30.10.2010

Note 1: this is an updated review.Note 2: if you are an amateur, I think the last bit will make you happy.===========================Bottom-line===========================* For the amateur that cares about IQ:* ------------------------------------- If you care about image quality, use primes instead (for a little bit more money)- 24mm f/2.8D + 35mm f/1.8G + 50mm f/1.8D) > 16-85 VR* For the amateur that cares about flexibility* --------------------------------------------- If you are an amateur/enthusiast and **need** the flexibility, go with the 16-85 VR and ditch the primes (try to keep the 35 f/1.8G though)* Pro Vs Amateurs* ---------------------------------------------If you are a pro (you shouldn't be reading this),the 17-55 f/2.8 is your definite choice -but you already know this.===========================Details===========================I have had this lens for about 11 months now.It is a very competent zoom and an excellent choice when you want the convenience of a mid-range zoom without breaking the bank. The built quality of the lens is superb for the price point. It also Handles very well; focuses very fast (for a consumer lens). It balances perfectly on my D90. VR works wonders.It is very, very, sharp for a zoom in its price point. Has very little CA.Now, this is the updated part of the review.* --------------------------* Compared to the 18-105 VR* --------------------------I take the 18-85 without major hesitations. Why? In my view the 16-85 is sharper but there could be some sample variability -the 18-105 is very sharp as well.Where the 16-85 wins clearly is in CA and distortion.However, I consider that the deal-breaker are the extra 2mm on the wide side: Those extra 2mm will make you far happier than the extra 20mm of the 18-105.* --------------------------------* Compared to collection of primes* --------------------------------I have the 24 f/2.8D, 35 f/1.8G and 50 f/1.8D. There is absolutely no doubt that each one of these lenses is better than the 16-85 at the corresponding focal length. I'm all for image quality so I prefer the primes in 9 out of 10 potential situations. The one case were the 16-85 trumps this line-up of primes is when you need to move along the focal length range very quickly. Otherwise, the image quality given by that combination of lenses is far superior to that obtained by the 16-85.Without a doubt, if you have to pick just one from all of them (16-85, 24, 35, 50) take the 35 f1.8G without even thinking about it.If you need to move along substantially different focal lengths very quickly pick the 16-85 (whatever you can get with it will be better than missing the shot).* ---------------------------------* Compared to the Nikon 17-55 f/2.8* ---------------------------------I seriously considered breaking the bank and go for the 17-55 f/2.8. But before jumping into such big decision, I went to 3 photography stores and asked them to let me do some test shots along my 16-85. I'm very, very happy that I could do that.To put it clear: the Nikon 17-55 f/2.8 is a professional lens and to really take advantage of it you have to use it professionally.The 17-55 f/2.8 is excellent from f/2.8 to f/4 which are the apertures that wedding photographers and concert photographers would want to use. Corner sharpness is excellent at those apertures (and so is centre sharpness).However, from f/5.6 onwards, there is virtually no difference with the 16-85 VR and sometimes the 16-85 is clearly better. Given the VR, the 16-85 is a much better choice to shoot at f/5.6 - f/11 (leaving other considerations aside).Really, I have pixel-peeped shots taken at 16, 17, 24, 35, and 55mm taken at f/2.8, f/4, f/5.6, f/8 with my 16-85 VR and three (3) different copies of the 17-55 f/2.8 and the results are always the same: there is no clear advantage in IQ from f/5.6 onwards.The images of the 17-55 at f/2.8 are very, very good. If you need those apertures (weddings, concerts, photojournalism) then there is no discussion and you should buy the 17-55. But beyond that (f/5.6-f/8), don't kid yourself: the IQ of the 16-55 is largely on par with that of the 17-55 and you get the additional advantage of the VR.Additionally, the built quality of the 17-55 is professional all the way: it's a tank (if you are a pro, then you will abuse the lens). The AF speed is also superior in the 17-55. But then again, I'm not a pro. I cannot justify 3 times the price for 1 extra stop (professionals can) of good image quality.* ----------------* Round-up* ----------------If you are an amateur/enthusiast that cares about IQ, then I suggest that you spend a little bit more and get the 24 f/2.8D + 35 f/1.8G + 50 f/1.8D.If you are an amateur/enthusiast that wants flexibility and decent IQ, then get this 16-85 VR (but please try to get the 35 f/1.8). Rest assured that the IQ from f/5.6 is largely on par with that of the 17-55 f/2.8.If you are a pro, well, you know you don't have much of a choice between this and the 17-55 (but you know that, that's why you are shooting at f/2.8)

30.12.2010

I have a Nikon D300, and it originally came with the Sigma 18 -200mm lens, which I have successfully used for a couple of years, and with which I have taken many pictures. So why buy one of these relatively expensive Nikon lenses, that mostly does the same job?Well, the first thing to understand is just how useful a lens with this spread of focal length really is, and I learnt that with the Sigma, and the Nikon lens simply reinforces the opinion. If you only have one zoom-type lens, then the 18-200 range is absolutely fantastic. It changes the way that you look at things.Down at the 18mm end of the travel, you are looking at a landscape or a building where the image in the viewfinder is probably a lot higher and wider than you actually see in real life.Most of us just use the bit in the middle of our vision for most of the time. At the 18mm end, you need to look around a lot more at what you want to capture, and then you need to look around in the viewfinder a lot, to make sure you have framed the shot you want. And then you want the detail, so you head towards the other end of the zoom, towards the 200mm setting, and there is the detail you want to capture. You can go, with the twist of your wrist, from the whole of your view, to a small piece of the detail. None of us routinely see the world this way, so it takes a while to realise what such a lens does. The only other thing that does that, is a one litre sports motorbike, and on one of those you will risk being locked up if you are caught twisting your wrist that much!If you want a beautiful bokeh with the detail, that seems to be the Nikon's biggest advantage over the Sigma, so far as I can see. It also feels a lot more solid, but then the Sigma has survived a couple of years of use, and the Nikon is still new, so time alone will tell. As it is, the only disadvantage to having an 18-200mm lens is that you loose a bit of the perceived credibility that comes with lots of strapping-on of different lenses, for different shots. Of course, with the single lens, you capture things you would otherwise have missed while doing the lens change, but the reality is that with a lens of this type, you really can use your digital SLR camera like one of those drunk ladies camera's, that sometimes make you wonder why you bother lugging a big kit about! These lenses really are that good, that you will find that you fit it, and forget it, for most of the time.When I go out to try to do some serious wildlife pictures, I will always take (OK lug), the 80-400mm zoom but I will walk in with the 18-200 fitted and capture what I can on the way. Sometimes specialist is good, sometimes it's versatility that delivers, and for versatility, this lens simply delivers what you need, for a huge percentage of both time and subject.

4.4.2016

PROS-Nikon quality - can not compare to other copies on market-Prime delivery - super fast-Amazing prize - discount is unbelievableVRII lens - the latest VR lens manufactured by Nikon - Which in my opinion makes a great deal of difference.CONS-Comes delivered in a white box with a label and not the official Nikon box gold and blackPlease note I am buying this lens from seller COOPS UK with a Prime deliveryLink it case it helpshttp://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-AF-S-NIKKOR-18-55-3-5-5-6G/dp/B00HQ4W4PC?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00This it self has a few downsides which are not obviously the box.You will doubt its originality - As I didSpecially when you that the lens comes

17.8.2011

I don't ever do reviews for things but I was that impressed with this lens that I thought I'd add my 2 pennies worth.I was always a Canon man until a lifestyle change forced me to sell all of my camera gear, and I mean some serious kit too.... 5d mkii, 24-70f2.8L, 100-400L, 17-40f4L, 70-200f2.8L etc etc.I recently picked up a Nikon D7000 (which I am also massively impressed with), and bought a 35mm f1.8 to go with it. The results have been excellent so far. I wanted a general purpose walk about lens and landscape lens and the 16-85 gets very positive reviews everywhere I look so I decided to go for it.I have to say I am astonished by the quality of the images this lens produces. Colour, detail,

5.11.2009

The R715 AF-S Nikkor 18-105mm 1:3.5-5.6G ED is a DX format lens and is fully compatible with my Nikon D-60. In fact, it will work with a whole swathe of Nikon DSLR cameras, but in general, the older the model, the fewer features may be available.It includes Vibration Reduction (VR), and - so far - fully auto or manual modes at the push or press of the necessary switches or buttons work at will, as expected.It only arrived a couple of days ago (at near record-breaking speed as usual, in spite of industrial action within the postal service - well done Amazon), so I haven't had the chance to give it a proper roaming road test. However,

9.11.2011

The reason I bought this lens was twofold. Firstly I periodically get asked to do various portrait work and sometimes the ammount of space I have to work in can be limited, and when I`m taking photographs for my own pleasure, I enjoy looking around museums, and for this reason together with the fact that I am no longer able to hold the camera as steady as I used to I felt that I would benifit from vibration reduction on the lens.Although for much of my working life I was a professional, I have nearly always bought good secondhand equipment as many of the "latest" cameras and equipment have so many facilities on them which I do not want,

30.5.2011

I have recently learn't that you get what you pay for with lenses, I should have known it already from other things that I have been into during my life, but I forgot and bought a Nikon 18-55mm lens for around £100.It was an impulse buy and as it had VR (vibration reduction) I thought I could not go wrong and to be fair it is not a bad little lens, basically I wanted a smaller and lighter 'fit and forget' lens to use with my Nikon D80 for when I was not anticipating using the full 200mm of my 18-200 and the 18-55 fitted the bill.Over the weeks since I started using it I began reading loads of reviews and looking at what else was about, I was about to buy a Nikon D7000 and wanted a second 'fit and forget'

6.2.2013

It is many years since I have been involved in photography and I bought this lens to go with my newly purchased Nikon D5200 body . I wanted a wider range than the normal kit lens and after researching various lenses decided to try this one . I am obsolutely amazed at the quality of some of the shots I have taken and attribute this to both the camera and lens . The camera ( as with most good quality cameras now ) allow me to view and correct immediately any errors I have with my camera settings but once these are right the quality from the lens is superb . This invariably is through the focal range and continues when I have added a Circular Polarising lens .

22.7.2010

Its seldom that you buy a product that turns out to be significantly better than expected.In designing a highly flexible zoom lens, (11-1), the compromise between flexibility and image quality must be of prime concern. However Nikon apear to have done this VERY WELL and I am getting crisp and contrasty results over the entire range of focal length and a good selection of apertures.The advantages of this product are, essentially, a single lens, that can be left on the camera, which can handle a very wide range of situations. The lens performance together with VRII vibration reduction certainly seems to have done the trick.Whilst lacking in sophisticated bokeh for 'classy' portraits,

30.11.2013

This camera lens does exactly what it says on the tin.I've been using an 18 - 105mm Nikor lens with my D90 DSLR camera but I've been a little dissatisfied with the quality of the focus when the images are viewed on my PC monitor. Some time ago I purchased a 70 - 300mm telephoto lens for the same camera and took numerous shots at the Aviation Viewing Park at Manchester Airport and I was astonished at the clarity of the images I was getting. Unfortunately, a telephoto lens can't be used with any degree of success for everyday photography so I new I had to get myself a replacement lens for the 18 - 105mm.I reviewed some of the images that accompanied this item when browsing on Amazon and I was impressed with what I saw and the focal parameters would complement the telephoto lens.

14.4.2017

I own an FX and DX (D810 for FX and D7000 DX) and I use the DX for holidays and non-work projects - and indeed even some work jobs. I traded in a Nikon 18-105 for this very similar focal range piece of glass and have been extremely impressed, rating the results somewhere between the Sigma art 24-105mm and even some primes where it easily outperforms the 24mm AF-D at 24mm. I think because the focal range is relatively tight - it's not doing the tricks that the 18-300mm currently doing the rounds has been overbuilt for - and I really don't like that lens. I'm about to travel to Italy later this year with a wheelchair, two children and a partner and can only take one lens alongside the trusty 50mm 1.8 I have (as everyone does!).

2.6.2013

The first lens ordered never arrived, however, Amazon refunded the purchase in a a few hours and no hassle, excellent service from Amazon, thanks. The second order arrived promptly (3 days) and is now well installed and working extremely well on the 7100. Excellent quality through the range, from 18mm to 300mm, with such small pixel / gran issues at each extreme, you have to the a real professional to even notice. Excellent buy, but is a little heavy, so if weight could mean more shake for you or get you tired, stick to changing lenses. The VR and its "normal / active" settings are excellent for compensating this. Best lens buy yet for me, 2 push-ups each day are good for me and the quality of the photos,

20.10.2015

The well formed 18 - 200mm zoom provides up to 300mm equivalent zoom on a DX Nikon body. I've used it from flower blooms to racing cars screeching around motor circuits and pulled some very sharp and well rendered photos. On auto tracking it will hold focus on formula cars approaching head on at 180mph plus by setting 1/500th shutter speed. It won't pull in clear shots if the racing car is too far out for that you'll need a pro lens but for 90% of the frames you want it will give superb results - with the right technique. It's a bit naff for landscapes but for interiors and tightly framed shots of buildings and townscapes the results are stunning.

21.2.2015

This is Nikon's DX format do-the-lot lens - useful wide angle to useful telephoto, never take it off your camera! Solidly made, with metal where C***n uses plastic, and unlike the C***n equivalent it does not zoom itself while pointed downwards, even with the zoom latch off... only slight downside is there is quite a lot of distortion at the wide end, most noticeable if you often photograph buildings, but the newer Nikon DSLRs can automatically correct that (I don't have a newer DSLR yet...). The VR seems to work well when shooting at the 200mm end, giving you hand held shots sharp enough to distinguish the shallow depth of field. Only downsides, a bit hefty. This particular example seemed to be a second,

23.12.2010

I bought this to go with my Nikon D3100. I have several lenses but out and about changing them is a pain. I do a lot of walking and like to snap wildlife landscapes anything that takes my fancy. Results with this lens are very good across the whole range. Maybe not quite as good as multiple narrower range lenses but I would have missed many picture opportunities changing lens to get the right length. The VR works well.Update I have had this lens a while now and it is great. It is a good compromise maybe not as long as some but means I don't have to change lens while walking and I have grabbed several shots I would have missed. Recently at a RSPB reserve with lots of very serious photographers there with massive professional long lenses.

Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF VR AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor - Reviews

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