Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX

	APS-C sized image Lenses that create APS-C sized image are designed for digital only. They cannot be used on cameras that have image sensor larger than the APS-C format. These lenses are not suitable for film cameras either. Ultrasonic AF Lenses with ultrasonic focusing mechanism tend to be quiter and faster than traditionally focusing lenses. One or more Low Dispersion lens element is used Low Dispersion lens elements help to reduce chromatic aberration. Not stabilized Image stabilization helps to reduce blur caused by hand shake, especially at high focal length or in low light situations. Image stabilization can give 1 to 3 stop advantage over none stabilized lens, based on the reciprocal rule. No Internal Focusing Internally focusing lenses don't change their size while setting focus. The front lens is rotating The fixed front lens is not rotating during zoom and/or focusing. This allows the photographer to use petal shaped lens hood. Fixed front lenses also make the use of polarization filters a lot easier.
Compact, lightweight lens design, and 3x zoom. Ideals as a normal lens for Nikon DX-format SLRs. New compact rod-type Silent Wave Motor enables accuracy and super-quiet operation. ED-glass element for minimal chromatic aberration and superior optical performance. Hybrid aspherical element for high resolution and contrast. M/A mode for instant switching to manual focus even during AF operation. 7-blade ronded diaphragm for more natural out-of-focus highlights.

Compact, lightweight lens design, and 3x zoom. Ideals as a normal lens for Nikon DX-format SLRs. New compact rod-type Silent Wave Motor enables accuracy and super-quiet operation. ED-glass element for minimal chromatic aberration and superior optical performance. Hybrid aspherical element for high resolution and contrast. M/A mode for instant switching to manual focus even during AF operation. 7-blade ronded diaphragm for more natural out-of-focus highlights.

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Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Specification

Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Specification
Available mount(s)	Nikon F
Application(s)	Portrait, Closeup, Landscape, Architecture
Category(s)	Standard zoom
Multiplier	1.5×
Stabilizer	no
Focal length	18 - 55 mm (3.1× zoom)
Lens construction	7 elements in 5 groups
Angle of view	35mm: N/A digital: 76-28.17°
Number of blades	7
Maximum aperture	wide: f/3.5 tele: f/5.6
Minimum aperture	wide: f/32 tele: N/A
Minimum focusing distance	28 cm
Magnification	0.31×
Filter size	52 mm
Size	∅ 70.5 × 74 mm
Weight	192 g
Notes
AF speed	N/A
AF sound
Internal focusing	no
Internal zoom	N/A
Fix front lens	no
Mount type	N/A
Weather sealed	N/A
Drop in filter	N/A
Ultrasonic AF	yes
APS-C sized circle	yes
Low dispersion lens element	yes
Hard case	N/A
Soft case	CL-0715 (not included)
Lens hood	HB-33 (not included) printable lens hood
Tripod adapter	N/A

Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Reviews

Other reviews

Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX review at www.cameralabs.com (English)
Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX review at www.ephotozine.com (English)

Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Owner Reviews

Most useful owner reviews from Amazon

Inexpensive Moderate Wide Angle Zoom for Nikon DX Digital SLR Cameras

Aug 21, 2005

The current issue of Popular Photography has a glowing review of this lens and its sibling, the 55mm-200mm zoom lens, for Nikon DX Digital SLR cameras. I'm amazed that Nikon has opted to produced a high quality moderate wide angle zoom lens for digital SLRs at a relatively low price. But don't be fooled that this relatively inexpensive lens isn't capable of producing excellent results, which the fine Popular Photography review certainly attests (At nearly every focal length there is excellent contrast and resolution, with minimal barrel distortion, except at 18mm, since there the barrel distortion is a bit noticeable: this would only have an adverse impact in photographing buildings, but again, the impact is just hardly noticeable.). Nikon has opted to use most of its optical innovations, including the new improved Super Nikon Intergrated Coating (Nikon's latest multicoating) to help greatly minimize flare and thus produce images which have excellent contrast and resolution. For many owners of Nikon's inexpensive line of DX Digital SLRs, such as the new Nikon D70s, this lens and its 55mm-200mm zoom sibling, may be all the optical firepower they'll need for photography, with the chance of expanding sometime later into Nikon's impressive line of superb optics for 35mm film and digital photography.

A great lens at an amazingly cheap price

Jul 29, 2006

The Nikon 18-55 is one of those rare pieces of glass that surprises across the board -- I find that it is far superior to the more expensive Nikon 18-70 kit lens now packaged with most new Nikon dSLR's. The 18-55 is not only a third of the price, but it is crisper and clearer at 18, and super sharp from 35 - 55. There is next to no barrel distortion at 18, certainly far less that the 18-70. And there is nothing better than a 6 ounce lens for carrying to parties, events, and dinners, rather than those pound+ lenses. I highly recommend this lens.

Good lens, minimal distortion

Apr 5, 2006

I bought this lens for my D70s because of its light weight - almost half the weight of the Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens - and because it has less barrel distortion at 18 mm than the 18-70. True, the build quality is not as good, but I'm careful so that wasn't too much a concern to me. After 15 months of extensive use, my lens is still working fine.

Reportedly, sharpness is best (and is excellent) across the frame at f/8 at 18mm, f/8-11 at 35mm, and f/11 at 55mm.

After 15 months of use, my two favorite features in this lens are still its light weight, and minimal distortion compared to other zoom lenses. For example the Nikon 18-200 VR, which I own also, has very noticeable pincushion distortion at 50mm. In contrast, this little 18-55 doesn't have any perceptible distortion at focal lengths higher than 35 mm.

Value for the entry-level amateur

Mar 30, 2006

I bought this lens for just over $100.00 on eBay. I expected it to perform as well as it does. For the price, the lens is better than the 28-80mm by far. The images are clear (in good lighting conditions) and the sharpness is adequate. I have taken several thousand pictures with the lens, and I am satisfied with its performance. The macro photo possibilities are generally acceptable. It is a good beginning lens because you really get what you pay for. The lens does not perform well in low-light conditions, however, due to its aperture limitations. It does not feel too light, although the plastic mount is a liability if you remove lenses often. All in all, it is a worthwhile purchase for anyone excited about jumping into photography. This is a good, general portrait, landscape, and non-zoom macro lens.

EDIT: 2/26/07 The lens began sticking after a few months and ultimately became useless. I dismantled it to determine the cause and noted that the (unofficial name) three rails that the internal lens slides on all have a velvet-type layer of friction material glued to them. One of my rails started losing it's adhesive velvet material and the lens stuck on it as I zoomed in and out, eventually causing my zoom to be inoperable.

A really terrific lens

Aug 29, 2006

I upgraded to a D200 from my D70 and waited and waited and am still waiting for my 18-200 VR. I needed a wide angle lens so I listened to Ken Rockwell (I enourage everyone to visit his site) and bought the 18-55. It is a wonderful lens, produces excellent, sharp images, is light weight, and focuses quickly. It's an inexpensive build, but for the price I can use for a few years (or until my 18-200 arrives which ever is first) and feel that I have gotten more than my money's worth. Don't let the light weight fool you, though, this is a great lens.

Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Sample Photos

Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Accessories

Lens hoods for Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX

Nikon HB-33 Lens Hood for 18-55mm DX Nikkor Lens

52 mm Filters

52 mm Polarizer Filters

	Sima Lens Pen$4.98
	Zeiss Lens Tissues, Pre-moistened Optics Cleaning Cloths, 21 Per Box$6.19
	Zeiss Lens Cleaner, 3 oz Spray, Ammonia Free, Safe for Multi-Coated Lenses.$5.95
	Tenba RC24, 24" Waterproof Nylon Rain Cover for SLR Cameras with a 400mm Lens.$49.95

Lens finder

Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX

APS-C sized image

Ultrasonic AF

One or more Low Dispersion lens element is used

Not stabilized

No Internal Focusing

The front lens is rotating