Name: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR
Brand: Nikon

Technical Specifications of Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR

Overall score

6.5

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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.

Mount & Format

1.0

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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 F

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

APS-C

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

52 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

Optics & Aperture

7.8

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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

18 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

55 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

3.1x

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

76 °

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

28.8 °

Focus & Controls

1.8

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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

SWM

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

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

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

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

Stabilization

7.3

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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

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

Build & Handling

5.3

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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

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

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

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

Lab Scores

8.1

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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

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

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

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR vs the average camera lens

Why is Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR better than the average camera lens?

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Has optical image stabilization
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include 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
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
12.5 mm shorter lens
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR is shorter than the average camera lens (79.5 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 AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR is shorter than the average camera lens (79.5 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.79.5 mm vs 92 mm
11.78x cheaper
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR is cheaper than the average camera lens (£45 vs £530).
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR is cheaper than the average camera lens (£45 vs £530).£45 vs £530
4 mm narrower lens barrel
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR is slimmer than the average camera lens (73 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 AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR is slimmer than the average camera lens (73 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.73 mm vs 77 mm
0.12 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
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
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.0.31 x vs 0.192 x
16.2% higher user score
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR has a higher user score than the average camera lens (9.40 vs 8.091).
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.
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR has a higher user score than the average camera lens (9.40 vs 8.091).9.4 vs 8.09
0.12 x higher maximum reproduction ratio
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR has a higher maximum reproduction ratio than the average camera lens (0.3x vs 0.192x). The average lens has a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.192x.
Has optical image stabilization
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
12.5 mm shorter lens
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR is shorter than the average camera lens (79.5 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
4 mm narrower lens barrel
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR is slimmer than the average camera lens (73 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.

Why is Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR worse than the average camera lens?

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2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR 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 AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
2 fewer low-dispersion elements
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
1 fewer aspherical elements
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR 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 AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Requires switching to MF.
No internal focusing
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
Rotating front element
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR does not have a non-rotating front element, the average camera lens does. 97% of camera lenses have a non-rotating front element.
Front/filter thread rotates during focusing.
1 stops weaker stabilization
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.
Not weather-sealed
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR does not support weather sealing, the average camera lens does. 50.3% of camera lenses support weather sealing.
No metal mount
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Fixed lens hood
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
Older release date
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR was released earlier than the average camera lens.
1.9 T-stop higher transmission value
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR has a higher T-stop value than the average camera lens (5 T-stop vs 3.1 T-stop). The average lens has a T-stop value of 3.1 T-stop.
Not weather-sealed
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR 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 AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR 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 AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR 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 AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR 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 AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
Requires switching to MF.
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 AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR does not support full-time manual focus, the average camera lens does. 68.4% of camera lenses support full-time manual focus.
No internal focusing
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support 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
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR does not support internal focusing, the average camera lens does. 83.7% of camera lenses support internal focusing.
2 fewer aperture blades
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR 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 AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.7 vs 9
No metal mount
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens 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
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Fixed lens hood
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
What it is: A hood design that can be mounted backward on the lens for more compact storage.
When it matters: When compact packing matters and you want the hood stored neatly on the lens.
Importance: LOW
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR does not include a reversible lens hood, the average camera lens does. 79.6% of camera lenses include a reversible lens hood.
1 stops weaker stabilization
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 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
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18 55mm F 3 5 5 6G VR has a lower stabilization effectiveness than the average camera lens (3 stops vs 4 stops). The average lens has stabilization effectiveness of 4 stops.3 stops vs 4 stops

Expert reviews

dpreview.com

26/02/2008

Summary of the review

Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR DX NIKKOR review

The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is an affordable, compact kit lens featuring 3-stop image stabilization and a quiet Silent Wave Motor, delivering sharp results, especially at 35mm. It is recognized for exceptional chromatic aberration control for its class, making it a reliable, high-value choice for entry-level photographers. Drawbacks include an all-plastic build, a rotating front element, and significant softness at the 55mm telephoto end unless stopped down. The lens also features a cramped manual focus ring and is prone to flare, yet it remains a strong, stabilized option for its price point.

kenrockwell.com

22/11/2007

Summary of the review

Nikon 18-55mm VR Review(lenstip.com) | 19 February 2010 | Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6G VRGo to product viewer dialogue for this item. revi...

Ken Rockwell praises the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR as an incredibly high-performing, budget-friendly kit lens with superb optics that can outperform more expensive options. Pros include a compact, lightweight design (9.3 oz), effective Vibration Reduction, superior close-focusing capabilities, and less distortion at 55mm compared to similar lenses. Key drawbacks stem from its entry-level construction, specifically the all-plastic mount and the lack of instant manual-focus override. Additionally, it features a limited zoom range and a rotating front element that makes filter usage inconvenient, though Rockwell considers it a "winner" for its price point.

pcmag.com

03/05/2013

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Review | PCMag PCMag(kenrockwell.com) | December 2007 | Nikon 18-55mm VR Review (imaging-resource.com) | Ju...

The PCMag review highlights the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR as a sharp, budget-friendly starter lens offering effective Vibration Reduction (VR) and strong center resolution, especially at the 55mm end. Despite its practical, lightweight design, the lens is limited by significant barrel distortion at 18mm, a plastic mount, and poor low-light performance due to its narrow aperture.

uwphotographyguide.com

03/01/2010

Summary of the review

Nikon 18-55mm Lens Review - Underwater Photography Guide

The Nikon 18-55mm F3.5-5.6G ED II kit lens is a highly cost-effective, mid-range zoom option for underwater photographers looking to fill the gap between wide-angle fisheye and dedicated macro lenses. Tested behind a Sea & Sea 8-inch dome port on a Nikon D300, the lens delivers surprisingly acceptable sharpness when stopped down, with its sweet spot landing between F8 and F11 at 18mm, and F14 to F18 at 55mm. It features a built-in auto-focus motor that performs fairly fast even in dimly lit underwater conditions. Its 18-55mm focal range proves ideal for framing medium-sized, skittish marine life, and the setups are easy to illuminate using external strobes at small apertures. However, the lens has notable limitations, including a mediocre native close-focus distance of 5 inches from the lens tip at 55mm, resulting in a modest 3:1 magnification ratio. While diopter improves the working distance to 3.5 inches and upgrades magnification to nearly 2:1, it causes occasional auto-focus hunting on distant subjects due to dome port virtual image limits. Optically, the lens performs poorly at 55mm when shot wide open between...

radojuva.com

30/12/2012

Summary of the review

Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Review

The Radojuva review characterizes the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR DX Nikkor as a budget-friendly kit lens providing good value for entry-level crop-sensor DSLRs. Key advantages include built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) for handheld shooting, a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for quiet autofocus, a lightweight design, and capable close-focusing abilities. YouTube ·BVC Co. Conversely, the lens is limited by a plastic mount prone to wear, a slow variable aperture, and a lack of manual focus override. Additionally, the rotating front element makes the use of certain filters inconvenient, and the lens shows limited low-light performance at the 55mm focal length.

photoreview.com.au

17/03/2010

Summary of the review

AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G VR Lens - Photo Review Note on later versions: These links focus on the first VR model. Please be aware that there a...

The AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is a compact, lightweight, and budget-friendly kit lens for Nikon APS-C cameras, featuring an effective Vibration Reduction (VR) system and quiet Silent Wave Motor (SWM) autofocus. However, the lens is limited by all-plastic construction, including a plastic mount, a variable maximum aperture, and notable optical issues like barrel distortion and edge softness.

dpreview.com

26/02/2008

Summary of the review

Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR DX NIKKOR review DPReview +1

The DPReview analysis of the Nikon 18-55mm VR lens highlights excellent control over chromatic aberrations and vignetting as key pros for an entry-level kit zoom. The lens demonstrates reliable image quality in terms of distortion management, particularly for its class and price point. However, the review identifies significant cons regarding sharpness, noting pronounced softness and image degradation from diffraction when stopped down beyond f/11. Additionally, noticeable light falloff occurs at 18mm and 24mm when shooting wide open, requiring the aperture to be closed by a full stop for optimal performance.

lenstip.com

19/02/2010

Summary of the review

Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6G VRGo to product viewer dialog for this item. review - LensTip.com LensTip.com

The Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is a highly capable and affordable "kit" lens that delivers satisfying results for amateur photographers, especially when paired with a digital reflex camera. Optically, the lens excels with very good to excellent resolution at the frame center, well-controlled chromatic aberration, low astigmatism, and an efficient image stabilization system providing 2–3 EV of compensation. Additionally, its low weight, compact dimensions, and budget-friendly price tag make it an accessible and practical choice for everyday shooting. However, the lens does compromise on build and edge performance to maintain its low price point, featuring heavy use of plastic throughout its construction, including a plastic mount and a subpar manual focus ring. Performance drawbacks include weak image resolution at the frame edge when shot wide open, visible coma, and significant vignetting at both extreme ends of the focal range. It also suffers from noticeable geometric deformations at the wide 18 mm end, alongside a conflicting assessment of its autofocus system, which is noted as silent and accurate yet ultimately slow to operate.

photozone.de

No date provided

Summary of the review

Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR - Review / Test Report

The Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is a highly affordable entry-level kit lens that balances high optical performance with severe physical compromises. On the positive side, the lens delivers excellent center resolution across all focal lengths, well-controlled vignetting, and low chromatic aberrations. Its first-generation Vibration Reduction (VR) system provides up to three stops of optical stabilization, making it a highly valuable tool for steady handheld shooting. Additionally, the built-in AF-S ultrasonic motor ensures near-silent operation and full compatibility with all Nikon DSLRs, including motorless entry-level bodies. However, the lens suffers from significant structural and ergonomic drawbacks due to heavy cost-cutting measures. The build quality feels sub-standard, utilizing cheap plastics for the entire chassis, including the lens mount. Serious users will find manual focusing to be highly frustrating; there is no dedicated focus ring, the inner lens tube wobbles and shakes the viewfinder image when touched, and the front element rotates, making polarizer filters cumbersome to use. Furthermore, the autofocus speed is comparatively slow, the lens exhibits a high amount of barrel distortion at the 18mm wide end, and it...

test.de

28/09/2017

Summary of the review

Review: Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18–55 mm f/3.5–5.6G VR

The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18–55 mm 1:3.5–5.6 G VR II is a lightweight (195 g) standard zoom lens designed for Nikon F-mount SLR cameras with APS-C (DX) sensors, offering a 3x zoom factor and an equivalent focal length of 27–83 mm in 35mm format. Tested by Stiftung Warentest using a Nikon D7200, the lens achieved an overall "Good" (2.0) quality rating. Its performance is highly rated for general photography, backed by an efficient integrated optical image stabilizer and a minimum focusing distance of 0.28 meters across the entire zoom range. Handling is also a strong point, earning a "Good" (1.9) grade thanks to its decent speed, ease of daily use, and reliable focusing mechanics. In terms of specific pros, the lens delivers "Very Good" resolution, excellent light distribution (low vignetting), and highly effective image stabilization. It also manages stray light and backlight reflections well. However, the review highlights several notable cons. The lens suffers from mediocre distortion, receiving only a "Satisfactory" (Befriedigend) rating, which actively downgraded its final optical score. Additionally, it is relatively slow optically (f/3.5–5.6), lacks weather...

photoexposition.fr

25/02/2018

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR: A great deal

The Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR is a budget-friendly zoom lens designed for APS-C (DX) sensor cameras, often bundled as a kit lens with entry-level bodies like the Nikon D3100 or D5100. Evaluated as an exceptional financial deal at under €120 new, its primary advantages include an integrated, quiet Silent Wave Motor (SWM) that ensures autofocus compatibility even on non-motorized camera bodies, and effective Vibration Reduction (VR) stabilization. Optically, the lens delivers surprisingly low vignetting, highly managed flare, a decent close-focusing distance of 28 cm, and a generally good, uniform sharpness across the frame that performs comparably to the more expensive Nikon 18-200mm. However, the lens has several distinct drawbacks rooted in its cheap build and mechanical limitations. It features an entirely plastic construction—including a plastic mount—making it fragile and ill-suited for rough handling. From a performance standpoint, there is heavily pronounced distortion at the 18mm wide end, and the bokeh is unimpressive, featuring harsh, sharp edges rather than soft, artistic blur. Ergonomically, it lacks a dedicated manual focus ring, requiring users to grip the front filter thread instead;...

dxomark.fr

Date non spécifiée

Summary of the review

Measurements and scores: Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR on Nikon D300

The Sigma 18-50mm F2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM achieves the highest overall DXOMARK score of 11, followed by the Nikon ED II at 10, and the Nikon VR at 9. The Sigma lens leads in sharpness with 7 P-Mpix and offers superior light transmission at 4 TStop. It features a faster variable aperture of f/2.8-4.5, a dedicated focus ring, and a non-extending barrel. However, the Sigma lens is significantly heavier at 395g, more expensive at $200, and exhibits a higher vignetting score of -1 EV. The Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR benefits from image stabilization and has the lowest vignetting at -0.7 EV. It is lightweight at 265g but costs $185. Conversely, the older Nikon 18-55mm ED II lacks image stabilization entirely. Despite this omission, the ED II delivers a slightly higher overall score than the VR version. It stands out as the lightest option at 205g and the most budget-friendly choice at $120.

nikonschool.it

27/07/2026

Summary of the review

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR, the new frontier of "normal" DX lenses

Overview and Pros The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR is a compact, lightweight 3x zoom lens designed for DX-format Nikon DSLRs, equivalent to a 27-82.5mm focal range on full-frame sensors. Key strengths highlighted in the review include a built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) system that offers a 3-stop advantage for shooting at slow shutter speeds without blur. The lens delivers excellent anti-reflective performance in backlit conditions, effective distortion control via an aspherical lens element, and a close focusing distance of 28cm that allows for a 1:3.2 macro magnification ratio. Additionally, its 7 rounded diaphragm blades maintain a nearly perfect circular shape, noticeably improving the quality of the background bokeh. Cons and Limitations On the downside, this iteration loses the Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass element featured in its predecessor, requiring a more complex 11-element formula to compensate. While the autofocus is driven by a fast and quiet Silent Wave Motor (SWM), it lacks the M/A override system, meaning users cannot manually adjust focus at any time while in autofocus mode. Structurally, the lens mount is made of plastic rather than metal....

focus-review.com

05/08/2012

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR Review

The Nikon AF-S DX 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR is a compact, lightweight kit lens that delivers high resolution in the center of the image, especially when paired with higher-resolution sensors like the 24-megapixel Nikon D3200. Its built-in Silent Wave Motor ensures fast and nearly silent autofocusing, while its integrated image stabilization provides roughly 3 stops of effectiveness. Additionally, the lens features remarkably low vignetting at most apertures and is available at a very budget-friendly price point when purchased as part of a camera bundle. However, the lens has several optical and physical limitations, including a restricted zoom range and a slow, variable maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6. While center sharpness is strong, the resolution drops significantly in the corners, requiring users to stop down to f/8.0 for more consistent edge-to-edge performance. It is also prone to flare and ghosting in backlit conditions, displays substantial distortion at the 18 mm and 24 mm focal lengths, and suffers from high chromatic aberration at 18 mm. Finally, its plastic construction features a short focus stroke that makes manual focusing difficult, and a front...

radojuva.com

30/12/2012

Summary of the review

Review of the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor lens

The Radojuva review characterizes the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR DX as a lightweight, budget-friendly kit lens providing good center sharpness and highly effective Vibration Reduction (VR) for entry-level DX DSLRs. Key advantages include a useful 0.28m minimum focusing distance for 1:3.2 magnification and a quiet Silent Wave Motor with a manual focus switch. However, the lens is limited by a durable plastic mount, a rotating front element that complicates filter use, and strong barrel distortion at 18mm. Significant drawbacks include soft corners, heavy chromatic aberration at the 55mm end, and a lack of a distance scale, highlighting its compromises in build and telephoto performance.

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