Nikon 18-300mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor

Last Updated (17 June’12):
- Review & Sample Photos @ Ephotozine

Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX Nikkor is a new DX-format lens with an ultra-high 16.7x zoom ratio and Nikon VR II (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization for sharp images. The lens construction consist of 19 elements in 14 groups, including 3 aspherical and 3 ED lens elements. It offers a 45cm close-focus point at the 300mm setting, and delivers a maximum reproduction ratio of 1:3.2, including an iris diaphragm with 9 rounded blades allows for a smooth rendering of the out-of-focus areas. The lens measures (Diameter x Length) 83 x 120 mm/3.3 x 4.7 in. and weight 830 g/29.3 oz.

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Overall Rating: ★★★½☆ | Latest Price Info

Expert Reviews

Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX Nikkor Reviews

Ephotozine reviews the Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX Nikkor and writes;
“Performance is good for such an extreme zoom lens, especially in the centre of the frame. As far as sharpness is concerned, this lens delivers sharp enough images for general photography and casual users should be smitten with it.”
Rating: ★★★½☆

SLRGear reviews the Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX Nikkor and writes;
“The results for chromatic aberration are a bit misleading in this case, as our testing software evaluates RAW images and the sample images show JPEG in-camera conversions. In this case, the D7000 offers automatic chromatic aberration removal, and in this case (when viewing the sample images) we can see the D7000 has done an excellent job in removing CA.”
Rating: ★★★½☆

Kenrockwell reviews the Nikon 18-300mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor and writes;
“Bokeh, the character of out of focus backgrounds, not simply how far out of focus they are, is good to neutral. Out-of-focus backgrounds never distract. The rounded 9-bladed diaphragm ensures that blur circles are always round and not polygons.”
rating: N/A

Photozone reviews the Nikon 18-300mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor and writes;
“On the other hand you may be able to live with some softness in the outer image region at 300mm but the image center is not really bitingly sharp anymore here. In between the results are actually pretty good if you just stop down a little.”
Rating: ★★★☆☆

Photographyblog reviews the Nikon 18-300mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor and writes;
“When compared to the superzoom competition, the Nikon 18-300mm lens certainly holds its own. Centre sharpness is generally adequate to good, approaching very good levels at certain zoom settings.”
Rating: ★★★★☆

Photoreview reviews the Nikon 18-300mm F3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX Nikkor and writes;
“The autofocusing system in the review lens was a good match for the upgraded AF system in the D5200 camera we used for our tests so focusing was fast and accurate under most shooting conditions. Even in relatively low light levels, the camera/lens combination was able to lock onto subjects at all focal length settings.”
Rating: ★★★★☆

Video Reviews

Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX Nikkor Reviews

Review Video By JaredPolin

Review Video By thatnikonguy

Review Video By spymit

User Opinions

Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX Nikkor User Reviews

Wow, What a Great Lens
“Overall I couldn’t be happier with this lens – I was a bit concerned about being an early adopter on this lens, but now I’m so glad I did. It is simply a fantastic walk around lens. I’ll still use my 105mm 2.8 macro for nature closeups and portraits, and my primes for low light, etc., but for all of my every day stuff, this is perfect.” – By L. Milligan
Rating: ★★★★★

Outstanding lens
“I’ve only had this lens for 2 weeks but the photo’s I’ve shot are beautiful, even when magnified. I own the D5100 and although I love the camera I found that I was using it less and less for the reason of either having to lug around extra lenses or never picking the right one to take.” – By Adam Petrone
Rating: ★★★★★

D7000 agreed w/ all points from previous reviewers
“As mentioned, multiple shots necessary as distortions/aberrations seems different shot to shot due to processing. This is likely a result of the distortion control; however, it definitely improves the pictures (have noticed minimal corner cutoff). Also, lag time for correction on D7000 is minimal.” – By Chase
Rating: ★★★★★

Great Lens
“I bought this lens but had to return it. It was me and not the lens though. The weight of the lens was too much for me. But don’t let that discourage anyone as it is a great lens. The autofocus is on spot and all pictures are sharp and clear. It seems to focus fast as opposed to the 18-200mm model.” – By pilot27k
Rating: ★★★★★

Exactly what I was looking for
“This lens is exactly what I was looking for. The shots are fantastic considering this is a compromise lens due to having such range, but I haven’t looked at any shots and felt disappointed. The focusing is very fast and the VR is awesome.” – By Rob
Rating: ★★★★★

Great Lens
“I’ve bought this lens as an upgrade for my 18-55/55-200 kit lenses, started using it a week ago. Image quality is great, AF is extremely fast and efficient, VR is great at high range. For upgraders, keep in mind that you’ll be replacing lighter, smaller lenses for the benefit of quality and increased range: if you’re ok with this, the new 18-300 is a must have !” – By Luis
Rating: ★★★★★

Nikon’s 18-300mm AF-S DX lens
“This is a great lens! It covers the range that I could not get with the 18-200 yet with the same excellent quality. I was glad that I purchased it.” – By Mark D. Hornbogen
Rating: ★★★★★

Great everyday lens for my D90
“I was looking to upgrade my Nikon 18-200 VRI to gain greater reach. I am not interested in lugging around multiple lenses. This lens seems to be a good fit. It also got rid of the lens creep problem of the 18-200. I have not had to use the zoom lock but it is there if needed in the future. This lens works well on my D90 and will be perfect for my new D7100.” – By jvgann
Rating: ★★★★★

Great Lens
“I bought the Nikon 18-300 VR lens yesterday from Samy’s at their Faifax branch in LA. I also got a Hoya HD UV filter to go with it. This is one lens that will stay with my 5100 body. For travel, this is a do it all lens! I still have my 18-200 lens, but the extra reach is a bonus.” – By Tiny M.
Rating: ★★★★★

what a lens
“sharp…clear…not to heavy. Just about a perfect all around lens. A little heavy but when you consider that it replaces both an 18-105 and a 70-300 then the weight is less. Sharper than my 18-200″ – By Michael Mccann
Rating: ★★★★★

Even better than the 18-200
“I purchased this lens in hopes that it would be at least as good as the Nikkor 18-200mm VRII lens I had been using. I loved the 18-200 for a great all-around “leave on” lens. But when I saw that the 18-300 was out, I couldn’t pass it up. And guess what, it is better! Pros – faster, much longer and a better VR.” – By C. Evans
Rating: ★★★★★

More User Opinions | Write your opinion

Manual

Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX Nikkor User Manual (PDF)

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Features

Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX Nikkor Features

The Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S DX Nikkor is able to cover every imaginable shooting situation, from wide-angle groups to ultra-high-power zoom shots. It offers zoom range which equivalent to 450mm which make it enough to capture the most distant action up closer. The lens also comes with Nikon VR II (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization which guarantee the photo and HD video is razor-sharp. With advanced design, the lens provides superb performance in any setting. It makes the lens is perfect for landscape, action photography, even excellent for close-up shooting.

MTF CHART
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Lens Construction
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The Lens Features:

Vibration Reduction

It is the Nikon’s second-generation Vibration Reduction technology which automatically reduce the blur effects caused by camera shake. It ensures the lens is able to capture sharp photos and videos.

Nikon Silent Wave Motor

It is a significant innovation in AF lens technology which use an ultrasonic (inaudible) vibrations to focus the lens, making incredibly smooth, silent and precise autofocus operation.

M/A Focus Mode Switch

This feature allows users to use M/A focus mode by simply rotate the lens focus ring, thus the lens will be switches without time lag.

AS

It is an Aspherical lens elements which utilizes non-spherical surfaces on either one or both sides of the glass in order to eliminate certain types of lens aberration.

Super Integrated Coating

This feature allows the lens to enhance light transmission efficiency and offers superior color consistency and reduce lens flare.

ED (Extra-Low Dispersion Glass)

This feature enables the lens provides ability to obtain optimum correction of chromatic aberrations.

IF Lens

It is a NIKKOR lens in which only the internal lens group shifts during focusing.

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See also: Lens Reviews | Nikon Lenses





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