To measure and compare macro performance we photographed a chart using each lens at a focal length and distance which delivered the maximum possible reproduction. The dark lines are 10mm apart and the result is not cropped. Smaller areas are preferred in this test.

Zoomed-into 55mm, the DX 18-55mm VR captured an area measuring 68x46mm, which is a little better than the result we measured for its predecessor, although within experimental and manufacturing error. Both lenses are however much better than the DX 18-70mm and DX 18-135mm in this respect, although none could be described as macro lenses.