Name: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II
Brand: Nikon

Technical Specifications of Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II

Overall score

6.9

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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

telephoto 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

55 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

200 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

3.6x

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

28.8 °

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

8 °

Focus & Controls

5.5

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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

7.9

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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

4.9

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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

6.2

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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 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II vs the average camera lens

Why is Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II better than the average camera lens?

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Has optical image stabilization
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II 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 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
195.4 g lighter
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II is lighter than the average camera lens (330 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
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
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II is lighter than the average camera lens (330 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.330 g vs 525.4 g
6.5 mm narrower lens barrel
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II is slimmer than the average camera lens (70.5 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 AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II is slimmer than the average camera lens (70.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.70.5 mm vs 77 mm
9 mm shorter lens
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II is shorter than the average camera lens (83 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.
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 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II is shorter than the average camera lens (83 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.83 mm vs 92 mm
17.8% higher user score
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II has a higher user score than the average camera lens (9.53 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 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II has a higher user score than the average camera lens (9.53 vs 8.091).9.53 vs 8.09
2.65x cheaper
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II is cheaper than the average camera lens (£200 vs £530).
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II is cheaper than the average camera lens (£200 vs £530).£200 vs £530
Has optical image stabilization
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II has optical image stabilization, the average camera lens does not. 29% of camera lenses include optical image stabilization.
195.4 g lighter
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II is lighter than the average camera lens (330 g vs 525.4 g). The average lens weighs 525.4 g.
6.5 mm narrower lens barrel
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II is slimmer than the average camera lens (70.5 mm vs 77 mm). The average lens has a diameter of 77 mm.
9 mm shorter lens
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II is shorter than the average camera lens (83 mm vs 92 mm). The average lens has a length of 92 mm.

Why is Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II worse than the average camera lens?

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2.8 higher f-number at telephoto end
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II 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 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II has fewer aperture blades than the average camera lens (7 vs 9). The average lens has 9 aperture blades.
2 fewer aspherical elements
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
1 fewer low-dispersion elements
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II has fewer low-dispersion elements than the average camera lens (1 vs 2). The average lens has 2 low-dispersion elements.
0.8 m longer minimum focus distance
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
Not weather-sealed
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II 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 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
Older release date
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II was released earlier than the average camera lens.
8 points lower DxOMark score
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II has a lower DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (18 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.
5 points lower DxOMark sharpness
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II has a lower DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (11 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.
Not weather-sealed
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II 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 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II 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 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II 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 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II 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
2 fewer aperture blades
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II 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 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II 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 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II 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 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II does not use a metal lens mount, the average camera lens does. 93.1% of camera lenses use a metal lens mount.
0.8 m longer minimum focus distance
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.
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
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II has a higher minimum focus distance than the average camera lens (1.1 m vs 0.3 m). The average lens has a minimum focus distance of 0.3 m.1.1 m vs 0.3 m
8 points lower DxOMark score
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II has a lower DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (18 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 AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II has a lower DxOMark overall score than the average camera lens (18 vs 26). The average lens has a DxOMark overall score of 26.18 vs 26
2 fewer aspherical elements
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.
What it is: Specially shaped lens elements used to reduce distortion and improve sharpness with fewer optical compromises.
When it matters: When edge sharpness and lower distortion matter in wide-angle, travel, or everyday shooting.
Importance: MEDIUM
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II has fewer aspherical elements than the average camera lens (0 vs 2). The average lens has 2 aspherical elements.0 vs 2
5 points lower DxOMark sharpness
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II has a lower DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (11 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.
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
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II has a lower DxOMark sharpness score than the average camera lens (11 vs 16). The average lens has a DxOMark sharpness score of 16.11 vs 16

Expert reviews

ephotozine.com

26/03/2015

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G VR II Review

The ePHOTOzine review highlights the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II as a compact, budget-friendly telephoto lens featuring a new retractable design for portability and effective Vibration Reduction for sharp, handheld shooting. Optically, the lens delivers excellent center sharpness and low chromatic aberration, making it a capable companion for entry-level DX-format cameras. However, drawbacks include a plastic construction with a plastic mount, sluggish autofocus, and weak edge sharpness at certain focal lengths, along with a lack of full-time manual focus override. Despite these limitations, the lens is lauded for its lightweight design and improved handling over its predecessor.

focus-review.com

23/02/2015

Summary of the review

Review Nikon AF-S DX 55–200 mm f/4–5.6G ED VR II

📸 Overview and Performance The Nikon AF-S DX 55–200 mm f/4–5.6G ED VR II is a highly compact and lightweight telephoto zoom lens designed specifically for DX-format cameras like the D3200 or D5500. Weighing just 300 grams and measuring 83 mm in length when retracted, its plastic-heavy construction incorporates a convenient collapsible mechanism that makes it exceptionally portable for travel and amateur nature photography. Optically, the lens delivers impressively sharp center image quality across all focal lengths, keeping distortion and vignetting well within acceptable, easily correctable limits. Its standout feature is an upgraded, silent Vibration Reduction (VR) system that provides up to four stops of image stabilization, ensuring sharp handheld shots and stable video recordings even in low-light environments. 👍 Pros and 👎 Cons A key advantage of this lens is its outstanding price-to-quality ratio, offering beginners a budget-friendly option that shares a 52 mm filter size with standard 18-55 mm kit lenses. Its Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures fast and quiet autofocusing for both photography and videography, while the inclusion of an ED glass element successfully minimizes lateral chromatic...

henrysnote.com

24/02/2015

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II - Review

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II is a compact, retractable telephoto lens offering high portability at 300g and 83mm when collapsed. Key pros include sharp center image quality, a fast, quiet Silent Wave Motor (SWM), effective 4-stop Vibration Reduction (VR), and pleasing bokeh for a consumer-grade lens. Conversely, cons include a narrow variable aperture of f/4-5.6, limiting low-light performance, and noticeable edge-to-edge softness common to kit lenses. Furthermore, the lens features a plastic mount and lacks specialized VR modes, though it represents a significant value improvement over its predecessor.

dxomark.com

07/10/2016

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II lens review

The Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II is a highly affordable, compact telephoto zoom lens explicitly designed for Nikon's APS-C (DX) format DSLRs. Tested on 24-megapixel bodies like the D5300, it earned a strong overall DxOMark score of 18 points, ranking it as the top performer in its budget category. The review highlights prominent pros, including its lightweight 300g retractable design, an effective 4-stop Vibration Reduction (VR) system, and a built-in autofocus motor with full-time manual focus override. Most notably, it delivers a purposeful upgrade in resolution over its predecessors at the long 200mm end, achieving an impressive 70% center acutance when shooting wide open at f/5.6. However, the lens does have several technical cons that potential buyers should consider. Its variable aperture restricts light gathering, causing light transmission to drop significantly from 4.8 T-stop at the wider ends down to a dim 6.8 T-stop at 200mm, which limits its effectiveness for fast action sports and low-light wildlife photography. Optical testing also reveals a noticeable loss of resolution when closing down the aperture to narrow settings between f/11...

digitalcameraworld.com

13/09/2022

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II review

The Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II is a compact, lightweight telephoto zoom lens weighing just 300g, designed specifically for DX-format APS-C DSLRs. It features a space-saving retractable design and utilizes a ring-type ultrasonic autofocus system that ensures backwards compatibility with older Nikon DSLR bodies. The lens delivers a 4-stop Vibration Reduction (VR) system with physical switches for A/M focus mode and VR control, bypassing the need to navigate camera menus. Optically, it is built with 13 elements in 9 groups, including one Extra-low Dispersion (ED) element and Super Spectra Coating to reduce ghosting and flare. Lab tests reveal very good sharpness across most of the frame within the 55-135mm range, minimal distortion, and well-controlled color fringing in the central focal lengths. Performance testing highlights several clear pros and cons for this now-discontinued lens. On the positive side, its primary pros include its highly portable, compact, and lightweight retractable design, quick and snappy autofocus for still photography, and overall good performance relative to its price. Conversely, its notable cons include a lightweight plastic mounting plate instead of a...

digitalphoto.de

14/04/2015

Summary of the review

Traveling light: compact Nikon telephoto zoom lens reviewed

The DigitalPHOTO review highlights the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55–200mm 1:4–5,6G ED VR II as an exceptionally compact and budget-friendly telephoto zoom lens tailored for APS-C (DX-format) mirrorless and DSLR cameras. Retailing at 349 Euros and weighing a mere 300 grams, this highly transportable lens contracts down to 83 mm in length and incorporates a practical lock button to prevent unintended extension during travel. The testing emphasizes strong core performance advantages, most notably a very quiet and fast autofocus system alongside an effective built-in Vibration Reduction (VR) image stabilization setup that successfully prevents handheld camera shake in challenging lighting conditions. Optically, the lens delivers a satisfying resolution performance across the entire 55–200mm focal spectrum. Conversely, the review identifies a couple of prominent drawbacks regarding the lens's design and packaging choices. The manual focus ring is criticized for being too narrow, which makes manual fine-tuning a rather finicky and difficult experience for photographers. Additionally, to achieve optimal sharpness out to the extreme edges of the frame, users are forced to stop down the aperture by one or two stops. A final...

digitalkamera.de

10/04/2015

Summary of the review

DigitalPhoto Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm 1:4–5.6G ED VR II Review

The Falkemedia review on digitalkamera.de identifies the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm 1:4-5.6G ED VR II as a compact, travel-friendly telephoto lens designed for APS-C cameras, highlighting excellent center sharpness and effective Vibration Reduction (VR). The lens features low chromatic aberrations thanks to an ED glass element and quiet autofocus via a Silent Wave Motor. However, budget-driven design compromises lead to strong vignetting and reduced edge resolution when shooting wide open, along with sluggish autofocus at intermediate focal lengths. Additionally, the construction features a plastic mount, and the small, recessed focus-mode switches are noted as clunky.

dxomark.fr

16/10/2007

Summary of the review

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II - Scores and Measurements

The DXOMARK review of the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II evaluates this compact telephoto zoom lens designed specifically as a budget-friendly second lens to accompany an 18-55mm kit lens for APS-C (DX) format DSLRs. Tested across multiple bodies like the Nikon D5300 and D500, the lens serves as a lightweight, highly portable gear choice for beginner and improving photographers who need closer access to the action. Its standout pros include an integrated 4-stop Vibration Reduction (VR) system that successfully counters camera shake during handheld shooting at slow shutter speeds, alongside a notably improved optical design that corrects the telephoto sharpness weaknesses found in its predecessor. It offers excellent overall value, a solid built quality, a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for quiet operation, and minimal optical distortions. Conversely, the lens has several cons related to its physical build and low-light performance. Its slow variable maximum aperture of f/4-5.6 restricts light transmission (dropping to a T-stop of 6.8 at 200mm), meaning users will require excellent environmental lighting or a tripod when dealing with fast-moving action like wildlife or...

photoexposition.fr

18/02/2025

Summary of the review

Objectif Nikon 55-200 Would you like a technical comparison between this VR II model and its older VR I predecessor? Copy

This budget-friendly DX telephoto zoom lens delivers surprisingly uniform sharpness and good image quality across the frame, especially when stopped down to f/8 or f/11. Its internal Silent Wave Motor (SWM) provides quiet, precise autofocus performance, and the integrated Vibration Reduction (VR) stabilization is an excellent feature for its low price point. Additionally, the lens is highly portable and lightweight at just 335g, maintaining compatibility across Nikon's entire DX camera lineup—including entry-level, non-motorized bodies. On the downside, the lens features a cheap, all-plastic construction—including a plastic lens mount—requiring careful handling. It lacks instant manual focus override, meaning users must manually flip the camera's switch to avoid damaging the AF motor. Optically, users will experience noticeable lens flare when shooting toward the sun, minor barrel distortion at 55mm that shifts to pincushion distortion at 105mm+, vignetting at 85mm when shot wide open, and softer bokeh rendering near the frame edges.

radojuva.com

22/05/2017

Summary of the review

Review of the Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G II ED VR II

The Radojuva review characterizes the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II as a highly compact, budget-friendly telephoto lens featuring a retractable barrel design, effective 4-stop VR II, and decent sharpness at 55mm. Key advantages include its extreme portability and good center sharpness, though it is limited by a slow aperture at 200mm and a plastic mount. Cons identified in the review include mediocre autofocus speed, noticeable image softness at the long end, and the lack of full-time manual focus override. Furthermore, the front element rotates, making filter use difficult, and the manual focus ring is small and lacks smooth dampening.

focus-review.com

22/02/2015

Summary of the review

Review of the Nikon AF-S DX 55–200mm f/4–5.6G ED VR II

The Nikon AF-S DX 55–200mm f/4–5.6G ED VR II is a highly compact and lightweight telephoto zoom lens designed specifically for DX-format (APS-C) DSLR cameras like the Nikon D3200 or D5500. Weighing just 300 grams and measuring 83 mm in length when retracted, it serves as a highly portable secondary lens that perfectly complements a standard 18-55mm kit lens. Optically, it performs surprisingly well for its price bracket, featuring 13 elements in 9 groups with one ED glass element to minimize chromatic aberration. Testing reveals excellent central sharpness across all focal lengths and highly effective vignetting control that matches much more expensive alternatives. Additionally, its Silent Wave Motor (SWM) ensures quiet and accurate autofocus, while the upgraded built-in image stabilization (VR) offers a four-stop advantage, producing remarkably sharp handheld shots even at slow shutter speeds like 1/3 of a second. The review highlights several clear pros and cons for this lens. On the positive side, its chief advantages are its outstanding price-to-performance ratio, exceptionally lightweight and retractable design, and quiet autofocus that is well-suited for video recording. It also benefits...

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II Review | 54 Data compared

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Technical Specifications of Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II vs the average camera lens

Why is Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II better than the average camera lens?

Why is Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II worse than the average camera lens?

Graphic comparison of Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II and

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II?

What customers dislike about Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 55 200mm F4 5 6G VR II?

Expert reviews

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