Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm F4-5.6 G ED Review

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Nikon and the lens was released 2005.
The lens belongs to the category telephoto zoom lenses, a telephoto lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.

Product description from Nikon

At launch 2005 Nikon wrote this regarding Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm F4-5.6 G ED:

"Silent Wave motor enables ultra-high-speed AF with exceptional accuracy, super-quiet operation.

Versatile and ultra-compact with a powerful focal length range of 55-200mm designed exclusively for Nikon DX format SLRs. Ideal 3.6x zoom lens for portraiture, sports or wildlife photography.

New compact rod-type Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables ultra-high speed auto focusing with exceptional accuracy and super-quiet operation.

Two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements achieve minimized chromatic aberration and superior optical performance.

9-blade rounded diaphragm for more natural out-of-focus highlights.

An excellent companion to the AF-S DX Zoom-NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED.

Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) minimizes ghosting and flare to provide even higher contrast and more vivid images, even in challenging light conditions.

Focus mode switch enables quick switching between A (auto focus) and M (manual focus)."


Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

This lens is designed and meant for Nikon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 55-200 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 82-300 mm on your Nikon camera.

A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/4-5,6.

This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.

One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 55 mm the lens brightness is f/4 and at 200 mm the brightness is f/5,6. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.

The lens lacks image stabilization, which otherwise os good for avoiding the blur that can occur when using slow shutter speeds. 

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 52 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "HB-34".

Images of Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm F4-5.6 G ED

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • The price (more info)
  • An impressive focal range
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included
  • Light weight (255 gr)
  • Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
  • No built-in image stabilizer
  • Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
  • A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm F4-5.6 G ED.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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