Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens is a versatile and compact option for DX-format Nikon DSLR users. It's designed primarily for beginners and enthusiasts looking for an affordable all-purpose lens with image stabilization (VR) and decent optical performance.In terms of build quality, the lens feels lightweight yet sturdy with a plastic construction typical of kit lenses. The zoom ring is smooth, though not exceptionally precise, and the autofocus is reasonably quick and quiet due to the Silent Wave Motor (SWM).Optically, the lens performs adequately for its price range. At 18mm, it provides a wide enough angle for landscapes and group shots, while at 55mm, it reaches into the short telephoto range, suitable for portraits and details. The f/3.5-5.6 aperture range limits low-light performance and depth of field control compared to more expensive lenses, but the VR (Vibration Reduction) system helps compensate for camera shake, especially useful in dimmer conditions.Image quality is generally good for everyday use and social media sharing. While sharpness is decent across the frame when stopped down, there is noticeable softness at wider apertures and towards the edges. Chromatic aberration and distortion are present but manageable with post-processing.Overall, the Nikon 18-55mm VR lens is a solid entry-level option that delivers what it promises: versatility, image stabilization, and acceptable image quality at an affordable price. It's ideal for beginners or those on a budget who want a reliable lens for everyday photography without breaking the bank.

I've had a Nikon Nikkor AF 18-35mm f/3.5-4.5D ED (DX) kit lens for years now, and I've had a great number of lovely pictures captured using it. It's got a number of down sides for me though, so I've been looking around for a, not too expensive, alternative to replace it. My ideal would be the professional Nikkor AF-S 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-EDI, but finally settled on the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens. It's certainly not as fast as the 17-35, but at half the price it's a great compromise.Allowing for the crop factor, the 16-85mm focal length used on a DX camera gives effective angles of view of around 24 - 125mm. This overcomes one of the minor issues I had with the 18-35mm: It's a good wide angle lens, but I was forever having to swap to my 24-80mm zoom to get the longer view. This lens covers that ground nicely. It's no replacement for my 28-80 f2.8 Tokina, but it's good to have the overlap.The biggest problem I wished to overcome was that while the images from my older 18-35mm where pretty sharp, the barrel distortion at the 18mm end of the zoom was ridiculous. I can correct the bulging in Photoshop if I was careful to make sure that the plane of the camera in front of the photographic subject was well placed, but that's not always possible. The end result is that it can be very painful trying to straighten out wonky lines. There is still a little barrel distortion at the 16mm end of the 16-85mm lens, but even with the extra 2mm focal length gain, the distortion is very mild. If you're not photographing straight lines (alas, architecture is one of my favourite subjects) then you'll probably not even notice it.Being restricted to smaller apertures is not great in poor light, and my old lens gave me problems in that department. I also like shooting graffiti, which is often seen in low light conditions. The 16-85mm isn't any faster then my old lens, but with the amazing VR mechanism built in I can hand hold in poorly lit places with long shutter speeds which would have me ramping up the ISO with the old lens.The end result is that this lens is quite an upgrade. It's wider and longer at the same time, it's no faster then my old lens, but with VR it overcomes some of the issues associated with low-light shooting. It covers the ground that I needed two lenses to cover previously and it's all but removed the barrel distortion problems I've had in the past.Shooting with the new lens is a real joy. The lens feels solid and robust, with a good heft to it. The zoom action feels smooth, and can be taken from the 16mm to 85mm extremes with one twist. The focus with the Sonic Wave motor is reasonably quick, and as yet I've not noticed any problems trying to auto-focus in low light, where other lenses I have had will tend to 'hunt' before eventually locking up under similar conditions. I've only shot a few dozen images through the lens to date, but those have come back sharp, with great contrast and little by way of colour aberrations even under close scrutiny.In summery then, I think for a compromise lens (the 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF AF-S NIKKOR would be great but at around £1000... ouch!) this offers phenomenal value for money at this price. It will undoubtedly become the lens most attached to my camera going forward.

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, just joking. I now only carry this lens during the day. Low light parties and night shooting is still best with the fixed aperture f1.8 as you would expect, however I did some really great shooting of an end of year graduate party with the 18-300, impressive.