Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens USA

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  • B&H # NI185535GVR
  • Mfr# 2176

Product Highlights

  • Super Wide Angle/Telephoto

DX lenses are NOT recommended for use with "full-frame" digital or 35mm film SLR cameras

This item can only be shipped to a US address.

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The Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Lens is an ultra compact, lightweight standard zoom lens that has a 3x focal zoom range and is ideally suited for use with compact Nikon digital SLR cameras that feature the smaller DX sized chip. This lens offers the most basic zoom range in the DX lens series, an equivalent focal length in 35mm terms of 27-82.5mm. It will conveniently cover everything from tight indoor portraits to standard snap shots.

The innovative Vibration Reduction (VR) system allows handheld telephoto zoom shooting even in poorly lit conditions. It minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed 3 stops (8 times) faster. The Nikon Super Integrated Coating used in this lens minimizes ghosting and flare to provide even higher contrast and more vivid images, even in challenging light conditions.

This G-type Nikkor lens is designed with no aperture rings, and offers easier, virtually mistake-free operation because the aperture does not need to be set to minimum.

Note: AF-S feature is not supported by certain camera models. Please click here for a list of compatible models.

Note! DX lenses are NOT recommended for use with "full-frame" digital or 35mm film SLR cameras

Vibration Reduction
Minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, enabling sharper pictures hand-held at shutter speeds up to three stops slower than would otherwise be possible.
Optics
One hybrid aspherical lens element minimizes various types of lens aberration.
SWM (Silent Wave Motor)
The improved SWM built into the lens offers smooth and quiet autofocus performance.
Rounded Diaphragm
The rounded diaphragm opening (7 blades) makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural.
Performance
Focal Length 18 - 55 mm
Aperture Maximum: f/3.5 - 5.6
Minimum: f/22
Camera Mount Type Nikon F
Format Compatibility Nikon DX
FX in DX Crop Mode
Angle of View 76° - 28°
Minimum Focus Distance 11" (28 cm)
Magnification 0.31x
Maximum Reproduction Ratio 1:3.22
Groups/Elements 8/11
Diaphragm Blades 7
Features
Image Stabilization Yes
Autofocus Yes
Tripod Collar No
Physical
Filter Thread 52 mm
Dimensions (DxL) Approx. 2.9 x 3.1" (7.37 x 7.87 cm)
Weight 9.35 oz (265 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens
 
4.5

(based on 298 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (167)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (111)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (20)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (0)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (0)

98%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Lightweight (224)
  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (221)
  • Easily interchangeable (184)
  • Consistent output (148)
  • Durable (85)

Cons

  • Weak casing (48)
  • Poor in low light (27)
  • Slow focus (23)
  • Blurry focus (4)
  • Difficult to clean (4)

Best Uses

  • Landscape/scenery (152)
  • Weddings (81)
  • Low light (77)
  • General purpose (57)
  • Wildlife photos (49)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Photo enthusiast (102), Casual photographer (66), Semi-pro photographer (46), Enthusiast (41), Semi-professional (16)
    • Was this a gift?:
    • No (161), Yes (15)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Great Lens for the Money

This lens is perfect for the amateur to semi-professional photographer looking for a good wide-angle zoom lens. Yes, there are better lenses out there, but not in this price range.

Grant...Read complete review

This lens is perfect for the amateur to semi-professional photographer looking for a good wide-angle zoom lens. Yes, there are better lenses out there, but not in this price range.

Granted, there is a fairly significant amount of barrel distortion (when I was pointing this out to a non-photographer friend, he actually replied that he thought the curve in the ends of the horizon lines actually were due to the natural curvature of the earth...), but if you're handy with Photoshop, it's fairly easy to fix and you only end up having to crop a little bit of the edges off of your image. For the price, this is an acceptable trade off. Also, the distortion is most noticeable at the 18mm end, and less so the more zoomed in you are.

I found the focusing to be fairly fast and accurate (though that's partly a function of my camera) and I've been very happy with the sharpness of the images. If you're debating between this lens and the slightly cheaper non-VR version--get this one: the VR (vibration reduction) works wonders and allows you to hand hold in much lower light than you would otherwise be able to. If you're shooting on a tripod and using the timer or a cable/remote release, though, you can turn the VR off for even sharper images.

My primary reasons for getting this lens are that I wanted something with a wider angle that would be better suited for landscapes, and also to allow me to shoot in lower-light conditions (including indoor locations). My previous lens is only a 55-200mm lens and couldn't adequately do either of those things. With this lens, I can even shoot inside my mid-size car and get acceptable levels. This is a great go-anywhere all purpose lens, though if you do much outdoor portraiture and such, you'll eventually want something a little more telephoto, if you don't have it already.

Yes, for several hundred (or, thousand) dollars more, you can get better lenses that won't have barrel distortion, will provide a wider range of apertures, sturdier construction, and are probably even sharper--however, for the price, this lens can't be beat, and has performed very well for me in the time that I've been using it. So far I've used it for landscapes, flowers and fall leaves, sporting events, and people, and it's been a joy. If price is a factor, this is the best lens you will find in this range--the trade-offs (plastic mount, barrel distortion, etc.) are worth it.

(Note, this lens doesn't allow true macro photography, but it does allow you to get quite close to your subject--11 inches away--which makes for some great near-macro isolation and detail.

Also, if you're looking at DX lenses, you should already know that 18mm [or 55mm and between, for that matter] are not what you will actually get since you are shooting with a smaller than full-frame sensor. As it says in the specs., 18mm is actually equivalent to approximately 27mm--but, if you don't have anything this wide already, it will still be a worthwhile increase!).

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

For the money, not bad!

Obviously, having a wide lens suitable for a digital SLR is a must. I have many of Nikon's pro lenses in 35mm film compatible lenses, and I use them on my digital cameras. ...Read complete review

Obviously, having a wide lens suitable for a digital SLR is a must. I have many of Nikon's pro lenses in 35mm film compatible lenses, and I use them on my digital cameras. However, I haven't yet gotten to the point I feel I need the ultra-wide pro lens yet. This lens, for the money, is a good deal. It's not super fast, but the VR makes a definite difference. It's my first VR lens, and it's taken me a bit of getting used to. There is some barrel distortion at the wide end, but the color rendition is above average. If you don't have $1200 to drop on the pro wide zoom, this baby will do you just fine.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 298 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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4.0

Just what I needed!

By Noleslaw

from Fort Myers, Florida

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus

Cons

    Best Uses

      Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

      Does exactly what it is supposed to and love the way the pictures turn out!

      • Was this a gift?:
      • No

      Share this review

       
      5.0

      I love it!!

      By Lori

      from Mansfield, LA

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Buyer

      Pros

      • Durable
      • Easily Interchangeable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Lightweight
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Indoors/Low Light
        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Macro Photography
        • Night Photography
        • Sports/Action
        • Weddings/Events
        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

        I bought this lens to replace one that I dropped and broke. I like this one better because of the VR which wasn't available when I purchased my camera originally. I would definetely recommend this product and B&H for superior, price comparitive and fast service.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        3.0

        Good Lens

        By PDX Photo Mom

        from Portland, Oregon

        About Me Casual Photographer

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Lightweight

        Cons

        • Weak Casing

        Best Uses

        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Sports/Action

        Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

        This is a replacement lens for one that broke when dropped. This lens is a good multi-purpose lens that is good for everyday photos of kids. Which is what it is mostly used for. Of course, a faster lens would be awesome. But for the budget, you can't go wrong with the kit lens.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • Yes

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        Good price/performance ratio, solid.

        By DOGN

        from Albany, CA

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Durable
        • Strong Construction

        Cons

        • Poor in Low Light

        Best Uses

        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Weddings/Events

        Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

        As an entry-level zoom, this one performs well, and is a good compromise in terms of price and versatility for the Nikons. My original one survived a drop with the camera, hitting the concrete first, with a corner of the external lens segment. It still worked for almost a year after that, but after a second drop - kids... - I had to get a new one. It feels as solid as the original did at first, no noticeable difference from the "US made" one.

        • Was this a gift?:
        • No

        Share this review

         
        5.0

        Great for Everyday Use

        By Karrah The Yearbook Sponsor

        from Cocoa, Fl

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Durable
        • Easily Interchangeable
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Lightweight

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Indoors/Low Light
          • Landscape/Scenery

          Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

          My yearbook students use it to take photos in classrooms, cafeteria, gym, pretty much anywhere in the school.

          • Was this a gift?:
          • No

          Share this review

           
          5.0

          Great Refurb Lens

          By Eric the Red

          from Dallas TX

          About Me Photo Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Easily Interchangeable
          • Fast / accurate auto-focus

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • Indoors/Low Light
            • Landscape/Scenery
            • Sports/Action
            • Weddings/Events

            Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

            Exactly what I was looking for, a replacement lens without the full replacement cost.

            Share this review

             
            5.0

            I would buy this product again.

            By nano

            from Santo Domingo Rep Dom

            About Me Casual Photographer

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Fast / accurate auto-focus

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • Indoors/Low Light

              Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

              The best one.

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              4.0

              Works as expected from a basic lens

              By Vickey

              from Jersey City, NJ

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Easily Interchangeable
              • Lightweight

              Cons

              • Poor in Low Light

              Best Uses

              • Landscape/Scenery
              • Weddings/Events

              Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

              This is the basic lens I bought with the Nikon D7000 body, instead of going with the 18 - 105 kit lens, as I also got a 70 - 300 zoom lens
              This lens does what its supposed to do. The pictures come out nice.
              Although it says VR, you need to work really hard with slow shutter speeds, particularly in low light.
              I am happy with the performance and the price I paid for it

              • Was this a gift?:
              • No

              Share this review

               
              5.0

              Excellent Camera Accessory

              By TangoDiesel14

              from Shelbyville, KY

              About Me Photo Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Consistent Output
              • Easily Interchangeable
              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
              • Rugged
              • Strong Construction

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • Landscape/Scenery
                • Macro Photography
                • Sports/Action
                • Weddings/Events
                • Wildlife Photos

                Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

                This lens was a replacenment for the camera I got from my father. We use this lens for everything, school pictures, sports games, and even for general everyday use.

                The picture come out crystal clear - especially with the autofocus and anti-vibration features on the Nikon camera. I would highly recommend this lens to anyone looking for a professional lens that is easy to use, change out quickly, and is a great value.

                • Was this a gift?:
                • Yes

                Share this review

                 
                4.0

                Fulfills expectations

                By dw

                from Davis, CA

                About Me Casual Photographer

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Easily Interchangeable
                • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                • Lightweight
                • Nice Bokeh

                Cons

                  Best Uses

                  • Landscape/Scenery

                  Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

                  Good, light weight, inexpensive lens for trips and landscapes.

                  • Was this a gift?:
                  • No

                  Share this review

                   
                  4.0

                  Great light weight lens

                  By bryant guy

                  from indy

                  About Me Photo Enthusiast

                  Verified Buyer

                  Pros

                  • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                  • Lightweight

                  Cons

                    Best Uses

                    • Weddings/Events

                    Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

                    I bought 2 of these for myself and daughter. Great light weight med zoom for casual shot, b-days, weddings,etc. Only issue-both Serial no. labels fell off.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    5.0

                    I would buy this product again

                    By JENRIONE

                    from Santiago, Chile

                    About Me Photo Enthusiast

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Consistent Output
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Lightweight

                    Cons

                    • Weak Casing

                    Best Uses

                    • All around lens

                    Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

                    Best value, excellent image quality and very light to carrying it around.

                    • Was this a gift?:
                    • No

                    Share this review

                     
                    4.0

                    Great Lens as expected from Nikkor

                    By Bob VA

                    from Spotsylvania, VA

                    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                    Verified Buyer

                    Pros

                    • Consistent Output
                    • Easily Interchangeable
                    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                    • Lightweight

                    Cons

                      Best Uses

                      • Landscape/Scenery

                      Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

                      Good general use lens for DX Format cameras. Only negative is the new plastics which lower weight doesn't give it a solid feel. Lens works great but doesn't have the smooth glide feel of the older lenses.

                      • Was this a gift?:
                      • No

                      Share this review

                       
                      5.0

                      This is the second one I bought!

                      By AV Guru

                      from New York, NY

                      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                      Verified Buyer

                      Pros

                      • Durable
                      • Easily Interchangeable
                      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                      • Lightweight

                      Cons

                        Best Uses

                          Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

                          Great lens all around.

                          • Was this a gift?:
                          • No

                          Share this review

                           
                          5.0

                          Great Lens

                          By Pollykay

                          from St. Augustine, FL

                          About Me Casual Photographer

                          Verified Buyer

                          Pros

                          • Consistent Output
                          • Durable
                          • Easily Interchangeable
                          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                          • Strong Construction

                          Cons

                            Best Uses

                            • Indoors/Low Light
                            • Landscape/Scenery
                            • Sports/Action
                            • Weddings/Events

                            Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

                            I think this lens is the perfect everyday lens. Its great for outdoor shots and portraits. For someone new to photography, its easy to use, especially with the AF feature.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                             
                            4.0

                            Great value for the money

                            By mlife

                            from Orlando, FL

                            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • cheap
                            • Consistent Output
                            • Lightweight
                            • Nice Bokeh

                            Cons

                            • Slow Focus
                            • Weak Casing

                            Best Uses

                            • Landscape/Scenery
                            • Macro Photography
                            • Night Photography
                            • Weddings/Events

                            Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

                            I frequent the theme parks here in Orlando, FL and needed a great lens for all day use... This lens provides sharp images and great range for exactly that use. If you need a great travel lens for a low LOW price.... look no further... I went with the refurb and have had NO trouble. love it.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                            (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                             
                            5.0

                            A great lens for every day use

                            By g.e.a.

                            from Dallas, TX

                            About Me Photo Enthusiast

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Accurate auto focus
                            • Consistent Output
                            • Durable
                            • Easily Interchangeable
                            • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                            • Fast focus
                            • Lightweight

                            Cons

                            • Poor in Low Light

                            Best Uses

                            • Landscape/Scenery
                            • Video
                            • Weddings/Events
                            • Wildlife Photos

                            Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

                            I have a 18 mm ro 135mm lens from my old D80 and moved it to my D90. I wanted a lens that was not so bulky to use. This lens has been perfect in this regard. I believe I will be able to use it for 75% of my shots. I currently hasve a D7000

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                             
                            5.0

                            Great Lens for the Money

                            By The Forensic Woodworker

                            from Trenton, NJ

                            About Me Photo Enthusiast

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Easily Interchangeable
                            • Lightweight
                            • Nice Bokeh

                            Cons

                            • Weak Casing

                            Best Uses

                            • Landscape/Scenery

                            Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

                            Great general purpose lens, auto-focus is a bit slow on my D300 than my other lenses but still quite good! Very light, lens mount seems a bit fragile but if care is taken in handling it should last a long time. My only real complaint is the rear lens cap does not fit well, but a proper f-mount cap will fix that.

                            • Was this a gift?:
                            • No

                            Share this review

                             
                            3.0

                            Gets the job done.

                            By Al

                            from Buffalo, NY

                            About Me Semi-pro Photographer

                            Verified Buyer

                            Pros

                            • Consistent Output
                            • Durable
                            • Easily Interchangeable
                            • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                            • Lightweight

                            Cons

                              Best Uses

                              • Weddings/Events

                              Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

                              The lens was simple and affordable, but nothing too exciting.

                              • Was this a gift?:
                              • No

                              Share this review

                               
                              4.0

                              General use lens

                              By frafael

                              from Menlo Park - CA

                              About Me Casual Photographer

                              Verified Buyer

                              Pros

                              • Fast / accurate auto-focus
                              • Strong Construction

                              Cons

                                Best Uses

                                • Indoors/Low Light

                                Comments about Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens:

                                Good quality, Nikkor standard.

                                • Was this a gift?:
                                • Yes

                                Share this review

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                                • Price: $23.50
                                 

                                Hoods & Covers

                                Nikon -  HB-45 Snap-On Lens Hood for 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (All Versions)
                                • Price: $17.95
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                                Vello -  LHN-HB45 Dedicated Lens Hood (HB-45)
                                • Price: $12.95
                                 

                                Cases & Wraps

                                Nikon -  CL-0715 Soft Case
                                • Price: $11.95
                                 
                                Pearstone -  Onyx 20 Lens Case
                                • Price: $11.99
                                 

                                Protective Wraps & Mats

                                OP/TECH USA -  11" Soft Wrap (Black)
                                • Price: $10.95
                                 
                                View all Accessories

                                What's in the Box

                                Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor Lens
                                • Front & Rear Lens Caps
                                • 5-Year Warranty (1-Year International + 4-Year USA Extension)
                                Included Free
                                 
                                 
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