Nikon DX VR AF-P NIKKOR 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 G Lens (f/3.5-5.6)

Overall Rating:

This inexpensive lens in the popular 18-55mm compact zoom range is 9 years old and originally sold for $250 (USD). It's usually sold as a kit-lens with Nikon's entry level DSLR's like the D3400/D5500/D5600. It is for the DX/APS-C sensor.

Performance

This is the first AF-P Nikkors lens. "P" stands for Pulse. From Nikon's website: Nikon's new "P" series of lenses uses a pulse motor (utilizing stepping motors) for ultra-fast, near silent autofocus.

The autofocus performance is blisteringly fast — a real improvement over the Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR.

Optically, this lens is quite sharp. It is sharp throughout its zoom range. It's on par with the AF-S Nikkor 55-300mm DX VR at 55mm. This lens has a very high performance-to-price ratio so it is a real bargain. Diffraction has begun by f/8. Shoot at greater apertures, like f/5.6. Barrel distortion (0.5%) and vignetting is evident on the short end. The vignetting disappears as the lens is stopped down.

There is very pronounced color fringing in the short end of the zoom and a touch of it in the long end.

This lens is compared in the comparisons section on this site

Unlike its earlier siblings, it is dead silent making it good for shooting video.

The Vibration Reduction (VR) is a nice function which makes this slow, inexpensive lens into a top hand-held performer. It allows one to get sharper shots at lower shutter speeds. Handheld shots around a tenth of a second are possible. Nikon claim a four stop improvement. Also, it has a maximum 1:2.6 reproduction ratio combined with the VR might make it nice for doing macro work.

Construction

This lens is most compact when compressed to its collapsed/locked zoom position. It extends for 18mm, decreased until around 30mm, and then extends again until 55mm. When opened and ready for shooting, it is taller than the Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR, but not fatter.

It is made entirely of plastic, including the mount. There is no zoom creep.

This is a G lens meaning that there is no aperture adjustment ring. This means turning a knob on the camera to adjust the aperture. This less intuitive method makes the lens less expensive for Nikon to produce.

The Vibration Reduction does not have an off switch on the lens. Instead, it must be turned-off in the camera's menu. The Nikon D7100 and D7200 do not have a way to turn the VR off.

It takes 55mm filters which is a problem because it will not work with a photographer's arsenal of 52mm filters.

Non-rotating front element makes using a polarizer a joy. The lens must be focused again after using the zoom.

Takes the HB-N106 lens hood.

Compatibility

Because this is a "G" lens, it is compatible with all Nikon DSLR's. As stated above, this will work on FX cameras with an approximately 1.5× crop. Try the megapixel crop calculator.

The autofocus works only with newer bodies, such as the D3300, D5200, D7100, D500 and newer. See this link for more information: Nikon Support

Basically, the AF of this lens is compatible with 2013 and newer cameras, like the Nikon D3300, D3400, D5200, D5300, D5500, D5600, D7100, D7200, D7500, D500 cameras. On the D7100 and D7200 cameras, the VR cannot be disabled.

Bokeh

The bokeh is a tad busy..., but better than some other Nikkors.

Infrared

Infrared performance is poor when stopped down. This lens exhibits an infrared hotspot.

Macro

As mentioned, the maximum reproduction ratio is 1:2.6 so leave the real macro lenses at home... No, not really, it's actually a little soft at the 1:2.6 ratio.

The performance is not at the same level as the DX Micro Nikkor 40mm/2.8 lens or the AF-S DX 18-55mm VR lens. As is obvious, this lens is a little soft at this distance. Still, the 1:2.6 maximum reproduction ratio is superb for a lens like this.

Apertures

Pros and Cons

• Pros
  • Vibration Reduction (VR) technology
  • good enough construction
  • no zoom creep
  • sharp
  • contrasty
  • super compact when collapsed
  • decent manual focusing
  • does not flare easily
  • excellent maximum reproduction ratio of 1:2.6
  • non-rotating front element
• Cons
  • too much color fringing at 18mm
  • macro work not very sharp
  • 55mm filter ring
  • won't manually focus when the camera is not awake
  • plastic lens mount
  • no aperture ring
  • not super creamy bokeh
  • no focus scale and no depth of field scale

Conclusion

The Nikon AF-P DX Nikkor f=18-55mm/3.5-5.6 G VR is an inexpensive, well-built lens that offers high AF performance. It's bundled with entry-level DSLRs, and is a solid choice for the first time DSLR owner or enthusiast looking for a high-performance, lightweight lens to carry around. Its retail asking price is modest given what the lens is. It is dirt cheap on the used market.

Ignoring the infrared performance, it is a real winner, but the slow Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR is a better lens even though it's larger and heavier, it is sharper w/less color fringing in the corners and is 100% compatible with the infrared wavelength.

Specifications

• Focal length: 18-55mm
• Maximum aperture: f/3.5-5.6
• Minimum aperture: f/22-38
• Lens construction: 12 elements in 9 groups (2 aspherical lens elements)
• Picture angle: 76°-28°50'
• Closest focusing distance: 0.25m/0.82ft
• Maximum reproduction ratio: 1:2.6 (0.39×)
• No. of diaphragm blades: 7 (rounded)
• Filter/attachment size: ø55mm
• Diameter × length (extension from lens mount): 62.5x64.5mm/2.46x2.54in.
• Weight Approximately: 205g/7.2oz.
• Price: $250 (USD) (2016)

Images