11 replies to this topic

[Dallas]

Have you used this lens? If so, please share your experiences with other members by replying to this thread. Please keep all comments on topic.

[ChrisLilley]

Wish I could vote multiple times. Then I would give it a 5 for optics (at the wide end) and a 1 for build quality (unless zero was also an option). Remarkably clear and sharp across the frame at the wide end, 18..24mm, especially given the price. Less impressive at the longer lengths, where the slowness is also troubling.

Mine came with the D40 as a kit, and was used once on the D90 because I had nothing wider than 20mm. I say once because I slipped on ice, landed on my camera bag, and this lens was busted. The other 9 or so lenses in the bag were all fine, but then they were made of metal; this is plastic, even the mount.

(I notice that the newer VR version of this lens drops the ED glass).

[Steinar]

This cheap lens is marvelous in the center on the wide end. So sharp for so little money. It is not so sharp in the edges, as in the center, but who could expect that ?

I have 2 - one for my "normal" back up camera = D40 and one for my IR converted D40, and this lens is also very fine for IR - hot spots very, very rare.

[Petteram]

Light and very sharp lens.
If it wasnt for the build quality (and especially the plastic mount which I hate)I would give it 5 stars.



Petter

[armando_m]

Sold my D40 but kept the lens, I like the minimum focusing distance, very light lens,
plastic construction, but, so what...

[tbelch]

Lifeboat
D3100 + AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR.
Sharp and lovely lens at the 18mm end. 5.6 at the 55mm end what else can you say.

Attached Images

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[DougB]

Great optics; lousy plastic body; cheap price - the first & last do it for me!

[Akira]

I used 18-70/3.5-4.5, 17-55/2.8 and the lens on D40. 18-70 showed the least CA, and this 18-55 was the sharpest. 17-55/2.8 tuened out to be a factory defect which Nikon couldn't address. I returned it.

All in all, I could say 18-55GII (non VR) was a venerable lens. It was the most resistant to flare among the three I named above, too, and I thought the dedicated hood can be ignored.

According to the test by photozone.de, the VR version seems to perform better.

[Steinar]

Akira, yes, you are not alone here finding that this sample is the best in the flare/ghosting area - I saw a comparison about a year ago at the net, so this is a very interesting finding.

I use this lens for my Infrared on my IR converted Nikon D40 - and it is very good - use it normally at the wide - 18 mm - side, but stopped a lot down, because of the AF-problems with IR (my D40 is not corrected for IR, but stopped down to f. 9 or smaller solve the problem very much)

[danielm46]

The Nikon AF-S 18-55mm (II version in that case) has been truly the most efficient companion lens for my previous Nikon D40. In term of complementary handling the AF-S 18-55mm fits the size and balance alongside with the body of the camera. In term of use the variable focal lengths between 28-82mm equivalent in 35mm film format fits most of the street and casual situations although further in wide or long focal length would be always appreciated as for a larger maximum aperture.

The AF-S 18-55mm II delivers very good and crisp pictures with minimal distortion at its extreme settings. Lateral color is also well contended. Combined with the Nikon D40, the lens performs well in every aspect of picture taking. Photographers on travel should appreciated the discretion of the model and the possibility of using small 52mm filter accessories as it was for most traditional manual focus Nikon lenses. The AF-S 18-55mm II do a good work within close focusing subjects (at pre-macro distances).

At the end, it is surely the best price-quality ratio available in DX format lens line-up.

[tersn]

I agree on most of the above about both the optical and build quality of this lens.

Together with a light DSLR like the D40, I have found the lens a good choice when going on hard hikes in the mountains (or whenever one wants to travel light). Useable even with a D7000.
Some sample snaps:

[andavita]

5 stars based on "what it does : what it costs" ratio

My first one came with a broken bayonet mount. I guess it can break easily. But i paid $90 for the VR version so it feels OK if it gets broken by hard use (as long as it doesn't spoil an important day).

Uploaded pic is a crop from a shot taken with the camera held mid thigh as i walk so the subjects are not aware i am shooting. I rely on the auto focus and VR to do their job.

This was in India and we were walking all day in the heat so my D90 and two Plastic Lens (other is the 50-200VR DX) are great because they are so light to carry. Not as wonderful as my 20mmD2.8AF might have been (i would normally use it for this kind of thing) but I still really enjoy looking at the scene this cheapie delivered

Its about to embark on a motorcycle trip across Europe with a new D7K - I look forward to it but will put one of my bullet proof AiS lenses in the bag just in case........