Nikon 18-105mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED Nikkor VR AF-S SWM DX IF Aspherical Review

Nikon 18-105mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED Nikkor VR AF-S SWM DX IF Aspherical (this is the full name of this lens, written on its body) is ordinary  advanced full-time zoom lens... It comes as a base for some cameras and is often referred to as'whale'(from the English' kit '- kit). Now Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G can be found with almost all Nikon DX cameras elementary and intermediate. It originally came as one of three options for the camera. Nikon D90, own, it was announced along with this camera.

Nikon Nikkor dx 18-105mm

Nikon Nikkor dx 18-105mm

Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G lens suitable exclusively for APS-C DSLR cameras Nikon DX, which means that it is not designed for full frame cameras, but for so-called 'cropped' cameras. The full list of Nikon DX cropped cameras can be viewed here... Install Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G on full-frame cameras Nikon fx Not recommended.

Main technical specifications of Nikon 18-105mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED Nikkor VR AF-S SWM DX IF Aspherical:

Review Instance Name Nikon 18-105mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED Nikkor VR AF-S SWM DX IF Aspherical ∞-0.45m / 1.48ft Ø67 Made in Thailand US36549947
Basic properties
Front Filter Diameter 67 mm, plastic thread for filters
Focal length 18-105 mm EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 27-157.5 mm
Zoom ratio 5.83 X (usually rounded to 6)
Designed by for digital cameras Nikon DX
Number of aperture blades 7 rounded petals
Tags focal lengths for 18, 24, 35, 50, 70, 105 mm, bayonet mount mark and hood mounts
Diaphragm 18 mm from F / 3.5 to F / 22. 105 mm from F / 5.6 to F / 38. The lens is deprived of the aperture control ring, control is via the camera menu (G - lens type)
MDF (Minimum Focus Distance) 0.45 m over the entire range of focal lengths, maximum magnification ratio 1: 5
Stabilizer features 3.5 stops by CIPA standards, 3 stops by Nikon standards. The stabilizer monitors the movement of the camera while shooting panoramas.
The weight 420 g
Optical design 15 elements in 11 groups, including

  • 1 aspherical element (aspherical elements are shown in blue on the optical diagram). The presence of aspherics is indicated on the case with the inscription 'Aspherical'.
  • 1 low dispersion element (shown in yellow on the optical diagram). The presence of such elements is indicated on the body by the abbreviation 'ED'.

Optical design Nikon 18-105mm VR

Image of optical circuit clickable

Lens hood Nikon HB-32, bayonet type, plastic, the following lenses use the same lens hood:

Transportation With a soft cover CL-1018
Manufacturer country Thailand, inscription on the lens: “MADE IN THAILAND”. Important: since 2014, the production of these lenses has moved to China.
Period From August 27, 2008 to the present day (at least until the summer of 2017)
3D view View ->
Instructions View–>
Price
Nikon Nikkor dx 18-105mm, view from the bayonet side

Nikon Nikkor dx 18-105mm, view from the bayonet side

Assembly

A copy of this review was made in Thailand. Important: Since 2014, the production of these lenses has moved to China.

The Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G is pleasant and weighty to the touch, weighing just over 400 grams. The lens uses common 67mm color filters.

Please note that the Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G on the mount side does not have a special rubber gasket, which is an indication that the lens has dust and moisture protection. It is better not to expose the Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G to severe moisture and dust tests.

The focus ring is plastic, and the zoom lens is rubberized. Unfortunately, the Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G has plastic bayonet, for which many photographers dislike it. The plastic mount is the first sign that the user is facing a lens from the simplest Nikon Nikkor line of lenses. For example, among the universal Nikon DX lenses, only the simplest kit lenses of the class have a plastic mount. 18-55/3.5-5.6 and another not very successful Nikon 18-135 / 3.5-5.6G.

The retractable lens barrel consists of two sections, to the touch they are quite durable, without any backlash.

With frequent use, the lens may begin to suffer from spontaneous lengthening of the frame (trunk of the lens) under its own weight.

There is a bayonet mount mark and a mark on the case for quick installation of the hood. The lens uses an HB-32 plastic lens hood, which is fixed in special grooves located near the front lens of the lens. The lens hood comes with the lens. The hood can be installed in the opposite direction for transportation. In this position, access to the zoom ring is partially lost. Exactly the same lens hood Nikon 18-70, Nikon 18-135 и Nikon 18-140.

When changing the focal length, the rear lens moves in the middle of the lens body like a pump - it draws in and pushes out air. This behavior of the rear lens is called 'vacuum cleaner effect', which can increase the amount of dust that accumulates in the camera. You can clearly see the effect of a vacuum cleaner with a Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G lens here.

The Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G comes with a CL-1018 soft case, and the lens itself comes in a small cardboard box with a characteristic Nikon coloring.

Nikon Nikkor dx 18-105mm, rear information part

Nikon Nikkor dx 18-105mm, rear information part

Diaphragm

Diaphragm lens consists of 7 rounded petalswhich form a fairly even hole. Diaphragm closes to F / 22 by 18 mm and to F / 38 by 105 mm of focal length.

Unfortunately, Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G cannot boast good aperture.

There are marks with a focal length on the zoom ring, the following is a list with the minimum numbers F available for these marks:

  • 18 mm - F / 3.5
  • 24 mm - F / 4
  • 35 mm - F / 4.5
  • 50 mm - F / 5
  • 70 mm - F / 5.3
  • 105 mm - F / 5.6
Nikon Nikkor dx 18-105mm, maximum length

Nikon Nikkor dx 18-105mm, maximum length

Stabilizer

The Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G has a second generation 'Nikon VR' image stabilizer that can compensate for 3.5 stops by shutter speed. In values excerpts this means that you can shoot at shutter speeds 10-12 times longer than what the lens without a stabilizer requires.

The manual for the Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G lens says 3 stops (measured by Nikon), and the official website 3.5 feet (measured by CIPA). In any case, the stabilizer works well.

To enable / disable the stabilizer on the lens there 'VR ON / OFF' button. The stabilizer itself works well. I was able to take pictures without grease and hard work at 105 mm focal length and 1/30 second. Unlike more advanced lenses, such as Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 16-85mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED VR SWM IF Aspherical, this lens does not have the ability to switch stabilizer modes.

While the image stabilizer is turned on and off, the viewfinder may twitch slightly, this is the norm and should not be afraid. The stabilizer is turned on by pressing the focus activation button.

The lens can track the movement of the camera during panorama shooting. In this case, the stabilizer will suppress vibration only in the direction perpendicular to the movement of the camera.

Nikon Nikkor dx 18-105mm with the most extended frame of the case and the established hood

Nikon Nikkor dx 18-105mm with the most extended frame of the case and the established hood

Focusing

Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G focuses quietly thanks to 'SWM'-motor (Silent Wbird Motor - quiet wave / ultrasonic motor) and refers to the lens'AF S'type (with built-in motor focusing), and therefore it will automatically focus on any Nikon digital SLR camera.

Auto Focus Speed ​​- average. On cameras Nikon D90, D200 the lens focuses tenaciously and does not release objects from the field of sharpness.

During focusing, the front and rear lenses remain stationary, as the lens uses internal focusthat is indicated on the case by the letters'IF'-'Iinternal Focus' - 'Inner Focus'. The front lens does not rotate while zooming. It is possible to use any filters without problems.

When changing the focal length, the front lens does not rotate.

The minimum focusing distance is only 45 cm, while you can shoot Macro with 1: 5 magnification... Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G does not have a window with a distance scale, depth of field scale and other useful marks.

In manual focus mode, the ring rotates about 120 degrees, when it reaches the extreme positions it does not rest, but continues to slide, without affecting the focus. Manual focus is easy.

On the lens housing you can find focus switch 'A - M'. In position 'A', automatic focusing works, and in position M - manual focusing.

The 'A-M' switch in this lens is non-standard. Normally, in all lenses equipped with such switches, manual focus cannot be performed in 'A' mode. But here is what the manual says for Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G:

Manual focus can be performed even if the AM lens mode is set to A. Set the camera to focus on AF-S and press the shutter-release button halfway to autofocus. Then, while holding the shutter-release button halfway, manually rotate the lens focus ring to fine-tune the focus. Note. Do not try to rotate the focus ring while the autofocus function is operating. When the autofocus function completes, release and press the shutter-release button halfway again.

Thus, in AF-S mode, after successful focusing, you can still rotate the focus ring to adjust the focus or refocus it. Unfortunately, such a property is only a miserable semblance of a full-fledged regime M / AM with the possibility of constant manual focus control.

You can find more information about lenses with a similar feature in the section Focus Features 'A', for some Nikkor lenses with the 'A-M' switch.

Nikon Nikkor dx 18-105mm with hood in transport mode

Nikon Nikkor dx 18-105mm with hood in transport mode

Image quality

The lens is sharp enough in the center of the frame, even on open apertures. Sharpness sags a little at 105 mm. Unfortunately, the corners and edges of the image on open apertures remain very weak. The lens also suffers from chromatic aberration and vignetting. Modern cameras can automatically correct vignetting and chromatic aberration.

Of course, at 18 mm you can see barrel-shaped distortion, which becomes pads like with an increase in focal length. The level of dystoria is at an adequate level for comfortable perception of the image.

Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G well tolerates side and back light and shows good contrast, which is typical of modern universal lenses. In general, I did not find anything particularly bad or good in the quality of the image obtained with the Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G.

Examples of photos on Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G:

UPDATED

More examples on Nikon D5600:

You can download the original photos in RAW format at this link (15 files, 400 MB).

Examples on Nikon D7200:

You can download the original photos in RAW format at this link (15 files, 400 MB).

Nikon 18-105mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED Nikkor VR AF-S SWM DX IF Aspherical prices

Actual lens prices can see here, or in the price block below:

Comments on this post do not require registration. Anyone can leave a comment. Many different photographic equipment can be found on AliExpress.

My experience

Nikon 18-105mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED Nikkor VR AF-S SWM DX IF Aspherical was my first universal lens for my first two cameras Nikon D40 и Nikon D90. I used it a little over a year, after which I changed it to Tamron 17-50mm F / 2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF). Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G is nothing more than an ordinary whale lens with a slightly expanded focal length, which allows you to use part of the tele-range.

For a month, I was simultaneously holding Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G and Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM Aspherical, which allowed me to compare their capabilities. As a result, it turned out that using a range of focal lengths of 18-105 is several times more convenient than using 18-55. The ability to use 105 mm of focal length on the Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G is one of the lens's greatest strengths. Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G also has a more pleasant / solid appearance and it is much more convenient to handle it than with 18-55.

This lens is not a bit suitable as a regular lens for some more or less serious shootings (wedding, responsible reporting, etc.). I took off 4 wedding on the Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G and now I regret it. In the same time Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G fits very well for simple tasks. He repeatedly helped me out on hikes, on vacation, for homely leisurely filming. Like it or not, but finding a more balanced lens than the Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G is very difficult.

From cheap universal lenses for Nikon DX cameras, I advise you to look at the options Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-70mm 1: 3.5-4.5G ED DX SWM IF Aspherical и Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-135m 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM IF Aspherical. True, these lenses can only be found in use on the secondary market. A good replacement for Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G are Nikon DX VR AF-S Nikkor 18-140mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM IF Aspherical и Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM VR IF Aspherical.

The most similar lens from a third-party manufacturer is Sigma Zoom 18-125mm 1: 3.8-5.6 DC OS HSM (Optical Stabilizer).

An accurate list of all Nikon DX Nikkor lenses

  1. 10.5 mm/ 2.8G AF Fisheye [gold ring]
  2. 35 mm/1.8G AF-S
  3. 40 mm/2.8G AF-S Microphone
  4. 85 mm/3.5G AF-S VR Microphone
  5. 10-20 mm/4.5-5.6G AF-P VR
  6. 10-24 mm/3.5-4.5G AF-S
  7. 12-24 mm/4G AF-S [gold ring]
  8. 16-80 mm/ 2.8-4IN AF S VR [gold ring]
  9. 16-85 mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR
  10. 17-55 mm/2.8G AF-S [gold ring]
  11. 18-55 mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S [black / silver]
  12. 18-55 mm/3.5-5.6GII AF-S [black / silver]
  13. 18-55 mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR
  14. 18-55 mm/3.5-5.6GII AF-S VR
  15. 18-55 mm/3.5-5.6G AF-P
  16. 18-55 mm/3.5-5.6G AF-P VR
  17. 18-70 mm/3.5-4.5G AF-S
  18. 18-105 mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR [Thailand / China]
  19. 18-135 mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S
  20. 18-140 mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR [Thailand / China]
  21. 18-200 mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR [Japan / China]
  22. 18-200 mm/3.5-5.6GII AF-S VR
  23. 18-300 mm/3.5-5.6G VR
  24. 18-300 mm/3.5-6.3G VR
  25. 55-200 mm/4-5.6G AF-S [black / silver, Japan / China]
  26. 55-200 mm/4-5.6G AF-S VR
  27. 55-200 mm/4-5.6GII ED VR
  28. 55-300 mm/4.5-5.6G AF-S VR
  29. 70-300 mm/4.5-6.3G AF-P
  30. 70-300 mm/4.5-6.3G AF-P VR

Thank you the store www.fotika.com.ua behind provided by Nikon 18-105mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED Nikkor VR AF-S SWM DX IF Aspherical lens, which I took for a while to create photos with its appearance.

Nikon Nikkor dx 18-105mm on Nikon D40x camera

Nikon Nikkor dx 18-105mm on camera Nikon D40x

Results

Nikon 18-105mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED Nikkor VR AF-S SWM DX IF Aspherical lens performed quite well as universal lens for amateur photographers. On vacation, he is simply indispensable. Unfortunately, one should not expect high optical performance from such a lens. In general, the lens is good for its price class.

I recommend it as the very first lens for Nikon DX cameras. It is best to buy a Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G kit (together with the camera), in which case the cost of the camera and lens will be lower than their total cost separately. Using Nikon 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G is much more convenient than class lenses. 18-55/3.5-5.6 due to the wider range of focal lengths.

Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram

Add a comment: Peter Sh.

 

 

Comments: 937, on the topic: Review Nikon 18-105mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED Nikkor VR AF-S SWM DX IF Aspherical

  • I have such a lens and, in principle, I am satisfied. Universal lens, no more no less.

    So far, as for me, he did not "fall off" from the carcass D90 :)

  • haqri

    Exceeded all my expectations.
    I took it for 185 euros, (a month used, people are obsessed with fixes, and this one came complete with a D7000 camera, so he sold it at a flea market). He took on the replacement of 18-55 (a low price bribed) and did not expect anything supernatural from him. But in comparison with 18-55, a different level is already felt. On the old whale, some kind of blurred photo turned out, but here it is very clear, clean and pleasant. I immediately warn you in comparison with 18-55. Other lenses I have not yet shot. I do not regret that a little UP my nikon D3100 bought this glass.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Yes, after 55mm, 105mm looks more serious.

  • inysia

    I saw this lens “live” and did not dare to buy it because of its size. Maybe he is good, but I would like a more compact thing!

  • ammir

    Nice working piece. I work with such a Chinese production - much cheaper than the original one, but also the quality pleases. The only thing that is weak is the lid.

    • Kirill

      de acquired? through the Chinese Internet shop? advise de can find a Chinese counterpart

  • Natasha

    I bought a lens for Nikon d90. Since I have to shoot a lot and often there is no way to fix the camera, sometimes I hold it with one hand, it is important for me that the vibration is suppressed, the pictures are clear. Convenient to work!

  • Aleks

    One of the best universal lenses in its price range.
    A good choice for beginners.

  • Vivid

    A good, suitable lens, so far does not cause any complaints

  • Semenov

    A great option for a home camera. And I think the portrait comes out perfectly, a slightly blurred background and the masterpiece is ready. Nice texture surface - Nikon style. Now about the shortcomings, the lenses are a bit much, and there would be a larger aperture. But this is fully offset by the flash. The lens is worth the money.

  • Julia

    I tried to shoot like this on the D60. As for the quality of the pictures - I'm happy with absolutely everything! True, it is too heavy for me, but I think you can get used to everything.

  • Sergei

    The lens looks reliable, although a bit heavy. I didn’t use it myself at work, but I have a desire to buy it for my home Nikona. The lens review turned out to be interesting. Many questions became clear.

  • Judging by the site http://www.lenstip.com/lenses_reviews.html the lens is not inferior to Nikkor 16-85

  • Andrei

    I’m shooting them for the second year, I didn’t notice any bugs, I’m completely satisfied. Nikon D90 camera.

  • an excellent lens bought for nikon d7000 sharpness at a height near my copy, after switching from canon I did not expect such quality from cheap glass, in the store I was very surprised when I looked at the pictures on the laptop

  • Jury

    It would be interesting to see a review about the "older brother" of this lens Nikor 16-85, actually I want to buy it and I can't choose between these two

  • Konstantin

    I have one year later, the seal ring fell off right during the shooting (I work with the camera), it stuck across the zoom, I had to re-glue it.

  • Igor

    Question to the owners of this glass. The lens hood, bolted to the lens in the idle position (back to front), does not sit tight with play and easily scrolls. Is it just me? And how to deal with it, so as not to lose on the road?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      It should in the idle position snap on the lens and not scroll.

  • Igor

    And there is. Thank you, Andrey! Just the first time I was afraid to squeeze her hard ...

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Arkady, not Andrei) Always happy to help)

  • Novel

    But how will he behave in the club ?? Or are they not used for club photography ??

    • Arkady Shapoval

      It will lead normally in the club.

  • Taras

    I want to buy a replacement whale, the choice is before the AF-S 18-70mm f / 3.5-4.5G ED or 18-105mm f / 3.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S DX. The first one is without a stub, the second one has somehow too much zoom, in the presence of a telephoto it's not very necessary. Or is it better to put this matter aside for a long time ... What do you think?

    • Arkady Shapoval

      put it in a drawer or look at something more serious

  • VLADIMIR NIKOLAEVICH SYCHEV

    Bought as part of a whale. On the NIKON D90 it was just wonderful, but on the NIKON D7000 there is already a lack of resolution, you have to add a bit of sharpness and work with color in the editors. But, in general, the lens is regularly used. Recently, I began to use NIKKOR 70-300 VR more often, although it has a narrower angle, but the picture is incomparable with 18-105VR, here both the volume and colors and the 70-100 mm bokeh are very soft, (portraits are good), and focusing speed, and an excellent stabilizer. But 18-105VR is not a pity to scuffle in different situations. It’s not worth buying separately, if only it is profitable in the kit, but focal 18-105 are very convenient.

  • David

    Arkady tell me what is better than 105mm or Nikon AF-S 55-200mm f 4.0-5.6G IF-ED DX VR

    • Arkady Shapoval

      For what purpose? You should understand that 18-105 is wide angle and 55-200 is a natural telephoto.

      • Kirill

        I understand correctly that to gain experience in portraits, if you take this lens as part of the d90, is it possible to study? Or advise another lens? I looked at articles about fixes (for example, Nikkor AF 50 mm f / 1.8D) portraits there are good too just zoom = legs of photo)

        • Arkady Shapoval

          Better fifty dollars fast :)

  • David

    e.g. portraits)

  • David

    50 mm is just not enough budget, I take 5100 and I think to take a whale 105mm or just buy a body and buy 55-200

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Better whale 18-105.

  • David

    thank you
    for answer

  • Sanya

    I bought this glass for my D80, I shoot landscapes, the sharpness suits me, I just start shooting people (well, people 5-10), so the focus goes to the background and people get slightly blurred by 18 mm, maybe the problem was in focus mode in fotik (It’s worth manual zone selection)

    • Irina

      i have the same problem on d7000. This is a carcass problem.

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