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Nikkor DX kit lens group test: 18-55mm vs 18-70mm vs 18-135mm vs 18-200mm VR Gordon Laing, April 2007

 
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Nikkor 18-200mm VR

SanDisk Extreme III SD memory card
Nikon Speedlight SB-800
 
Nikkor DX kit lens group test video tour

We're pleased to present a video tour of the Nikkor DX 18-55mm, 18-70mm, 18-135mm and 18-200mm VR lenses, demonstrating their physical characteristics and coverage in practice. There's no need to download any new software - just press the play button in the middle of the screen below and wait for the video to start; you may need to press the button twice. The quality and any delay before playing may vary depending on your internet connection.





Nikkor lens group test video - rotating end Nikkor lens group test video - 18-135mm zoomed in Nikkor lens group test video - 18-200mm creep




Nikkor DX 18-70mm


Good points

Slightly longer zoom range than basic kit lens
Brighter f4.5 aperture at telephoto
Superior build quality to standard kit lens
Fast and quiet SWM focusing motor

Bad points
Pricier than official kit lenses
Corner sharpness issues
DX 17-55mm f2.8 is brighter (but pricey)
DX 18-200mm is longer and has VR



Scores

(relative to DX 18-55mm II kit lens)
 

Build quality:
Optical quality:
Specification:
Value:

Overall:

22 / 25
20 / 25
18 / 25
17 / 25

77%
 


Nikkor DX 18-135mm


Good points

More flexible range than standard kit lens
Better build quality than standard kit lens
Fast and quiet SWM focusing motor
Affordable and supplied with lens hood

Bad points
No VR - so watch out for shake at 135mm
Below average geometric distortion
Only sold in bundle with new body
Nikkor DX 18-200mm more compelling



Scores

(relative to DX 18-55mm II kit lens)
 

Build quality:
Optical quality:
Specification:
Value:

Overall:

18 / 25
17 / 25
18 / 25
20 / 25

73%
 


Nikkor DX 18-200mm VR


Good points
Highly versatile 11.1x zoom range
Effective anti-shake VR feature
Fast and quiet SWM focusing motor
Polariser-friendly internal focusing

Bad points
Non-VR 18-200mm rivals at half the price
Modest macro performance
Heavier and larger than rivals
Smaller effective range at close focus



Scores

(relative to DX 18-55mm II kit lens)
 

Build quality:
Optical quality:
Specification:
Value:

Overall:

22 / 25
20 / 25
23 / 25
20 / 25

85%


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