Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 200mm F 3 5 5 6G ED VR II Review | 54 Data compared

The Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II is a subtle, travel-oriented refresh of Nikon’s original APS-C format superzoom, adding a physical zoom lock switch while keeping the original 16-element optical configuration and second-generation VR system. Designed for DX-format DSLRs, it delivers a versatile 27-300mm equivalent focal range and handles exceptionally well with a quiet, ring-type ultrasonic autofocus system, fully internal focusing, and a weather-sealed mounting plate. Lab testing confirms that its sharpness is superior to Nikon's subsequent 18-300mm DX lenses, showing outstanding resolution at short-to-mid zoom settings and remaining highly respectable at the 200mm mark. The lens's primary pros include its powerful, all-in-one zoom range, a compact and lightweight footprint, and refined overall handling. However, it does possess notable cons, such as being chunkier than competing third-party equivalents from Sigma or Tamron, and lacking the ultimate telephoto reach of an 18-300mm zoom lens. Optically, the lens suffers from visible, uncorrected barrel distortion at its shortest focal length, alongside standard, uncorrected color fringing that remains consistent across the entire zoom range.

The Focus Review of the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR II Nikkor highlights it as a highly capable "holiday zoom lens" that effectively eliminates the need to change lenses during travel. Tested on a Nikon D3200, the review praises its compact, lightweight plastic build and metal mount, which offer a massive 11x zoom range without being noticeably bulkier than standard kit lenses. Optical strengths include a high center resolution across most focal lengths, low chromatic aberration in JPEG files due to excellent in-camera corrections, and nicely managed vignetting that disappears completely when stopped down by one aperture stop. Additionally, its second-generation Vibration Reduction (VR) system is highly effective, delivering a solid three-stop advantage to compensate for the lens's limited dim-light brightness. However, the lens suffers from notable optical compromises typical of high-ratio zooms, most prominently heavy distortion consisting of up to 6% barrel distortion at 18mm and roughly 1.5% pincushion distortion above 40mm in uncorrected NEF (RAW) files. While center sharpness is strong, the corner resolution is disappointing at most focal lengths, requiring users to stop down to...

The Nikkor AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR II is a highly recommended 11.1x super-zoom lens designed for Nikon’s DX-format DSLRs, providing a versatile 27-300mm equivalent focal range. This updated version specifically addresses the "zoom creep" issue of its predecessor by adding a physical locking switch to secure the barrel during transport, alongside upgraded optical coatings to reduce ghosting and flare. Key advantages of this lens include its incredibly flexible zoom range, quick and quiet autofocus capabilities across all Nikon DSLR bodies, a rubber-sealed lens mount, and a built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) system that offers up to four stops of stabilization. Despite its versatility, the review highlights several distinct drawbacks, noting that it is the most expensive super-zoom option available for cropped-sensor bodies. While the new lock switch secures the lens when fully retracted, the barrel still suffers from zoom creep when operating between the 28mm and 135mm focal lengths. Additionally, the lens experiences "zoom-shrinkage" (a reduced focal range) at close focusing distances and is ultimately outclassed in both raw optical quality and value by using a standard twin-lens...

The Nikkor AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR II review by Markus Stamm on OpticalLimits highlights several key functional pros for this updated consumer-grade super-zoom lens. A major improvement over its predecessor is the redesigned mechanical construction, which successfully eliminates the highly annoying issue of zoom creeping. The build features a smooth focus ring, virtually no wobbling despite a extending dual-inner tube design, a non-rotating front element that allows for easy polarizer use, and a dedicated switch to lock the zoom at its 18mm setting. Performance-wise, the integrated Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast and virtually silent autofocusing across all compatible Nikon DX DSLRs. Additionally, the updated Vibration Reduction system (VR II) delivers up to 4 stops of optical stabilization and features "normal" and "active" modes to compensate for static scenes or high-vibration environments like moving vehicles. On the flip side, the review points out clear cons regarding build quality and inherent optical performance compromises typical of an 11.1x super-zoom. While the build quality is good, it remains distinctively lower than professional-grade Nikkor lenses due to a polycarbonate tube construction....

This premium-grade, multipurpose zoom lens delivers high-quality performance as an all-in-one choice for DX-format Nikon cameras. Designed with solid construction and a rugged feel, it provides a versatile 27-300mm equivalent focal range that packs wide-angle to telephoto capabilities into a single barrel. The updated model introduces an improved Super Integrated Coating to heavily reduce flare, alongside a circular diaphragm for smoother out-of-focus bokeh highlights. Its internal focusing mechanism is powered by a fast, silent ultrasonic wave motor, ensuring the 72mm filter thread remains fixed during autofocus. Additionally, the inclusion of a two-mode Vibration Reduction system provides excellent stabilization, allowing users to successfully capture sharp images handheld at significantly slower shutter speeds. The lens offers distinct advantages alongside a few noticeable drawbacks typical of superzooms. On the positive side, it features an effective zoom lock switch at 18mm and increased friction to fully resolve the annoying "zoom creep" found on its predecessor. It is also praised for its exceptional travel portability and sharpness, particularly in the central 70% of the frame and when stopped down to f/8 or f/11. On the...

The Imaging Resource review identifies the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED VR II as a versatile, all-in-one travel lens offering improved center sharpness at 18mm, effective VR II stabilization, and a zoom lock switch to prevent barrel creep. Despite these updates, the lens exhibits notable cons, including corner sharpness degradation, high vignetting at wide apertures, significant geometric distortion across the range, and reduced effective focal length at close focusing distances.

The Nikkor AF-S DX 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR II is a powerful, highly versatile 11.1x super-zoom lens designed for Nikon’s DX-format DSLRs, providing a flexible 27-300mm equivalent focal range that is ideal for travel photography. In terms of optical construction, it is identical to its predecessor but introduces a major new design addition: a physical zoom lock switch at 18mm to prevent the barrel from extending under its own weight during transport. Key strengths include its solid and confident build quality, a quiet Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for autofocus, a metal lens mount featuring a rubber sealing ring for modest environmental protection, and a highly effective Vibration Reduction (VR II) system providing up to four stops of compensation for sharp handheld shooting. However, the lens does suffer from a few notable drawbacks. While the new lock switch secures the barrel at 18mm, significant "zoom-creep" remains highly prevalent when unlocked, causing the lens to extend or retract on its own when pointed vertically between focal lengths of 28mm and 135mm. Optically, it is highly susceptible to "zoom shrinkage" due to...

The Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF VR DX is an impressive, well-built "travel lens" that covers an enormous focal length range equivalent to 27-300mm in 35mm terms. The reviewer describes it as the Swiss Army Knife of lenses because it addresses almost all of a photographer's needs while traveling light, eliminating the need to carry heavy gear like a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens. Key design pros include a second-generation Vibration Reduction (VR II) system that allows shooting up to four stops slower to minimize blur, and a Silent Wave Motor for ultra-fast, ultra-quiet autofocus with instant manual override. Additionally, its Internal Focusing (IF) design keeps the filter attachment from rotating, the robust build features a metal mount, and its rounded 7-blade diaphragm produces a natural-looking background bokeh. Despite its high versatility, the lens is a balance of design compromises and comes with specific performance limitations. It is not a substitute for wide-aperture lenses or the sharpest prime lenses, and it exhibits relatively minor image distortion. Furthermore, because it is specifically a DX-format lens designed for smaller APS-C sensors, it is...

Ken Rockwell describes the Nikon 18-200mm VR II as an extraordinary, do-everything lens for DX cameras, noting it features identical optics to the original with the addition of a zoom-lock switch. Key pros include a highly versatile 11x zoom range, effective VR, and fast, silent autofocus with instant manual override. Conversely, the lens exhibits significant geometric distortion (barrel and pincushion), noticeable chromatic aberrations, and reduced corner sharpness compared to prime lenses. While the lock secures it at 18mm, zoom-creep can still occur when carried, yet the lens is recommended for its convenience.

The Photo Review analysis characterizes the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED VR II as a highly versatile, compact 11.1x zoom lens designed for DX-format cameras. It is praised for its effective VR II system providing four stops of stability, fast Silent Wave Motor autofocus, and robust build quality, making it an ideal all-in-one travel option. However, the lens compromises on optical performance, showing noticeable distortion, zoom creep, and decreased sharpness at the corners and maximum zoom. While featuring a zoom lock switch for security, the variable aperture limits its effectiveness in low-light conditions compared to pro-grade alternatives.