Nikkor AF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED DX - Review / Test Report - Sample Images & Verdict
Lens Reviews - Nikon / Nikkor (APS-C)

Sample Shots

Finally some sample shots taken with the Nikon D200 and RAW-converted via Raw Shooter Premium 2006.

Click on a thumbnail to view the original file (opens in a separate window). Please note that the originals are FULL SIZE samples (=several megabytes) thus requiring a significant amount of bandwidth so please take care of the limited resources here.

Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D200
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 55.0mm
Exposure Data: f/8.0 @ 1/400s
Size 2613x3898
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D200
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 32.0mm
Exposure Data: f/8.0 @ 1/640s
Size 2613x3898
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D200
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 55.0mm
Exposure Data: f/8.0 @ 1/200s
Size 2613x3898
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D200
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 55.0mm
Exposure Data: f/5.6 @ 1/800s
Size 3898x2613
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D200
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 18.0mm
Exposure Data: f/3.5 @ 1/2000s
Size 3898x2613
Make NIKON CORPORATION
Model NIKON D200
ISO Speed 200
Focal Length 18.0mm
Exposure Data: f/11.0 @ 1/160s
Size 3898x2613

Verdict

There's no such thing as a free lunch and the Nikkor AF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED DX is no exception to the rule. The build quality is downright miserable which is probably a sufficient reason alone for some to think about the AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G DX straight from the start. However, the optical quality of the lens is not all that bad. The resolution figures are actually very good and not much worse compared to much higher priced models. The contrast level at large apertures leaves something to be desired though (dull colors). The distortion characteristic is about average whereas the vignetting is surprisingly well controlled for a DX-type lens (APS-C image circle). Chromatic aberrations are quite high and can be field relevant in some situations. Naturally this has all to be seen in the context of the extremely low price tag so all-in-all it is almost surprising what the lens is capable to deliver. If you use f/8 or f/11 you'll be a happy camper in most situations. The question may be whether such a limitation makes sense with a high priced DSLR ...

Optical Quality:    
Mechanical Quality:
Price/Performance:discontinued
      
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