Nikkor DX 18-55mm VR review

[RobRobRobize]

Does anyboddy knows how/ if i can take pichtures in black & white? :)

[VincentAnzalone]

On this lens, I am having a trouble with image quality. Now even when I take a photograph in an ideal light situation. The center of the photo will be sharp while everything around the center seems to go a little blurry (on a single solid object). I'm hoping you can give me an answer to this, If this is not supposed to happen, I need to return it! Thanks :)

[simon44]

Why do they put 18mm on a lens if its not really 18? I just dont understand the logic.

[cameralabs]

@simon44 What they write on the lens is the actual focal length. It's the camera behind it which effectively changes it due to the size of its sensor.

[marblecutter]

I have two lenses, one wobbles and the other does not. How can I fix the wobble that is a bit extremely aweful ?

[movania89]

check my photostream i have done all of that photography except of "EVENTS"

with Nikon D5000 with 18-55 standard lens

flickr . com / photos / waleedahmed

please remove spaces thank you! :)

[MrGotemcoach]

@cameralabs mr,gordon.sorry again to come at you with another question.but i dont know anyone better to ask.if you have time to reply good,if not then i understand how busy you may be.this is a quick one.and its more of your personal choice.im going to go with your decition.out of the nikko 35mm 1.8 and the 50mm 1.8 which of the 2 would you get?mainly for portraits and shoothing really close at small objects.and out of the sigma 70-200 or the nikkor 55-200 which would be the best choice.thanks

[cameralabs]

@MrGotemcoach I can't comment on the Sigma (or anything I haven't tested) but for portraits, the 50 will be better than the 35.

[coolthito]

@MrGotemcoach - 50mm 1.8D is definitely better than 35mm 1.8D. However, the best is 50mm 1.4D....Not 50mm 1.4G.....The bokeh is much sharper in 50mm 1.4D. If money is the problem, you should go with 50mm 1.8D. However, there will come a time in life when you will upgrade from 50mm 1.8D to 50mm 1.4D

[MrGotemcoach]

@cameralabs im already telling all my friends how much your website and reviews have helped me..i have one more question sir,if you dotn mind..i recently found someone selling a AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4-5.6G..i tried looking in your reviews but didnt come across anything.i could not think of anyone better to ask than you..he wants $90 for it and says its almost new and in perfect condition.if you could please give me your opinion on this lens and the quality of it and if its even worth.thanks

[cameralabs]

@MrGotemcoach Not tested that one, but as an AF model, it won't autofocus on your D5000 - it'll become manual focus only, which may or may not be an issue for you. If you want a telephoto zoom with AF on your D5000, look for an 'AF-S' model, like the 55-200 VR or 70-300mm VR.

[MrGotemcoach]

@cameralabs thank you so much for your reply,as i know your a very busy man..i read your review and think im going to go for it.im surely going to buy it through your website.and ill be more than happy to buy you a cup of coffee while im at it.you have helped me so much to understanding the basic idea of photography.when i first got my dslr i was completely lost..thank so much and keep up the awesome work.newbie people like me and im sure many pros appreciate your help and dedication so much.

[cameralabs]

@MrGotemcoach You're very welcome! Don't forget to tell your friends about cameralabs and dslrtips . com!

[MrGotemcoach]

hi gordon.i want to start with a "thank you very much for you time and help"you have helped me a great deal since when i first bought my d5000..i am new to dslr and photography in general.i have 1 question,i got this kit lens with my nikon d5000.i am very happy with it at the moment but plan on buying another lens..a few people have recommended the 35mm 1.8 .could you or anyone in here help me to understand why,if its even better.why it would be better if any than my kit lens..thanks

[cameralabs]

@MrGotemcoach The 35mm f1.8 is a great addition. It's basically smaller, lighter and better quality than your kit zoom, but most importantly, MUCH brighter, allowing you to create shallow depth of field effects and shoot in lower light without bumping up your ISO too much. See my review of it in the lenses section at cameralabs . com...

[aponkan21]

great..thanks for the info....

[R3DsTube]

Great review! Good work!

[journeyquest1]

I hear the VR makes more difference in your pocket book than on a DX camera with this short focal length.

[Zerolei05]

wich is better for macro and low light

a 35 or a 50mm lens??

i heard that the 35mm gives the image a round feel

[tudortudorache]

I forgot to ask!!! A tele 70 300mm without VR, on a nikon d3100 it will do the work??or i have to buy some lenses WITH VR??? those without vr are cheapper but i don.t know if it.s smart to buy something like this for a d3100?thanks a lot. Greetings from milano, italy

[tudortudorache]

Hello Gordon!!! First, i want to say that all your videos,are very helpfull for us, the begginers. So thank you very much for all!!! I have also a question. I just bought the nikon d3100, as my first dslr with kit lenses 18 55 non vr. i just love to take macro photos, but i.m also into wildlife photography.So i want to buy a tele.I don.t want to spend a lot of money, because i.m a begginer,and i.m thinking to buy a sigma 70 300mm or a tamron 70 300 mm.What it is the best?Thank you very much!!!

[lokingloking]

one maybe sily question fom amateur...if l buy 18-105 lens means that l dont need 18-55 cuz this"size" is in 18-105...? thanks

[idrive12]

@lokingloking that's not right. you have to choose the lenses by the situations you will need them. most of the time you don't need an 18 and a 105 focal length, the problem is, that the picture quality will bei lower on those super-zoom lenses. the second REALLY big difference between highend and lowend lenses is the amount of light that actually traveling through the lens and hitting your digital sensor. 2.8 is better than 5.6; spent more money on your lenses, they stay while the bodies change

[bombinxile]

@lokingloking Yup you got it..no need the kit

[pfeitosa]

@mgrimmphotography Vibration Reduction. The old one (ED and EDII) is actually a tid sharper, but the VR shoots in up to 3x less light without bluring.

[Kentonuk]

Anyone in the UK who want's to buy mine for £80 shipped with a lens hood PM me.

[vankotch]

Hi Gordon, what Lens Hood do you recommend for this lens? is it possible to use a petal lens hood for this one? what kind of petal hood is applicable for this?

Thanks!

[pfeitosa]

@vankotch Nikon HB-45 HOOD f/18-55 f/3.55.6 DX G-VR - NIHB45

[torchidman]

I love all your videos........you have been a great help in me understanding how to operate a dslr....I own the nikon d3100 with this 18 to 55mm lens....no problem, as I am mostly interested in shooting low light, tight cinematic stuff....do tell me; if I want to shoot candle lit, dark streets with objects right close up and a blurred cinematic background, what would be my best lens to attach, and best cost if you know...and again, keep it up, you are making changes in my part time career...Tim.

[cameralabs]

@torchidman Try the DX 35mm f1.8

[iKoptar]

@cameralabs which one is better DX 35mm f1.8 or 50mm f.8 I am really confused between these two :S please help me out

[bombinxile]

@torchidman totally...the DX 35mm f1.8g is great at its superb price point to performance...f1.8 means you can get 4 times more light into the camera than your 18-55vr f3.5! go for it! :)

[MsRustyMitten]

Gordon,

I primarily shoot video on my Canon T2i and I am thinking of experimenting with some off Canon brand lenses. Is this the type of lens that would be worth getting? I know a friend who is selling it for cheaper and have been looking into it.

[pfeitosa]

@MsRustyMitten No, it's manual focus sucks, and it's too dark. Try the 35mm F/1.8.

[gabuciukea]

which one is better with Nikon D5000 - 18-55mm or 18-105mm?? I like taking macro pictures, but I also shoot landscapes etc.

[pfeitosa]

@gabuciukea If macro, the 18-55VR, by a fair margin. Greater ratio, and less distortion.

[johnsausage0605]

Hey Gordon, which lens is better? The 18-55mm lens or the 55-200mm lens?

[pfeitosa]

@johnsausage0605 At 55mm, the 55-200 is a stop faster (4.0 x 5.6)

[grnkl115]

Gordon,

What would be the best lens for fire photography? (on the fire ground)

[pfeitosa]

@grnkl115 If for leasure, 35mm f/1.8; if pro firefighter / insurance / forensics, 18-55 VR, 16-85 VR, 18-200 VR, depending on the budget.

[MichaleRecycle]

Hey, Gordon!

keep up the good work

im a new too dslr and your videos explain alot for me

just wanted to say thanks

[boom911boom]

could i get a close up filter and attatch it to the 18-55mm VR Lens?

[d3474mas73r]

Hello Gordon,

Where did you took the picture at 2:55?

I'm going to New-Sealand next month, and I would like to take a picture of that mountain.

Greets.

[cameralabs]

@d3474mas73r All around Queenstown - go to the forum at cameralabs . com and check out my Queenstown info post in the Travel photography section - it's got the locations of all my test shots... have a nice trip - and wrap-up warm, it's cold here at the moment!

[portie147]

your videos are so helpful so i know whta lenses and cameras to buy, thank you for the help.

[cameralabs]

@portie147 Hey, you're very welcome! PS - if you'd like to support me,. please shop - for anything! - at the partner stores page at cameralabs . com!

[Sheraton21]

hey, whats the optical zoom of this lens? is it REALLY just 3.6?

[mmmkkkeee]

@Sheraton21

Actually it's just 3x zoom... From 18mm to 55mm... But it's good enough for many situations...

[CustomGundam150]

i personally like the front part of the lens for focusing better than the usual ring in the middle.. maybe im just more confurtable with this lens then most.

[danielstengards]

i have that one and nikkor 55-200

[megacuh]

Hey Gordon, i am buying a Nikon d90 next month, and i am wondering what is the best lens for it. I was thinking the 50mm 1.4g. or the 18-200mm but there lens creep. if you can help much will be appreciated.

[cameralabs]

@megacuh Hi, please go to the lenses section at cameralabs . com and click on recommended Nikkor lenses - all the ones I recommend are there! PS - when it comes to buying your gear, please do shop through the partner stores at cameralabs . com as it's the only way I get paid. And if you've any Qs, please feel free to ask on the forum as more of us can help you there.

[pfeitosa]

@megacuh 35mm F/1.8

[atheistonly]

Someone please help! Why doesn't the lens focus ring move (like how Gorden showed here) when on Auto? Is there anything wrong with it? What should I do?

Thanks

[cameralabs]

@paulbolivia You have to disable stabilisation when on a tripod as the stabilisation system can actually make the image wobble when the camera is perfectly steady! PS - no need to post the same question twice!

[atheistonly]

Does anyone know how I can use the camera focus and not use my hands? (like how he did in this clip)

( I have the lens on A [auto], and my camera is auto as well)

thanks

[RandomBlockFilms]

cool! thanks for the review!! i think im still going to get the Lumix FZ35 because its just a bit smaller.

and just to point somthing funny out, turn on the captions! its really funny!!

[m0j0101]

THANK YOU!!!

[0714boskittles]

Gordon and others, I've purchased a Nikon D-40 and it came with a 18-55mm. I am looking for a lens and will rent prior to buying other that the 18-200mm which should i rent?

[cameralabs]

Please see my new Nikon lens guide at cameralabs . com!

[unitaper]

Gordon why is it bad to use a lens like this with a cpl filter?

[IDontKnow733]

Can this lens be used on th Nikon F80 slr?

[MrKeeperofSouls]

I just got my nikon for christmas

[MrKeeperofSouls]

I also have another question can you record video with nikon dx 18-55mm camera

[YouCantHasPie]

@MrKeeperofSouls nikon dx 18-55mm is not a camera, its a lens.

[MrKeeperofSouls]

on my nikon camera it says subject is to dark how do I fix that

[YouCantHasPie]

@MrKeeperofSouls use flash or increase ISO

[moledar]

can you use VR lenses with the D70?

[YouCantHasPie]

@moledar yes

[Joadster96]

I think because the polarising filter need to be rotated and could fall off as it is fairy large? Not quite sure

[teamkvs]

why would it be anoying if the front rotate while using a polarize filter?

[beihou]

You would have to rotate the polarized filter every time the camera refocused. The CPF is made to turn independently of the camera focus, so you can adjust how much or little reflection (for example, clouds reflected on the windows of a modern office building) you'll capture in the image.  So you'd have to focus the camera, then rotate your CPF again and again. I hope that helps.

[dominico74]

hi Gordon,I'd like to buy canon d500 or nikon 5000 but I have a vivitar skylight 80-200mm lense, does it fit to a DSLR? thanx

[izleep]

what size of lens hood fits in this lens?

[904SF]

52 mm

[arvindsudevan]

Please tell me how to calculate the optical zoom (like 3x or 5x, etc.) for a given focal length range (mm)?

[cameralabs]

Divide the big mm number by the little mm number - such as 55 / 18

[kuyax101]

VR is a really great feature, specially for people like me who has shaky hands... it is much useful above 70mm...

[NikonAlaskan]

I'm planning on purchasing this len with a Nikon D60. My questions are as followed...1) with the lens focused to the maximum 55mm just how close do you have to get up on a person when taking regular and extreme close-ups? 2) Will this focal length do a good job at automatically capturing said close-ups without having to physically move towards your subject. Thanks in advance for any responses.

[mani8313]

Hello cameralabs.. big fan of your videos.. i have one question and one request..

* I have the same camera n lens.. D60+18-55VR.. well when we have VR lens.. should we just always keep the VR mode ON? I mean when or why would somebody want to turn it OFF?

* Secondly, it'd b great if u cud make a video about Reflex, Mirror & UV etc Lenses range.

[cameralabs]

You turn off VR when you're using a tripod as it can actually introduce some wobbling.

[Recon9143]

the vr isnt really needed eh?

[skateworks408]

trust me...it is

[aleperenyi]

when ther's no light its very usefull

[antgun007]

yes vr is not needed in a perfect world, but we live in a world of unsteady hands. vr is needed cause it is awesome

[tjj2productions]

On this lens you won't mis the VR. above 70mm handshots you're gonna need VR.

[janadal86]

I've got the 18-55 non VR model. And I'd say go for the model with VR. I can take better pictures with my 55-200VR. Really because of my shaky hands.

VR really helps!

[etorAli]

I dont see you reviewing sigma or tamron lenses. I have watched almost all of your videos. They are great. I really like the way you present them.

I bought a D40 few months ago with 18-55 non vr. Yesterday I bought a sigma 70-300 APO and I am really amazed by the quality. I dont need that much zoom anyway. After seeing this lens's quality I am thinking about getting sigma 18-50 2.8 EX HSM. It has macro, which I really like. Will it be any better than my kit lens?

Do you have any suggestion?

[cameralabs]

Tamron refuses to send me lenses to test - make of that what you will. So I can't comment on them. There's owners of several models on the cameralabs forums if you'd like to comment there though.

[stefann1989]

great videos, very good presentations and reviews. learned a lot from you.

[immortal4942]

hi i really like your videos and have learned a lot by watching them. i have dilema however i need to solve. i have the kit 18-55mm non-vr. i was wondering if it is smart to switch to this VR version instead? i would end up paying ~$130. thanks.

[cameralabs]

No problem, check out my Nikkor 18-55mmm VR review at cameralabs . com where I've compared them both...

[immortal4942]

you mention that the non-vr is sharper and is less prone to flare. so does that mean its a better lens indoors where there are lot of lamps and lights?

[cameralabs]

I don't recall mentioning flare in the review - am I going mad?!

[ANIMALKISSING]

wow what a beauty, ..I wish I knew as much as you about photography /cameras...I so love taking picture but really need to take a class.

thank you for your videos, the are great.

:-)

[cameralabs]

Hey, rather than take a class, check out my other website dslrtips . com! Then feel free to follow-up on the cameralabs . com forums...

[yardsnacker]

Great review thank you!

[gugmi01]

Great review! i have the normal 18-55mm version of this but have gotten tired of the blurry pictures ive gotten because of camera shake. Do you know of any websites or stores in the US that will allow me to trade in the lens for the VR version and pay a little extra? thanks!

[yardsnacker]

I'd sell it and use the money to upgrade. Take care.

[B79ComC]

Will these lenses work on a Cannon 50D??

[photographyfreak777]

ummm no ofense but its for nikon not canon stupid lol

[pdf101]

B79ComC,

how stupid would anyone have to be to attach

a kit lens to camera with a sensor that is so "packed"...

[RobSkillz59]

I don't follow. You can buy a brand new Canon 50D bundled with a kit lens. You can usually stop down any lens to get sharp results.

B79ComC: They make mount adapters, but why would you want to? You'd probably only be able to use it in manual mode if you did.

[DitiTux]

If you buy a, uh, let's say an adaptater for this (I'm sure it exists), then yes, otherwise no.

[riaz777]

i am planning to buy a nikon d90...i need a suggestion, which lense should i buy between a 18-200 vr and a combination of 18-70&70-300 vr?

[cameralabs]

Depends whether you need 300mm more than the convenience of one lens that 'only' goes to 200mm. Feel free to discuss this on the cameralabs forum - and be sure to check out my Nikkor 70-300mm and 18-200mm reviews at cameralabs!

[metalfox360]

Mr Gordon compared with Canon's 18-55mm IS which has better build quality?

[cameralabs]

I haven't done a formal test of the 18-55mm IS canon yet so can't say, sorry.

[KWZ333]

18-55 is about how much optical zoom ??

[Akiston]

It's a 3X optical zoom

[golfcharlie232]

50 mm is the eye view. Most compact cameras have a minimum zoom of 35 mm equivalent. 18 mm is 28 mm equivalent. So it's wider. 55 mm is almost half what you get with a compact camera at maximum zoom (usually about 100 - 150 mm equivalent).

[Boeing757basher07]

about 27mm to 93mm

[cameralabs]

Just divide the big number by the small number to find out!

[AirsoftSniper727]

Good review! I have the 18-55mm VR for my D60, than yesterday I got the 55-200mm VR =)

[3curb]

Nice Job Gordon! I am thinking of getting this one since I also do a lot of night shots with people. But I already have a Nikkor 18-70mm 3.5-4.5G.

So in your opinion, is it a good idea to purchase this lens with my situation?

And remember what ever you say I always follow hehe

[cameralabs]

Stick with the 18-70mm - it may not have VR, but the optical and build quality are better - see my verdict on this review at cameralabs . com...

[BHN849]

Gordon,

I have the NIkon D60 with the 18-55 VR lens and 55-200 VR lens kit, but a 18-200 VR lens is very nice too. What is a better match?

[BHN849]

I'm sorry my English isn't great, because I'm from Holland.

[Boeing757basher07]

18-200mm so u dont have to change lenses thus less dust spots on the sensor.

[MeHmO12]

Why not in HD

[cameralabs]

Hey, you're very welcome! Seriously though, I filmed three more videos in SD before starting my tests in HD, and this is one of them. So, the next two will be in SD as well, then I hope to go HD.

[2Old4Toys]

Splendid. I can't wait to see you in HD!

[edmondov]

Gordon:

Which kit lenses are better overall? Canon or NIkon?

thanks

[cameralabs]

Good question, but I've never done a head to head. Feel free to open results pages from different lenses at cameralabs and compare for yourself though! Ultimately it's academic though as they're only really designed for their own bodies - and most people would still choose a budget DSLR based on the body, rather than the features of the bundled lens.

[banmeifucan]

Nikon's kit lenses are better than Canon's.

[edmondov]

Your answer was almost useless since you provided no backup.

[banmeifucan]

No need to. Check reviews on the web. More so than often Nikon's kit lenses are slightly better than Canon's.

[xmeda]

and pentax's better than both :D

[banmeifucan]

lol, they only wish.

[JcWhatCounts20]

You're kidding. right? You make that assumption off what? Because you own a Nikon? Derrr, Nikons i5 L33T!! Back your comment up, I bet you find Canon outperforms anything by Nikon.

[banmeifucan]

I own both Canon and Nikon SLR's, so naturally I can tell the difference.

[watcherofmovies93]

it's so funny, whenever i am thinking about getting a lens.. you do a review over it! like the time you made the review over the nikon 70-300VR, i was thinking about getting that the same time you made ethat vid! and now when i am thinking about getting this lens, you makea review over it!

[cameralabs]

That's because I'm reading your mind! The big question then is what are you thinking of buying next...?!

[watcherofmovies93]

i am actually thinking about buying a MB-D80 battery grip for my Nikon D80!

keep up the awesome reviews!

and stop reading my mind!!! actually it is really helpful, but kindof scary :)

[cameralabs]

Well in that case, our lucky run has just ended as I have no plans to test the MB-D80! But there's a few owners of it on the cameralabs forum if you fancy asking them about it...

[Hazardteamck]

Would this lens work on a Nikon D40 and D80?

[cameralabs]

Yes and yes!

[TheStig000]

Nice review, the VR is a really nice touch.