Nikkor AF-S DX VR 18-200mm 3.5-5.6G IF-ED DSLR lens full review Cameralabs gallery

Gallery, taken with Nikon D2X

The following images were taken with the Nikon D2X using the Nikkor AF-S DX VR 18-200mm 3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens. Each image was recorded using the Large Fine JPEG mode, optimised for quality rather than size. The D2X was set to Matrix metering with A for Image Sharpening and Tone Compensation. The individual file size, exposure mode, shutter speed, aperture, ISO and lens details are listed for each image.

The crops are taken from the original files, reproduced at 100% and saved in Adobe Photoshop CS2 as JPEGs with the default Very High quality preset, while the resized full images were made in Photoshop CS2 and saved with the default High quality preset. The three crops are typically taken from far left, central and far right portions of each image.

City: 4.59MB, Program, 1/250, f8, ISO 100, 18-200mm VR at 18mm (equivalent to 27mm)

This shot of The London Eye was taken with the Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens at its widest 18mm focal length - this gives a field-of-view equivalent to 27mm.

The wide angle has captured a large field-of-view and there's also no vignetting apparent in the image, although the crops from the extreme corners reveal a little chromatic aberration. Check our results page for specific tests in this regard.

Nikkor 18-200mm lens at 18mm lower left crop

Nikkor 18-200mm lens at 18mm middle crop

Nikkor 18-200mm lens at 18mm lower right crop

City: 5.44MB, Program, 1/160, f6, ISO 100, 18-200mm VR at 82mm (equivalent to 123mm)

This photo looking towards Embankment and Charing Cross station from London's South Bank was taken approximately mid-through the Nikkor's zoom range at 82mm - this is equivalent to 123mm.

The crops reveal a high level of detail and sharp features including the name of the boat on both the back of the vessel and on its life ring.

Nikkor 18-200mm lens at 82mm lower left crop

Nikkor 18-200mm lens at 82mm lower middle crop

Nikkor 18-200mm lens at 82mm middle right crop

Wildlife: 5.83MB, Program, 1/40, f4.5, ISO 400, 18-200mm VR at 200mm (equivalent to 300mm)

				The long reach of the Nikkor lens allowed us to grab this shot of a Buffalo from a safe distance. It was taken at 200mm, giving an equivalent field-of-view of 300mm. The light was quite poor on the day with an overcast sky and slight drizzle, forcing us to increase the D2X's sensitivity to 400 ISO. The camera metered an exposure of 1/40 which would normally prove a challenge to handhold, but as the crops reveal, the lens' VR technology has effectively counteracted any wobbles. This is a key advantage it has over its rivals.

All words, images, videos and layout, copyright 2005-2012 Gordon Laing. May not be used without permission.

About Gordon Laing / How we test / Best Cameras / Advertising / Camera reviews / Supporting Camera Labs