Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm F3.5-5.6 G ED VR Review
General information
This is a zoom lens manufactured by Nikon and the lens was released 2012.
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 2012 Nikon wrote this regarding Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm F3.5-5.6 G ED VR:
"Nikon´s most powerful all-in-one zoom lens ever.
Nikon´s AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens.
If you want a single lens that can cover every imaginable shooting situation, from wide-angle groups to ultra-high-power zoom shots, look no further than the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR. Boasting the longest reach of any NIKKOR all-in-one zoom lens, it delivers the equivalent of 450mm—enough reach to bring the most distant action up close. Nikon´s second generation VR II technology ensures every photo and HD video is razor-sharp, and Nikon´s advancements in lens design deliver consistent, exceptional performance in any setting. It´s also great for close-up shooting. Even more amazing, the AF-S NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR does all this in a surprisingly compact, lightweight lens.
No subject is too far or too close
450mm (equivalent) of super-telephoto reach
Building on the success of the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR, Nikon proudly introduces the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR for those who want even more reach in an all-in-one lens. Its astounding 16.7x zoom range goes from a wide 27mm equivalent, great for group shots, vast landscapes and more, all the way to a super-telephoto 450mm equivalent, enough reach for wildlife photography and more. The lens can focus as close as 1.48-ft. from your subject at 300mm. This ultra-high-power zoom capability means no subject or composition will ever be out of reach again.
Sharp, beautiful images in any light
VR II image stabilization
At super-telephoto focal lengths, even the slightest camera movement can cause image blur. Fortunately, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR features Nikon´s second-generation Vibration Reduction technology (VR II) to ensure every handheld photo and HD video is razor sharp. Shoot at shutter speeds 4-times slower than otherwise possible, a major advantage in low-light situations where a slower shutter speed means brighter, richer images.
A lifetime of brilliant performances
Nikon innovations for stunning images
Nikon´s innovations in optical design and lens technology have given way to a remarkable new class of NIKKOR lenses. The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is among them. From its Silent Wave Motor (SWM) for ultra-fast, ultra-quiet autofocusing to its Aspherical (AS) lens elements and Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements for maximum contrast and minimum lens flare and ghosting—you can expect a lifetime of consistent brilliant performance from the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18–300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR.
Nikon Vibration Reduction
Learn more about Nikon’s in-lens VR image stabilization which assures dramatically sharper still images and video capture when shooting handheld.
Overview
High-powered DX-format zoom lens with wide-angle to super-telephoto reach. Built to handle diverse situations, this all-round lens offers an ultra-high 16.7x zoom ratio with an incredibly wide 18-300mm focal length.
Nikon’s second-generation Vibration Reduction system delivers sharp results, even when shooting handheld at the super-telephoto end of the range, and enables a steady image in the camera’s viewfinder. The high quality optical design boasts three ED glass elements for outstanding sharpness and contrast. A practical zoom-lock switch keeps the lens secure when not in use.
Incredibly versatile, this lens is perfect for travel, or for days when you only want to take one lens out with you.
Key features
DX format 16.7x zoom lens with versatile 18-300mm focal length (FX/35mm equivalent: 27 to 450mm)
Vibration Reduction II (VR II) stabilization system enables more flexible hand-held shooting and lets you use shutter speeds that are up to 3.5* stops slower.
Maximum aperture of f/5.6 at the telephoto end of the range.
Zoom-lock switch keeps the lens secure when not in use.
9-blade rounded diaphragm opening makes out-of-focus elements blend together smoothly.
Three ED glass and three aspherical lens elements ensure high resolution and superior contrast.
SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for fast, whisper-quiet autofocus.
Compact and lightweight design for a lens with this range."
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 18-300 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 27-450 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.
- See compatible cameras and perceived/equivalent focal length
- See a full camera compatibility chart for Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm F3.5-5.6 G ED VR
- Read more about focal length and your field of view
- Read more on the cameras impact on the perceived focal length
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 300 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.
- Read more about the aperture and lens brightness
- Read more about changing brightness at different focal lengths
- Read more about how an image stabilizer works
Filter and Lens Hood
The lens has a traditional filter thread on the front and its measuring 77 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-58".
Images of Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm F3.5-5.6 G 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 has no tripod mount
- The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust
- Heavy (830 gr)
Our Review Ratings
Time to grade Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm F3.5-5.6 G ED VR.
| Build Quality |
 
|
| Image Quality |
|
| Autofocus |
|
| Sharpness |
|
| Versatility |
|
| Value |
|
| Overall rating | 3 of 5 |
Best deals on Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm F3.5-5.6 G ED VR
Make sure to check out our price information page for best offers on this lens.