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. Designed to enable more stable handheld shooting, Nikon's VR technology lets you shoot at up to four stops slower, without the image-degrading blur that can be caused by camera shake.

I focuses as close as a few inches away from the lens and can fill the frame with something as small as 2 x 3" (50 x 77mm). In this review, I will explore the performance characteristics of the latest 18-55mm AF-P VR version in detail and compare it to both older iterations of 18-55mm AF-S VR II and other Nikon lenses, such as the Nikon 18-140mm VR. This new standard zoom lens, which has been introduced as a kit with the Nikon D3300 entry-level DSLR sports a compact, collapsible design, Vibration Reduction and silent focusing.Overall this newcomer is clearly a completely different beast to the old lens, and as the old 18-55mm had an unusually high reputation for image quality (for a kit lens at least), we will be interested to see if the new version maintains this standard. Even if this lens does not feature any high-end Nano Crystal Coating, it still does a great job dealing with direct light. Levels of chromatic aberrations are well controlled for much of the zoom range, only reaching levels that may cause issues when stopped down beyond f/11 at 18mm. VR, Focal Length: 36mm, Focus Mode: AF-A, AF-Area Mode: Auto, VR: ON, Aperture: f/5, Shutter Speed: 1/60s, Exposure Mode: Aperture Priority, Exposure Comp. If you're a hacker like me and want to use this on older film cameras, see more at Nikon Lens Compatibility.

The Nikon 18-55mm AF-P VR lens has a very controlled amount of lateral chromatic aberration (CA) both in the corners and the center of the frame. When zooming in to capture a photo, you can bring subjects into focus instantly and with absolute precision.Even if the barrel distortion at the short end is quite heavy, correcting it via software during post-production is not very difficult in Lightroom (or any similar software).

As usual, stopping down beyond F11 causes the image to degrade due to diffraction, and anything below F16 starts to look distinctly soft. If you want to shoot indoors in low light and do not want to invest in fixed primes, the Sigma 17-70mm could be a good choice.This new Nikon 18-55mm AF-P is a significant improvement over the old 18-55mm VR II, and it's better than any other 18-55mm because no other 18-55mm is sharper, it focuses essentially silently, and most importantly it focusses instantly and has instant manual-focus override.

When shooting with the entry-level D5300 body, I often had to opt for manual focus (in-camera setting) while making some panoramas. Please note that although this lens is brand spanking new, it may be supplied without the usual packaging.The front element moves when zooming (but does not rotate, which is important for circular polarizing filter use). As this page is copyrighted and formally registered, it is unlawful to make copies, especially in the form of printouts for personal use. Engage with our used photography equipment partner MPB in a forum dedicated to giving members the opportunity to feedback their experiences or seek advice. Nikon's Vibration Reduction (VR) technology offsets the shakiness of handheld shooting for sharper photos and steady videos. So long as the system is given time to kick in properly and images are shot with care, hand held shots at 1/10sec are quite possible at 55mm, which is around three stops slower than the usual rule of thumb would advise.