Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3,5-5,6 G VR II Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Nikon and the lens was released 2014.
The lens belongs to the category
standard zoom lenses, a normal lens where you have the possibility to zoom in and out.
Product description from Nikon
At launch 2014 Nikon wrote this regarding Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3,5-5,6 G VR II:
"An ultra-compact, all-around lens that draws peak performance from DX-format HD-SLRs. Product photo of the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II lens Life is full of interesting views, and you need a lens that can catch them all. Whether you´re shooting wide group photos or portraits, close-ups or landscapes, photos or HD videos, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II delivers the sharpest, most color-rich results imaginable. Optimized for Nikon´s new high-resolution DX-format image sensors, it borrows the ultra-compact retractable lens barrel design from the Nikon 1 system. Nikon´s remarkable Vibration Reduction technology provides 4.0 stops* of blur-free handheld shooting—enjoy crisp, clear images even if your hands are a bit unsteady and shoot at slower shutter speeds in low-light situations. No matter where you´re headed, grab the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II and rest assured: you´ll be able to land fantastic shots.
Great for nearly any situation
Versatile 18–55mm focal length range
There´s a reason Nikon includes an 18-55mm lens with so many D-SLR kits—it´s simply a fantastic all-around lens. The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II is the most compact, advanced version of the 18-55mm lens yet. A new retractable barrel design inspired by the Nikon 1 system makes it approx. 25% smaller and lighter than its predecessors, and the latest Vibration Reduction technology provides 4.0* stops of blur-free handheld shooting. Whether you´re shooting wide group shots or tight close-ups, photos or HD videos, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II delivers.
Unleash the power of your HD-SLR
Optimized for DX-format cameras
The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II is optimized to draw maximum performance from Nikon´s new generation of high-resolution DX-format HD-SLRs. Nikon´s Super Integrated Coating (SIC) ensures outstanding color richness and contrast by reducing reflections and glare. A seven-blade rounded diaphragm renders backgrounds and out-of-focus elements in your shots with a natural, softly blurred appearance. Your photos and HD videos will reveal the astounding sharpness and detail your HD-SLR is capable of achieving.
Sharper photos and HD videos
The Nikon Vibration Reduction advantage
The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II features Nikon´s latest Vibration Reduction image stabilization technology, which provides 4.0* stops of blur-free handheld shooting. That means your photos and videos will be tack-sharp, even if your hands are a bit unsteady. Additionally, it means you´ll be able to shoot at slower shutter speeds without affecting image sharpness—a huge advantage in low light situations where slower shutter speeds mean brighter photos.
Overview
Popular “walk-around” zoom lens with a remarkably compact and lightweight build that offers superior portability.
Designed for use with Nikon DX-format SLRs, this lens is ideal for shooting everyday photos and HD movies. The 3x zoom covers the commonly used focal length range of 18–55mm, and Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables quiet autofocus, which is an advantage when shooting movies.
Despite its compact size, this lens still boasts Nikon’s Vibration Reduction system for clear, blur-free images, whether you’re taking a wide-angle group portrait in low light, or zooming in to capture distant subjects.
Key features
Popular 3x zoom lens: Covers the 18–55mm focal length range (35mm equivalent: 27–82.5mm). Perfect for diverse everyday photos and HD movies.
Vibration Reduction (VR) system: Enables more stable handheld shooting and lets you shoot at up to four stops slower.
Nikon quality images: Designed specifically for use with Nikon DX-format D-SLR sensors, this lens produces sharp photos and videos. An aspherical lens element minimises spherical aberration and other forms of distortion, while ensuring high resolution and contrast.
SWM (Silent Wave Motor): For fast, precise, and super-quiet operation.
Retractable lens mechanism: Enables superior portability by allowing you to retract the lens when it’s not in use.
Ultra-compact and lightweight: An ideal walk-around lens, the body weighs just 195 g. The lens is a mere 59.5 mm long when retracted, and just 76 mm when extended and in use."
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 18-55 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 27-82 mm on your Nikon camera.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3,5-5,6 G VR II
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
Lens brightness and image stabilizer
The lens brightness and aperture value is f/3,5-5,6.
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 18 mm the lens brightness is f/3,5 and at 55 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.
Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.
- Read more about the aperture and lens brightness
- Read more about changing brightness at different focal lengths
- Read more about how an image stabilizer works
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.
There is a lens hood that fits the lens (model name "HB-69") but unfortunately this is something that is not included when purchasing the lens and must be ordered and bought separately, as an accessory.
Pictures (product and sample images)
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Besides looking at product images it is also of interest to see pictures taken with this specific lens. This can give you a hint of what kind of images this lens can achieve, what the focal length will be like etc.
- Images of Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3,5-5,6 G VR II
- Sample pictures taken with Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3,5-5,6 G VR II
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)
- A versatile lens for those who own their first DSLR camera
- Has a built-in image stabilizer
- Has a built-in autofocus motor
- Light weight (195 gr)
- Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
- Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
- A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
- No lens hood is included
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3,5-5,6 G VR II.
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| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
Best deals on Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3,5-5,6 G VR II
Make sure to check out our price information page for best offers on this lens.
Pictures (product and sample images)
In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.
Besides looking at product images it is also of interest to see pictures taken with this specific lens. This can give you a hint of what kind of images this lens can achieve, what the focal length will be like etc.
