Nikkor Lens AFS DX 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

Product Information

In this review, I will focus on comparing the latest AF-P version with the older AF-S VR II version. Just for the sake of highlighting the progress of the last two generations, I also include the 2007 generation in the following comparison table: Feature Take note though that other lenses will be different from this and will not have a “variable aperture phenomenon.” So, you will have to take this thing into account as long as you are using a kit lens to take photos.

Macro gets super close; you can fill the frame with the face of a watch. You need no separate macro lens. Important notice: the AF-P line is only compatible with the latest Nikon DSLR bodies. It means the number of cameras usable with the lens is limited.

The optical path features 12 elements in total, including two aspherical elements. Super Integrated Coating is applied to reduce ghosting and flare, and the aperture diaphragm is fairly well rounded, based on seven curved blades.

The wind is blowing, so of course the tops of the palm trees and other plants aren't sharp in this half-minute time-exposure.My only complaint concerns the missing AF ON / OFF switches (typically signed as M/A and M on Nikkor lenses). I repeat here what I wrote in the AF-P 10-20mm wide-angle review: even though one should praise Nikon for designing a faster and quieter focusing lens, I realized that, combined with the missing on-the-lens switch, I experienced some frustrating moments. When shooting with the entry-level D5300 body, I often had to opt for manual focus (in-camera setting) while making some panoramas. If you don't use in-camera correction, it has strong barrel distortion at 18mm, moderate distortion at 24mm and none from 35 to 55mm. Similar to my experience with the DX 70-300mm AF-P telephoto zoom, my real-life shooting experience shows that this lens focuses silently, accurately, and reliably. I estimate that this lens focuses roughly 30% faster than the older 18-55mm AF-S VR II lens. Focusing in low light with the D5300 was no problem either. Used on a DX camera it gives the same angle-of-view as a 28-85mm lens gives on a 35mm film or FX digital camera. I could go blind trying to see any real differences. Any apparent differences turn out to be variations in focus.

This is why they are cheap, and they are deliberately made this way by manufacturers because there is so much competition, so they try to keep their camera’s price down by using inexpensive plastic materials. Incompatible models: D4 series, D3 series, D2 series, D1 series, D800 series, D700, D610, D600, D300 series, D200, D100, D7000, D5100, D5000, D90, D80, D70 series, D3200, D3100, D3000, D60, D50, D40 series, film cameras It has strong barrel distortion at the wide end, and no distortion in the middle and at the long end.Tipping the scales at exactly 195 grams, the AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II is one of the lightest APS-C lenses that Nikon produces. Coupled to the Nikon D3300, as seen in the photos below, the lens feels well-balanced. It gets super-close, and it's super sharp. Your only sharpness limitation will be that there is zero depth-of-field at macro distances; in this shot only some of the face and some of the hands are actually in focus.

Usually, the trajectory of lenses after the kit lens starts with a 50 mm prime lens. It is definitely better than a kit lens, and it is also affordable. Now, I understand that learning a new skill can be frustrating. However, you can speed up your progress if you have the right guidance/teachers you can learn from. Although in the case of selfies, it’s best to start having your camera/smartphone parallel to your body, until you learn how to better create shots of yourself.) This can be somewhat confusing for someone who is just beginning to learn photography and camera settings and features. This difference is real when shooting between 1/2 and 1/30 of a second. Between 1/4 and 1/15 second, the non-VR lens gives poor results hand-held at 55mm, while this VR lens delivers perfect tripod-equivalent sharpness most of the time.

Autofocus Speed and Accuracy

The 18 mm is best for wide angle photos like that of landscapes, skyscrapers, and the environment. If you want to take images with a lot of details, go with the 55 mm as it is a short telephoto lens.