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

Product Information

Approx. 64.5 mm (2.5 in.) x 62.5 mm (2.4 in.) distance from camera lens mount flange when lens is retracted The distortion goes away with Distortion Correction ON, and even wide-open the 18-55mm is ultrasharp.

Most people who buy this will never get any benefit from VR, however if you're reading this review, you probably are the sort of person who learns his camera and will. If you have a five-in-one reflector you can opt to use the silver or the gold side. The silver side creates a cooler result, and the gold side creates warmer light, so we'd recommend using the silver side for your winter portrait shoot. You may find it useful to get an assistant to hold the reflector for you, as this will leave your and your model's hands free. When you're using a reflector make sure the light isn't shining directly into your model's eyes, as you don't want them to be squinting. Nikon was one of the first camera manufacturers to design digital-specific lenses matched to the DX sensor size, but then seemed somewhat reluctant to produce a true budget standard 'kit' zoom, finally succumbing with its original 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 to accompany the launch of the D50 in April 2005. This lens was updated to a mark II version with the release of the D40 in November 2006, featuring a new external design and smoother zoom operation. Then barely a year later, the company announced a wholly new version, this time equipped with a vibration reduction (VR) unit to combat camera shake; a lens which has now been confirmed as the standard companion to the D60 SLR. This lens is clearly Nikon's response to the widespread adoption of in-body stabilization systems by most other manufacturers (with the notable exception of Canon, whose own stabilized 18-55mm preceded Nikon's by just a few months), and allows them to offer stabilized dSLR kits at budget prices. 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. Ultimately, if image quality is a top priority for you and you demand absolute precision, then investing in higher-end lenses might be worth considering. On the other hand, kit lenses provide more than adequate image quality for everyday shooting – and with the right techniques (explored below), they can be used to produce professional shots. 3. Kit lens autofocusing can be slowerThe retractable design enables a small carrying size of 65x63mm, although even that looks relatively large compared with the new Z DX 16-50mm for Nikon’s mirrorless Z system cameras. It’s also worth noting that the competing Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/4-5.6 IS STM is pretty much the same size and weight, without resorting to a retractable mechanism.

While the 18-55mm is not considered wide, the 18mm offers a moderately wide-angle glass, excellent for landscapes and architecture. The 55mm range is more relevant for portraits, passport photos, and when one wants to capture small details like macro photography. This VR version is a tiny bit bigger than the non-VR 18-55mm II, and weighs two more ounces (60g). This 18-55mm VR is still featherweight and tiny. Lenses can be eye-wateringly expensive. In fact, intermediate-level lenses often cost more than a camera! Lobstermania, 08 August 2016. Nikon D3300, Nikon 18-55mm AF-P at 31mm, f/4.2 hand-held at 1/13 at Auto ISO 12,800, Perfectly Clear. bigger.

Comments

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. This is the best basic kit lens ever offered. It offers faster focus than most other Nikon lenses, as well as great sharpness, stabilizer and close-focus performance. Add the fact that it's small, light and inexpensive, and we have a winner. 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. Nonetheless, when shopping for a DSLR or mirrorless, you will find some models that come bundled with high-quality lenses that can produce professional quality images. They are technically kit lenses as well.

Measured with two real samples, this VR version actually weighs 2.105 oz. (59.7g) more than my 18-55mm AF-S II. The 3.5-5.6 refers to aperture, meaning how wide it can open (let light in). Aperture is a WHOLE new conversation, and I recommend reading about it here.So how to discern those which I recommend from those that I would not (not even for total beginners)? As a rule of thumb, you can use the following rule: the latest two generations of 18-55mm lenses that offer much better performance, have a button on the side of the lens barrel – this button is pushed to get the lens into the ready position. NIKON D750 + 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 55mm, ISO 100, 1/80, f/8.0 Compatibility The first reason is that they come with your (first) camera, so in most instances, these are the first lenses anyone ever uses. Lens sharpness used to matter with zooms in the 1960s, but today, all Nikon's lenses are sharper than most photographers ability to elicit sharpness from them. When you learn the characteristics of these focal lengths, your photos will automatically improve. You can also try out the focal lengths in between. No switches; VR and AF/MF now controlled in camera menus (but you can just grab the ring any time for instant manual-focus override).

The 18-55mm provides a focal length ranging from reasonably wide-angle to short telephoto. Unlike prime lenses with a fixed focal length, with them, you can comfortably zoom in or out to get the desired photo without moving your body. One notable kit lens characteristic is a generous focal-length range. These lenses aim to cover a wide spectrum of shooting scenarios so beginners can capture a wide variety of subjects and compositions. We composed our shot using the rule of thirds, placing our model on one side of the frame. To help you focus on your subject accurately select the Single point AF setting, and select a focus point that corresponds to the position of your subject in the frame. The cheapest and simplest 18-55mm AF-S II is the best. This VR version is almost as good. The more expensive 16-85mm and 18-200mm lenses are different: they have veiling flare as well as ghosts. After all, you never know when inspiration might strike or when you’ll stumble upon an incredible scene. By having your lens mounted on your camera and at the ready, you’ll be prepared to seize those spontaneous moments that make for the most memorable photographs.In my experience, kit lenses can feel a bit sluggish when acquiring focus. If you’re shooting subjects in motion, such as sports, wildlife, pets, or even hyperactive kids, this can be a serious concern. Compared to its predecessor, the distortion behavior of the 18-55mm II is nearly identical. There's some obvious barrel distortion at the wider focal lengths -- a bit over 1% out in the corners and just over 0.5% on average at 18mm. Zooming to 35mm and longer, distortion is largely cleared up completely, though there is a hint of pincushion distortion at the longer focal lengths out in the corners.