Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR Review

Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Nikon and the lens was released 2005.
The lens belongs to the category superzoom lenses. A superzoom lens gives you a wide zoom range, from a wider field of view (wide angle) to a more narrow field of view (telephoto) and is usually appreciated as an all-in-one travel lens.

Product description from Nikon

At launch 2005 Nikon wrote this regarding Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR:

"This versatile, 11x zoom with VR image stabilization, is designed exclusively for use with Nikon’s DX-format, and makes for a perfect one-lens solution.

Offers broad 18 - 200mm focal range for use in a variety of situations, equivalent to a 27-300 lens in 35mm format.

Nikon VR II (Vibration Reduction) Image Stabilization
Vibration Reduction, engineered specifically for each VR NIKKOR lens, enables handheld shooting at up to 4 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper still images and video capture.

Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) offers superb color reproduction while minimizing ghosting and flare.

Delivers a high-level optical performance designed exclusively for use with Nikon DX digital format.

Enables focusing from as close as 50cm (20 in.) from the subject through its entire focal range.

Flower-shaped lens hood (HB-35) provides greatly reduced stray light.

11x zoom coverage offers a perfect compact and lightweight “one lens” solution.

Two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass and three aspherical lens elements minimize chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion, while ensuring high resolution and contrast.

Incorporates a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) allows for fast, quiet focusing.

Employs a 7-blade rounded diaphragm opening that achieves a natural blur for out-of-focus elements.

M/A mode for rapid switching between auto focus (A) and manual focus (M) operation. "

Product description from Nikon at launch 2005

Compatibility, autofocus and focal length

This lens is designed and meant for Nikon cameras with a smaller sensor (often referred to as 'APS-C') which means that the lens does not fit all camera models. By clicking on the link below you can make sure that the lens works with your camera model and you should do an additional check with your local dealer as well, before you buy the lens just to be sure.

The ability to use autofocus is available for all cameras.

The lens has a focal length of 18-200 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 27-300 mm on your Nikon camera.

A positive thing is that this lens has a versitale zoom range, where the difference between 'maximum zoomed out' to 'maximum zoomed in' increases the lens versatility since you as a photographer easily can compose your picture without moving yourself physically.

Lens brightness and image stabilizer

The lens brightness and aperture value is f/3,5-5,6.

This lens is not considered to have a good aperture value and brightness. It is something to consider before you purchase the lens. To compensate for this you might, while photographing in less favorable light conditions, be forced to either use higher ISO settings (which generates more noise in the image), slower shutter speeds (which may give some motion blur) or flash lightning. Read more at the link below what lens brightness means to you as a photographer.

One thing to consider is that the lens has a variable brightness, which means that depending on how much you are zooming the lens will have a different maximum aperture value. At 18 mm the lens brightness is f/3,5 and at 200 mm the brightness is f/5,6. Through the link below you can read more about what this could mean for you as a photographer.

Inside the lens there is an image stabilizer, which helps to fend off possible movements and tremors. This is very positive and can be of great help in situations and conditions where the light is inadequate and not enough for decent shutter speeds.

Filter and Lens Hood

The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 72 mm which also the filter you will use must have. If you use for example an UV filter can be a cheap insurance against scratches and dust.

If you buy this lens it will come with a lens hood, whose model name is "HB-35".

Images of Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR

In order to see larger product images of the lens, click the link below.

Things to consider before buying

Below you will find some summarized points and facts that can be considered as the 'pros and cons' of this lens. These are based entirely on the facts and values that are accessible through the lens specification, so we highly recommend that you also read the reported reviews available (see tab 'Reviews'); this in order to get a more complete view of the lens and its capabilities. Reviewer opinions reflect the lens, its use and its optical performance in a more accurate way, but any way - here a few different points to consider before buying this lens.

  • A versatile lens for those who own their first DSLR camera
  • Has a built-in image stabilizer
  • An impressive focal range
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • A lens hood is included
  • Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
  • Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
  • A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm F3.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR.

Build Quality     
Image Quality     
Autofocus     
Sharpness     
Versatility     
Value     
Overall rating 3 of 5

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