Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 Review | 54 Data compared

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  • Avg. price in UK: ~£170
  • Avg. price in US: ~$120
  • Lens mount: Nikon 1
  • Maximum focal length: 27.5 mm
  • Maximum aperture (telephoto end): 5.6
  • Optical image stabilization: no
  • Maximum angle of view: 72 °

Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 review. Compare 54 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among camera lenses and if it is worth buying.

6.1

Overall score

What it is: An overall evaluation of the camera lens's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.

When it matters: When you need a quick reference to identify the best camera lenses on the market.

Score components:

80.0%

6.1

Technical Score

20.0%

?

User score

Good
6.1

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

7.8

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

6.3

Build & Handling

20.0%

3.8

Focus & Controls

10.0%

7.1

Lab Scores

8.0%

4.2

Stabilization

3.0%

1.0

Mount & Format

Good
?

User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 7.0
    Low-light photography

    Score components:

    70.0%

    9.5

    Maximum aperture (telephoto end)

    30.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • 5.6
    Travel

    Score components:

    30.0%

    9.6

    Lens length

    25.0%

    9.1

    Lens diameter

    25.0%

    1.0

    Weather sealing (splashproof)

    20.0%

    1.0

    Optical image stabilization

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

    N/A~ £170

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

Verdict

The Nikon 1 Nikkor 11-27.5mm f/3.5-5.6 is an ultra-compact, retractable standard zoom lens designed for CX-format mirrorless cameras, offering a 35mm equivalent focal range of 30-74mm. This lightweight lens, weighing only about 83g and measuring 31mm when retracted, features a 2.5x zoom ratio and an optical design with one ED glass element and one aspherical element to minimize aberrations. Its main advantages include impressive center-to-edge sharpness, a highly portable build that is approximately 28% lighter than the 10-30mm VR alternative, and a convenient power-linked zoom ring that can turn compatible camera bodies on or off. However, it lacks optical image stabilization (VR), exhibits noticeable barrel distortion at the wide 11mm end, and has a relatively low 0.1x maximum magnification ratio that limits its effectiveness for close-up photography.

Technical Specifications of Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the camera lens's technical performance, covering eight key areas: sharpness, aperture flexibility, autofocus, stabilization, build quality, mount compatibility, close-focus performance, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare camera lenses based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

35.0%

?

Optics & Aperture

24.0%

?

Build & Handling

20.0%

?

Focus & Controls

10.0%

?

Lab Scores

8.0%

?

Stabilization

3.0%

?

Mount & Format

6.1
Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has a technical score of 6.09 points, which is lower than 91.8% of camera lenses.
User score

What it is: A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the camera lens.

When it matters: When real-world owner satisfaction and review volume matter to your decision.

Score components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
What it is: An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the camera lens.
When it matters: When you want to see which camera lenses attract the most buyer attention and review activity.
1.0
Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 90% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

What it is: An indicator that combines the camera lens's overall rating with its cost.

When it matters: When you want to know how much overall quality you get for the price.

Score components:

60.0%

6.1

Overall score

40.0%

9.6

Price

7.2
Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.2 points, which is lower than 56% of products in this category.
Lens type
What it is: The optical category that indicates whether the lens is a prime, zoom, macro, fisheye, or another design.
When it matters: When you are choosing between a prime, zoom, macro, or specialty lens for the kind of subjects you shoot.

Importance: LOW

zoom
Lens mount
What it is: The mechanical and electronic interface that determines which cameras the lens can be attached to.
When it matters: When camera compatibility and access to the right lens ecosystem are central to your buying decision.

Importance: LOW

Nikon 1
Sensor format coverage
What it is: The largest sensor size the lens is designed to cover without severe vignetting.
When it matters: When you need the lens to fully cover your camera sensor without heavy corner darkening.

Importance: LOW

1-inch
Filter thread size
What it is: The diameter of the front filter thread used for screw-in filters and compatible accessories.
When it matters: When you plan to use screw-in filters such as polarizers, ND filters, or protective glass.

Importance: LOW

40.5 mm
Teleconverter compatibility
What it is: Whether the lens can be used with compatible teleconverters to extend focal length.
When it matters: When you want to extend reach for wildlife or sports without changing to a different long lens.

Importance: HIGH

no
Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 does not support teleconverters. 15.3% of camera lenses support teleconverters.
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Minimum focal length
What it is: The shortest focal length the lens can provide, which determines its widest framing.
When it matters: When wide framing matters for landscapes, interiors, architecture, or travel shots.

Importance: LOW

11 mm
Maximum focal length
What it is: The longest focal length the lens can reach, which determines its telephoto reach.
When it matters: When you need more reach for wildlife, sports, stage events, or distant details.

Importance: LOW

27.5 mm
Optical zoom
What it is: The ratio between the longest and shortest focal lengths available in the lens zoom range.
When it matters: When you want one lens to cover a broader range of compositions without swapping glass.

Importance: LOW

2.5x
Maximum angle of view
What it is: The widest scene the lens can capture at its shortest focal length.
When it matters: When you need to fit more of a room, skyline, or landscape into the frame.

Importance: LOW

72 °
Minimum angle of view
What it is: The narrowest scene the lens captures at its longest focal length.
When it matters: When you want tighter framing on faraway subjects without moving closer.

Importance: LOW

32.3 °
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Focus motor
What it is: The autofocus drive system responsible for moving lens elements into focus.
When it matters: When fast, quiet autofocus matters for video, wildlife, street shots, or moving subjects.

Importance: LOW

STM
Minimum focus distance
What it is: The shortest distance at which the lens can focus on a subject.
When it matters: When you like shooting details, food, flowers, or products from a very short distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.3 m
Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 focuses as close as 0.3 m, which is closer than 48.3% of camera lenses and equal to 7.9% of camera lenses.
Maximum reproduction ratio
What it is: The highest magnification the lens can achieve when focusing at its closest distance.
When it matters: When close-up magnification matters for macro work, textures, or small product details.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.1x
Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 reaches a reproduction ratio of 0.1x, which is lower than 90.5% of camera lenses and equal to 4% of camera lenses.
Full-time manual focus
What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

Importance: HIGH

no
Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 does not support full-time manual focus. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Internal focusing
What it is: A focusing design in which internal elements move while the outer barrel length stays unchanged.
When it matters: When you use polarizers, gimbals, or close-up setups that benefit from a lens that does not extend while focusing.

Importance: HIGH

yes
Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 supports internal focusing. 83.6% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
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Optical image stabilization
What it is: A hardware system that shifts optical elements to counteract camera shake and reduce blur.
When it matters: When you want steadier handheld shots and less blur, especially in low light or at longer focal lengths.

Importance: HIGH

no
Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 does not support optical image stabilization. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
Stabilization effectiveness (CIPA stops)
What it is: The rated stabilizer benefit, measured in stops, under CIPA testing standards.
When it matters: When you are comparing stabilized lenses and want to know how much handheld shutter-speed advantage they offer.

Importance: HIGH

?
Weight
What it is: The total mass of the lens, affecting portability and handling balance on the camera body.
When it matters: When you carry a lens all day for travel, hiking, or event coverage and want to keep your kit manageable.

Importance: HIGH

?
Lens length
What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

Importance: HIGH

31 mm
Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 is 31 mm long, which is shorter than 96.4% of camera lenses and equal to the length of 0.1% of camera lenses.
Retracted length.
Lens diameter
What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

Importance: MEDIUM

57.5 mm
Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has a diameter of 57.5 mm, which is slimmer than 96.5% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.3% of camera lenses.
Weather sealing (splashproof)
What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

Importance: HIGH

no
Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 does not support weather sealing. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
Metal mount
What it is: A lens mount made of metal rather than plastic for greater durability at the camera connection point.
When it matters: When durability matters because you change lenses often or use heavier gear for work.

Importance: HIGH

?
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DxOMark overall score
What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

Importance: HIGH

7
Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has a DxOMark overall score of 7, which is lower than that of 98.6% of camera lenses and equal to that of 0.5% of camera lenses.
DxOMark sharpness score
What it is: The DxOMark subscore that reflects how much detail the lens can resolve across the frame.
When it matters: When fine detail matters for landscapes, product work, or high-resolution cameras.

Importance: HIGH

?
DxOMark transmission
What it is: The measured light transmission of the lens, expressed as T-stop rather than nominal f-number.
When it matters: When real light loss matters for exposure consistency in studio, cinema, or mixed-lens shoots.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
DxOMark distortion
What it is: The DxOMark metric that measures how much the lens bends straight lines away from their true shape.
When it matters: When straight lines matter in architecture, interiors, copy work, or product photography.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.3 %
Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has DxOMark distortion of 0.3%, which is lower than that of 49.7% of camera lenses and equal to that of 17.5% of camera lenses.
DxOMark vignetting
What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

Importance: MEDIUM

0.6 EV
Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has DxOMark vignetting of 0.6 EV, which is lower than that of 92.3% of camera lenses and equal to that of 2.4% of camera lenses.
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Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 vs the average camera lens

  • 61 mm shorter lens
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 is shorter than the average camera lens (31 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
    Retracted length.
    What it is: The physical length of the lens body from mount to front edge.
    When it matters: When bag space, balance, or front clearance matters in a compact travel or video setup.

    Importance: HIGH

    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 is shorter than the average camera lens (31 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.31 mm vs 92 mm
  • 19.5 mm narrower lens barrel
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 is slimmer than the average camera lens (57.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
    What it is: The widest outer diameter of the lens barrel.
    When it matters: When grip comfort, filter size, or fit inside a tight camera bag matters to you.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 is slimmer than the average camera lens (57.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.57.5 mm vs 77 mm
  • 0.6 EV less vignetting
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has less vignetting than the average camera lens (0.6 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
    What it is: The DxOMark measurement of corner darkening relative to the center of the image.
    When it matters: When even corner brightness matters for skies, studio backdrops, or clean product shots.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has less vignetting than the average camera lens (0.6 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.0.6 EV vs 1.2 EV
  • 3.12x cheaper
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 is cheaper than the average camera lens (£170 vs £530).
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 is cheaper than the average camera lens (£170 vs £530).£170 vs £530
  • 61 mm shorter lens
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 is shorter than the average camera lens (31 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
  • 19.5 mm narrower lens barrel
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 is slimmer than the average camera lens (57.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
  • 0.6 EV less vignetting
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has less vignetting than the average camera lens (0.6 EV vs 1.2 EV). The average lens has vignetting of 1.2 EV.
  • 2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
  • 1 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
  • 1 fewer aspherical elements
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
  • No full-time manual focus
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • 0.09 x lower maximum reproduction ratio
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has a lower maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.1x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • No lens hood
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
  • Older release date
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 was released earlier than the average camera lens.
  • 19 points lower DxOMark score
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has a lower DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (7 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.
  • Not weather-sealed
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
    What it is: Protective sealing intended to resist splashes, dust, and light environmental exposure.
    When it matters: When you often shoot outdoors in light rain, dust, or changing conditions.

    Importance: HIGH

    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
  • 2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.
    What it is: The widest aperture available at the long end of the zoom range, affecting light intake and background blur.
    When it matters: When you shoot at the long end in low light or want stronger background blur for portraits and sports.

    Importance: HIGH

    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has a dimmer maximum telephoto aperture than the average camera lens (f/5.6 vs f/2.8). The average lens has a maximum telephoto aperture of f/2.8.5.6 vs 2.8
  • No full-time manual focus
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
    What it is: The ability to adjust focus manually without leaving autofocus mode.
    When it matters: When you want to fine-tune focus instantly without switching out of autofocus.

    Importance: HIGH

    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
  • 2 fewer aperture blades
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
    What it is: The number of diaphragm blades that shape the aperture opening and influence blur rendering.
    When it matters: When the look of out-of-focus highlights matters in portraits, close-ups, or cinematic video.

    Importance: HIGH

    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.7 vs 9
  • 19 points lower DxOMark score
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has a lower DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (7 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.
    What it is: The combined DxOMark lens rating based on lab-tested optical performance.
    When it matters: When you want a quick lab-based summary of overall optical performance before comparing lenses in detail.

    Importance: HIGH

    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has a lower DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (7 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.7 vs 26
  • No lens hood
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
    What it is: Whether a matching lens hood is supplied in the box.
    When it matters: When you want flare protection straight out of the box without buying extra accessories.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 does not include a lens hood, the average camera lens does. 89.1% of camera lenses include a lens hood.
  • Older release date
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 was released earlier than the average camera lens.
    What it is: The date when the lens model was first officially introduced.
    When it matters: When you prefer a newer optical design with more modern autofocus, coatings, or stabilization features.

    Importance: LOW

    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 was released earlier than the average camera lens.2012 vs 2016
  • 1 fewer low-dispersion elements
    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
    What it is: Optical elements designed to reduce color fringing by controlling how different wavelengths focus.
    When it matters: When you want cleaner edges and less color fringing in high-contrast scenes.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.1 vs 2

Graphic comparison of Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6 and

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Third-party reviews

What customers like about Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6?

  • Extremely compact and lightweight design (only 31mm long)
  • Very sharp center-to-edge performance even at maximum aperture
  • Fast and accurate autofocus performance
  • Excellent resistance to flare and ghosting compared to the 10-30mm kit lens
  • Well-controlled chromatic aberration (purple fringing)
  • Internal focusing mechanism prevents the front element from rotating

What customers dislike about Nikon 1 NIKKOR 11 27 5mm F 3 5 5 6?

  • Lacks Vibration Reduction (VR) / Optical Image Stabilization
  • Slightly narrower zoom range than the standard 10-30mm kit lens
  • Visible barrel distortion at the wide end (11mm)
  • Relatively poor macro capability with a low 0.1x magnification ratio
  • Discontinued system makes finding new units and support difficult

Expert reviews

F
focus-review.com
03/12/2012
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uk.pcmag.com
04/02/2014
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E
ephotozine.com
09/09/2014
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E
ephotozine.com
21/02/2013
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R
radojuva.com
15/12/2014
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L
leclaireur.fnac.com
26/12/2013
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N
nikonpassion.com
25/11/2013
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R
radojuva.com
06/03/2012
Summary of the review
T
tweakers.net
24/10/2012
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Video reviews

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