Nikon AF–S DX Nikkor18-55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR II (249.95 USD) is a redesigned Nikon AF–S DX Nikkor18-55mm f/3.5–5.6G VR VR ($249.00 Amazon). The same focal length, aperture and vibration reduction system are maintained, however, it is smaller thanks to the collapsible design. One functional difference will make polarizing filter users happy. Although it is expensive when purchased on its own, a Nikon camera will come with the lens at a small premium.
The collapsible zoom for the 18-55mm is priced at $346.95 on Amazon. The button at the barrel can be held down to insert the lens or remove it from its collapsed state. It is indicated by an L on your zoom ring. The lens can be used for photography only when it is collapsed. However, it reduces the size of your bag. It measures 2.6x2.3 inches (HD), weighs 6.9ozs and features a 52mm thread around its front element. The front element of this lens is not rotated like the old 18-55mm. You can use a circular or polarizing filter, however, if you wish.
They alter the light path through them when they are turned. This allows for you to remove reflections from scenes and enhance color saturation. The 18-55mm lens does not come with a lens cover, however you can purchase one at $26.95. The 18-55mm lens does not include a lens hood, but you can purchase one for $26.95. I noticed a loss in contrast while shooting strong backlit subjects (see below). Nikkor AF-50mm f/1.8G special edition ($396.95 Amazon) was able to do a better job with backlit subjects.
Plastic lens mounts are lighter than metal, but they don't last as long as metal ones. This is not a problem if you don't change lenses often. The f/3.5 to 5.6 aperture range is very narrow, so optical stabilization comes standard. You won't find many kit lenses that capture a lot more light because they are priced accordingly. Although the lens can blur background if you wish, you will need to ensure that you are close enough to your subject in order to maximize this effect.
Our Editor's Choice Sigma 18-35mm DC HSM zoom is a great option for your APSC-C SLR. It can create a very shallow depth-of-field and glows in low-light conditions. Although it is larger and more costly, the zoom offers optical quality comparable to a prime lens across its entire zoom range.
Imatest was used to verify the optical quality when the Nikon D3300 ($220.00 at Amazon), was paired with it. It is 18mm f/3.5, which exceeds 1,800 lines per image height that we use for marking sharp images. The lens scored 2,332 lines in a center-weighted sharpness check. The sharpness of the image is excellent throughout the frame.
However, the edges show only 1,127 lines. To fix this, f/5.6 is set to 0, and the score center-weighted jumps up to 2,692 lines. The edges are above 2,000. Performance at f/8 is better across the frame with an average score 2,949 lines, and edges that surpass 2,700 lines.
The maximum aperture at 35mm is f/4.5. It's a little less sharp with an average score 1,670 lines. If you're able to, stop down to f/5.6—the average score jumps to 2,422 lines with most of the frame (including the edges) approaching 2,200 lines.
The average score at f/8 is 3,100 lines with a small drop in resolution around the edges. The aperture is narrowed to f/5.6 by zooming in to 55mm. This lens does a great job, achieving 2,603 lines and edges of 2,500 lines. Stopping down to f/8 brings the score up to 2,974 lines. The frame is sharp across the board with no blurring.
The 18-55mm lens has some issues. It has a significant amount of barrel distortion at 18mm, approximately 4.2 percent. This will make straight lines look more curvilinear than they actually are, much like barrel ribs. Raw files will need to be corrected in software. JPG photographers can use in-camera distortion control for straightening out the lines. At 35mm and 55mm, distortion is not an issue.
The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-55.5mm f/3.5-5.5.6G VR II is not going to be criticized for being a classic, great lens. It will continue to be admired on the Internet and highly sought-after for many years. It is a great starter lens, and a good choice for novice photographers or other people who want to buy their first D-SLR. Although it is sharp across its zoom range, there are some distortions at the widest angles. The lens comes with the camera.
It's good quality, so you won't have to worry about upgrading from your 18-55mm lens. Our Editors' Choice Sigma18-35mm zoom is a good choice if you are looking for a more powerful zoom to fit your APS-C Nikon. It has a limited zoom range, but its optics are excellent and it is a constant f/1.8 aperture. The Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18–105mm f/3.5–5.6G ED VR (Amazon: $289.00) is a great lens.
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