Nikon AF-S DX 18-140mm F3.5-5.6 G ED VR Review

Nikon AF-S DX 18-140mm F3.5-5.6 G ED VR

General information

This is a zoom lens manufactured by Nikon and the lens was released 2013.
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 2013 Nikon wrote this regarding Nikon AF-S DX 18-140mm F3.5-5.6 G ED VR:

"A compact all-in-one lens that´s ready for anything.

If you´re looking for an outstanding grab-and-go lens—the kind you´ll keep on your camera for nearly every situation—check out the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR. Optimized to draw full potential from Nikon’s high-resolution DX-format image sensors, it delivers beautiful ultra-sharp photos and videos with softly blurred backgrounds. Its versatile 7.8x zoom range (18mm to 140mm) lets you shoot everything from wide-angle family portraits to telephoto close-ups on the sports field. 4 stops of VR image stabliization means sharper handheld photos and video, especially when shooting in low light or at maximum focal length. You can even get as close as 1.48-feet from your subject for macro-style close-ups!

Clarity within reach
7.8x wide-angle to telephoto zoom

Developed with high pixel count D-SLRs in mind, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR delivers vibrant, detail-rich photos and videos across its entire zoom range. Zoom out for an 18mm wide-angle view that’s great for group shots, landscapes or any time you need to fit more into the frame. Zoom in for 140mm of telephoto reach—enough zoom to capture close-ups of your favorite player from the sidelines. In between, you have standard views similar to what you see with your eyes and medium telephoto views ideal for portraits. Whatever shot comes your way, you’ll be ready to catch it.

Sharper handheld shooting
The VR image stabilization advantage

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR versatility is strengthened by 4 stops of VR image stabilization. Capture sharp, shake-free handheld photos and videos in low-light situations, when you want to use slower shutter speeds, and at telephoto distances, when even the smallest amount of camera shake can ruin a shot.

Exquisite performance
Advanced Nikon technology and superb NIKKOR optics

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is an advanced lens designed to get the most from high-resolution Nikon D-SLRs. In addition to VR image stabilization, it uses ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass, which virtually eliminates reflections and lens flare for better contrast and Aspherical (AS) lens elements for minimizing aberration and improving image integrity and color. Nikon’s remarkable Silent Wave Motor (SWM) provides ultra-fast, ultra-quiet autofocusing, a major advantage when recording video. And, of course, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR has NIKKOR’s renowned quality of construction and outstanding optics.

Compact and versatile DX-format zoom lens.

With a 7.8x zoom that’s well-suited to a wide variety of subjects and a build that is compact and lightweight, this lens makes a great all-rounder.

The Vibration Reduction system minimizes the effects of camera shake for blur-free images and helps to ensure a steady viewfinder image. Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor enables fast, quiet autofocus.

Versatile DX-format 7.8x zoom lens with 18–140mm focal range (35mm and Nikon FX-format equivalent: 27–210mm).

Wide to telephoto zoom range: An ideal ‘walkabout’ lens, perfect for capturing everything from sweeping landscapes to detailed shots of distant subjects.

High optical performance: One ED (extra-low dispersion) glass element and one aspherical lens element ensure high resolution and contrast while minimizing most forms of aberration and colour dispersion.

Vibration Reduction (VR) system: Minimizes the effects of camera shake and lets you shoot at shutter speeds that are up to four stops slower. VR operation is quiet, even when filming.

SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for fast, whisper-quiet autofocus.

Compact and lightweight build with weather-sealed mount.

Outstanding value for money."

Product description from Nikon at launch 2013

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 18-140 mm. Since the lens is designed to be used on a camera with smaller sensor ('APS-C') the focal length will be equivalent to 27-210 mm on your Nikon camera.

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 140 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 67 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.

There is a lens hood that fits the lens (model name "HB-32") but unfortunately this is something that is not included when purchasing the lens and must be ordered and bought separately, as an accessory.

Images of Nikon AF-S DX 18-140mm 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
  • Has a built-in autofocus motor
  • Light weight (490 gr)
  • Works only on cameras with APS-C sensor
  • Poor aperture value with its f/5,6
  • A variable lens brightness at different focal lengths
  • No lens hood is included
  • The lens is not sealed against moisture and dust

Our Review Ratings

Time to grade Nikon AF-S DX 18-140mm F3.5-5.6 G ED VR.

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

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