharpness tests. The build quality is also of a much higher standard and the focusing quicker and noticeably quieter. The focal ratio at the telephoto end is also slightly faster.”
Video Review by CameraLabs
Photozone reviews the Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED DX VR and writes;
“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).”
Thom Hogan reviews the Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED DX VR and writes;
“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. “
Thom Hogan reviews the Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED DX VR and writes;
“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. “
KenRockwell reviews the Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED DX VR and writes;
“The performance of my Nikon 18-200mm is more than the sum of its parts. It’s sharp, contrasty, focuses almost instantly, gets rid of hand vibration with VR and zooms with ease. What’s more impressive when you own one is how well this all works together…The Nikon 18-200mm is the perfect lens for people who only get to take one lens. Most people will never need anything more. It’s the “desert island” lens, and the perfect lens to grab when you have no idea what you’re going to see.”
DigitalReview reviews the Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED DX VR and writes;
“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.”
>> SAMPLE PHOTOS (last updated: 28.03.07)
- Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR Sample Photos @ CameraLabs
- Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR Sample Photos @ Nikon
- Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR Sample Photos @ Photozone
- Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR Sample Photos @ KenRockwell
- Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR Sample Photos @ Pbase
- Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR Sample Photos @ DigitalReview
- Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR Sample Photos @ Flickr
>> PRESS RELEASE
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).
The VR II feature enables significantly sharper handheld images at slower shutter speeds and in a wider range of lighting conditions than previous models. Equipped with the new lens, users can take pictures at shutter speeds up to four times slower than is possible with a non-VR lens.
The combination of the VR II technology, the 11x zoom feature and the focal length range – equivalent to a 27mm-300mm lens in 35mm format – means the AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor is an ideal total package for dedicated amateurs and professionals alike.
Nikon’s second generation VR technology offers users two modes to match different shooting conditions. First, the VR Normal Mode, which compensates for camera shake and includes automatic panning detection, as well as automatic tripod detection. And second, VR Active Mode, which compensates for pronounced or regular vibration, for example when shooting from a moving vehicle.
Like all AF-S Nikkors, the AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED features the compact Silent Wave Motor which enables high-speed autofocus that is not only extremely accurate but also super quiet, making it ideal for wildlife photography. In addition, the new lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.5m applicable to the entire zoom range.
MAJOR FEATURES
- Offers the broad 18-200mm focal range (11.1x zoom) for use in a variety of situations (equivalent to a 27-300 mm lens in 35mm format)
- VR II system offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed 4 stops faster
- Two ED glass and three aspherical lens elements minimize chromatic aberration, astigmatism - and other forms of distortion, while ensuring high resolution and contrast
- Incorporates a compact SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet focusing
- Delivers high-level optical performance that is specially designed for use with the Nikon digital SLRs
- Employs a seven-blade rounded diaphragm opening that achieves a natural blur for out-of-focus elements
- Enables focusing from as close as 50cm (20 in.) from the subject through its entire focal range
- M/A mode for rapid switching between autofocus and manual focus operation
- Internal Focusing (IF) design enables use of circular polarizing filters
- High-grade Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) offers superb color reproduction while minimizing ghosting and flare
- Flower-shaped Lens Hood HB-35 (provided) greatly reduces stray light
See also: Lens Reviews | Nikon Lenses
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