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

Overall Rating:

This is an inexpensive lens in the popular 18-55mm compact zoom range. It's 17 years old and usually sold as a kit lens with Nikon's entry level DSLR's like the D3200, or it could have been bought for $180 (USD). It replaced the Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 G II ED. It features a very respectable 0.3× maximum reproduction ratio and takes the HB-45 lens hood.

This lens has been replaced by the Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 G VR II lens.

Performance

Autofocus is done by the AF-S motor which is supposed to be silent but it does make a little noise. It is much quieter than the AF Nikkor 50mm 1:1.8 D lens. It seems to focus very slowly but because the focus throw is so short, its focus performance is not that bad though it's in no way quick. The auto/manual focus button is either autofocus or manual focus. There is no manual focus override via a simple turning of the manual focus collar. The little A/M switch has to be set to manual first. Manual focusing is very difficult because the throw is so short. It is so difficult that, really, the autofocus has to work.

The Vibration Reduction (VR) is a nice added function making this inexpensive, slow lens into a top hand-held performer, allowing one to get sharper shots at lower shutter speeds. Handheld shots at a tenth of a second are possible. Too bad this lens does not have a faster aperture like the Fujifilm XF 18-55mm/2.8-4.

Optically, this lens is quite good. For a DX lens, it is sharp throughout its zoom range. The AF-S Nikkor 55-300mm DX VR beats it at 55mm. With a high performance-to-price ratio it is a bargain. Diffraction has begun by f/8. Shoot at greater apertures, like f/5.6. Barrel distortion (1%) is obvious on the short end. With 0.5% barrel distortion at 24mm, it is gone by 35mm. Vignetting is non-existant thanks to the smaller DX format.

There is a hint of color fringing particularly on the short end.

A touch of flaring is to be expected and ghosting is well controlled.

This lens is compared in the comparisons section on this site

Construction

This lens is most compact zoomed to around 30mm, where its magnification is 1x, and extends for both 18mm and 55mm. Yes, it is made entirely of plastic, including the mount, however, it feels solid in the hand and there is no zoom creep. Really, it could be worse.

It is for the DX/APS-C sensor format of camera and is slightly larger and lighter than the Fujifilm Fujinon XF 18-55mm OIS lens.

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 rotating front element makes using a polarizer difficult and the lens must be focused again after zooming.

Bokeh

The bokeh is about neutral to, perhaps, just worse. It's a shame that it could not be a stop faster at f/4.

Infrared

Infrared performance is simply outstanding.

Macro

Macro performance is excellent for a non-macro lens.

Apertures

Pros and Cons

• Pros
  • Vibration Reduction (VR) technology
  • good construction for the most part
  • no zoom creep
  • sharp, contrasty performer
  • compact design
  • does not flare easily
  • ø52mm filter ring
  • maximum reproduction ratio of 1:3.2
• Cons
  • plastic lens mount
  • very poor manual focusing
  • noisy focusing motor relative to other Silentwave motors
  • zoom is stiff
  • no aperture ring
  • not super creamy bokeh
  • rotating front element
  • no focus scale and no depth of field scale

Specifications

• Focal length: 18-55mm
• Maximum aperture: f/3.5-5.6
• Minimum aperture: f/22-36
• Lens construction: 11 elements in 8 groups (1 aspherical lens element)
• Picture angle: 76°-28°50'
• Closest focusing distance: 0.28m/0.9ft (throughout the entire focal range)
• Maximum reproduction ratio: 1:3.2 (0.31×
• No. of diaphragm blades: 7 (rounded)
• Filter/attachment size: ø52mm
• Diameter × length (extension from lens mount): 73x79.5mm/2.9x3.1in.
• Weight Approximately: 265g/9.4oz.
• Price: $180 (USD) (2007)

Images

Related links:

• Nikon Nikkor Lens Reviews
• All Lens Reviews