Navigation
- In short
- History
- Differences from the previous version
- Main Specifications
- Assembly
- Focusing
- Full Frame Opportunities
- Image quality
- Sample Photos
- My personal experience with the lens
- All DX Series Lenses for Nikon Cropped SLR Cameras
- Results
- User Comments
- Add your review or question on the lens
In this review, the Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM Aspherical lens I will call in abbreviation Nikon 18-55GII.
In short
Nikon 18-55GII is a universal standard lens that was considered relevant from 2006 to 2016. Such a lens is also called 'kit' (from the English 'kit' - a set), that is, one that comes with some kind of camera. Nikon 18-55GII was first seen with a camera Nikon D40.
Nikon 18-55GII is light, compact, convenient, with good image quality for its class, but the kit lens is a very controversial and controversial thing.
History
A line of standard (i.e. 'whale') class 18-55 / 3.5-5.6 lenses for cameras Nikon DX:
- Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Nikkor SWM Aspherical - first version. It was produced from 2005 to 2006. It exists in two colors - black and gray / silver. Announced with the camera Nikon D50.
- Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED AF-S DX Nikkor SWM Aspherical - second version. It was produced from 2006 to 2007. There are no serious differences from the first version, the lenses use the same optical circuit. It exists in two colors - black and gray / silver. Announced with the camera Nikon D40.
- Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor SWM Aspherical - third version. It was produced from 2007 to the present day. Has a built-in image stabilizer (Nikon VR, Vibration Reduction). Unlike the first two, it does not have 'ED'-elements in its optical scheme. Announced with the camera Nikon D60.
- Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII VR II AF-S DX Nikkor - the fourth version. It has been produced since 2013. Unlike the third version, it has a new optical circuit and can be folded compactly for transportation. Updated stabilization system. For the first time he could be seen with a camera Nikon D3300.
- Nikon DX AF-P Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G - fifth version. Available since January 2016. It has a new optical circuit and a new stepper focus motor. Went on sale with the camera Nikon D3400.
- Nikon DX VR AF-P Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G - the sixth version. The same as the fifth version, but with a built-in image stabilizer. It was presented simultaneously with the fifth version. Went on sale with the camera Nikon D3400.
- Nikon Nikkor Z DX 16-50 1: 3.5-6.3 VR - seventh version, for mirrorless cameras such as Nikon z50... Available from Fall 2019. New optical design, foldable body, reduced aperture and built-in image stabilization.
Sigma at one time produced an interesting alternative to similar whale lenses in the face of a faster Sigma Zoom 18-50mm 1: 2.8-4.5 DC OS HSM.
Unlike the previous version
Key differences from the previous model Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Nikkor SWM Aspherical:
- the previous version has been released since April 2005, and the new one since November 2006
- reduced weight by 5 grams
- the body design has changed, first of all the lenses are distinguished by a silver ring near the front lens
- rubber insert for zoom ring has become narrower
- perhaps there are internal differences in the structure of mechanical parts.
In general terms, the new and old versions are not much different from each other, and the official MTF charts do coincide.
Main technical characteristics of Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM Aspherical:
Review Instance Name | Gold letters: Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED
In white letters: Nikon SWM ED Aspherical ∞-0.28m / 0.92ft ø52 MADE IN THAILAND + serial number Near the front lens: Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR ED18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII |
Basic properties |
|
Front Filter Diameter | 52 mm, plastic thread for filters |
Focal length | 18-55 mm EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 27-82.5 mm |
Zoom ratio | 3.06 X (it’s customary to talk just about 3x zoom) |
Designed by | for digital SLR cameras Nikon DX |
Number of aperture blades | 7 rounded petals |
Tags | focal lengths for 18, 24, 35, 45 and 55 mm, bayonet mount mark |
Diaphragm | 18 mm from F / 3.5 to F / 22. 55 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 | 0.28 m, maximum magnification ratio for macro photography is 1: 3.2 |
The weight | 205 g |
Optical design | 7 elements in 5 groups. The optical system includes 1 aspherical element (in the optical scheme the aspherical element is shown in blue) and 1 ED glass element (shown in yellow in the diagram). Hybrid asferica - glass base with layered plastic.
The image of the circuit is clickable. The same optical scheme used by the lens of the previous generation Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Nikkor SWM Aspherical |
Lens hood | Nikon HB-33, bayonet type (not supplied, and must be purchased separately) |
Manufacturer country | MADE IN THAILAND (Made in Thailand) |
Period | From November 2006 to 2016 (according to the official website), subsequently replaced / supplemented by a lens Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor SWM Aspherical. |
Price |
The Nikon 18-55GII is the latest in a series of 18-55 class lenses to incorporate a low-dispersion element, which is referred to in its name as 'ED'.
Assembly
Nikon 18-55GII was made only in Thailand.
The retractable frame of the body ('trunk') consists of 1 section, which is strong enough, without any backlash.
The entire lens housing is made of plastic, including plastic reinforcement bayonet. The zoom ring is rubberized, but the focus ring is not. The change in focal length is smooth. The plastic made the lens light enough.
The Nikon 18-55GII itself is small, with a standard filter diameter of 52 mm. All Nikon 18-55 whale lenses use 52 mm standard diameter filters and are very similar in appearance.
There is a bayonet mount mark on the case. The lens uses a plastic hood, which is fixed in special grooves located near the front lens of the lens. When you change the focal length, the lens hood moves with the front of the lens.
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.
The number of aperture blades is 7 pieces. Moreover, they are well rounded enough.
There are no special complaints about the assembly.
Important: this lens was also supplied in a silver case, which combined well with the silver camera options Nikon D40.
Focusing
Ultrasonic focus motor integrated in the lens SWM (Silent Wave Motor) lets you focus on All Nikon Digital SLR Cameras, even on the simplest.
Nikon 18-55GII has a focus switch 'AM', to perform manual focusing, be sure to set it to the' M 'position, otherwise the focusing motor may be damaged. Unfortunately, the lens does not have a constant manual focus control mode - Nikon M / A.
When used on a camera Nikon D90 with unpretentious Multi-CAM 1000 focusing system the lens behaves well. With precision and clinging focus, I had no particular problems. The lens clings well to captured subjects, rarely re-focusing. The number of focus misses is minimal.
Auto focus speed average, comfortable for the vast majority of photo tasks. Focus speed is significantly lower than professional Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 17-55mm 1: 2.8G ED IF SWM.
During focusing, the front lens rotates together with the filter and travels forward, which is the most inconvenient solution when using special filters.
During auto focus focus ring rotates and cannot be touched.
In manual focus mode, the focus ring rotates 60 degrees. Manual focus is inconvenient. When extreme positions are reached, the focus ring abuts and cannot be rotated further.
The minimum focusing distance is only 28 cm (the distance from the camera’s matrix to the subject). With such an MDF, the maximum magnification ratio is 1: 3.2. it good indicator for a similar lens. Thus, the lens allows you to shoot a good amateur 'close'.
When shooting at a maximum magnification of 1: 3.2, the distance from the subject to the front lens of the lens is about 15 cm.
Focus Features:
- There is little noise from autofocus.
- There is a small effect of 'Focus Breathing' (changing the viewing angle during focusing). During focusing towards MDF, the viewing angle increases.
- When changing the focal length, focusing is a bit confused.
- Nikon 18-55GII Macro does not have hard stop (hard infinity mechanical stop) which allows you to accurately and quickly focus the lens at infinity under any external conditions.
- Focus shift (shift-focus) was not noticed.
- Nikon 18-55GII has no focus problems in Live View (tested on Nikon D90 ), but it focuses slowly (the problem of the Live View mode on many Nikon cameras is more of a problem).
Image quality
Nikon 18-55GII uses exactly the same optical design as its predecessor Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Nikkor SWM Aspherical. Optically, the Nikon 18-55GII is a pretty tolerable lens.
Sharpness
- confident sharpness at open apertures in the center of the frame over the entire range of focal lengths
- low sharpness at the edges of the frame and open apertures
- at the edges of the frame, sharpness becomes acceptable after f / 8
- good / excellent resolution in the center of the frame on covered apertures (in the F / 5.6-F / 10 region) over the entire range of focal lengths
- the overall level of distortion is at a level typical for such lenses
- pretty strong distortion only visible at 18 mm
- distortion practically absent and imperceptible in the range of 24-55 mm
- in the wide-angle range, the nature of the distortion barrel-shaped
- the nature of distortion is unified, easily corrected in the editor
- general level vignetting is at the level typical for such lenses
- the strongest vignetting appears at 18mm & f / 3.5
- vignetting decreases with focus towards MDF
- vignetting almost completely disappears at F / 8
- vignetting easily fixable in the editor
Aberration
- the strongest chromatic aberration visible at 18mm & f / 3.5 at the edges and corners of the image
- general level HA is at the level typical for such lenses
Rest
- color rendering neutral
- pronounced effect of a 14-ray star on strongly covered diaphragms
- a small amount of glare in the backlight, a slight drop in contrast in the side light. Immunity is at a good level.
Full Frame Opportunities
Nikon 18-55GII in the range of focal lengths of 24-55 mm easily covers a full-frame sensor without perceptible vignetting. The reserve for frame coverage is simply huge. On the Nikon D700 this lens in the center of the frame is very sharp.
Sample Photos
Camera shots Nikon D90. On-camera JPEG from one of the readers of Radozhiva.
Jpeg source photos download from this link (77 photos, 230 MB).
My experience
Underestimated lens. Good for its time. FROM Nikon D40 in 2006 it was just a chic whale kit, which for a modest amount of money allowed to make a lot of good shots. It is very difficult to overestimate the convenience of such a lens.
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An accurate list of all Nikon DX Nikkor lenses
- 10.5 mm/ 2.8G AF Fisheye [gold ring]
- 35 mm/1.8G AF-S
- 40 mm/2.8G AF-S Microphone
- 85 mm/3.5G AF-S VR Microphone
- 10-20mm/4.5-5.6G AF-P VR
- 10-24mm/3.5-4.5G AF-S
- 12-24mm/4G AF-S [gold ring]
- 16-80mm/ 2.8-4IN AF S VR [gold ring]
- 16-85mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR
- 17-55mm/2.8G AF-S [gold ring]
- 18-55mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S [black / silver]
- 18-55mm/3.5-5.6GII AF-S [black / silver]
- 18-55mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR
- 18-55mm/3.5-5.6GII AF-S VR
- 18-55mm/3.5-5.6G AF-P
- 18-55mm/3.5-5.6G AF-P VR
- 18-70mm/3.5-4.5G AF-S
- 18-105mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR [Thailand / China]
- 18-135mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S
- 18-140mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR [Thailand / China]
- 18-200mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR [Japan / China]
- 18-200mm/3.5-5.6GII AF-S VR
- 18-300mm/3.5-5.6G VR
- 18-300mm/3.5-6.3G VR
- 55-200mm/4-5.6G AF-S [black / silver, Japan / China]
- 55-200mm/4-5.6G AF-S VR
- 55-200mm/4-5.6GII ED VR
- 55-300mm/4.5-5.6G AF-S VR
- 70-300mm/4.5-6.3G AF-P
- 70-300mm/4.5-6.3G AF-P VR
Results
Nikon 18-55GII is a simple full-time lens included with some cameras. The model is outdated, but still is a good budget solution for simple amateur photo tasks.
- low cost in the secondary market
- convenient set of focal lengths
- light weight and compact size
- bayonet type hood
- special optical elements in the optical scheme (1 aspherics and 1 low dispersion element)
- good maximum magnification ratio for macro shooting, which is 1: 3.2
- ultrasonic built-in focus motor
- the presence of a lens profile in most popular RAW converters (certainly there is in ACR, Lightroom)
- fairly flat aperture at hidden values
- good optical performance (good sharpness on covered apertures in the center of the frame, normal sharpness on open apertures in the center of the frame, other parameters are within the normal range for this kind of lens)
10 main disadvantages
- small stroke of the focus ring, insufficiently convenient manual focus
- low focusing speed (at the same time convenient enough for a large number of amateur photo tasks)
- no image stabilizer (appeared in Nikon AF-S 18-55 / 3.5-5.6G VR)
- plastic mount
- no hood included
- rotation of the focus ring during auto focus and as a result there is no constant manual focus mode M / A or A / M or the like (appeared in Nikon AF-P 18-55 / 3.5-5.6G VR)
- lack of dust and moisture protection (for example, such SMC Pentax-DA 1: 3.5-5.6 18-55mm AL WR)
- optical design is not updated and is used from the lens Nikon AF-S 18-55 / 3.5-5.6G ED
- rear lens movement while changing focal length
- palpable barrel-shaped distortion 18 mm focal length, tangible vignetting 18 mm focal length, poor resolution at 18 mm in the corners of the frame on open apertures. Other optical flaws inherent in similar lenses
Material prepared Arkady Shapoval.
But still, what lens would you recommend? With stabilizer or || Ed ?? (I'm talking about 18-55)
With a stabilizer.
Hello! Tell me, please, we want to buy a camera (there is a digital soap box, but we already want something better) for shooting children, there are more photos than video, since there is a video camera separately. Which is better to buy? I looked at such models Nikon D5100 (18-55mm + 55-200mm VR), Nikon D5100 Kit 18-105 VR. Or maybe some Canon? And another question: do you need two Nikon D5100 lenses (18-55mm + 55-200mm VR). What are the benefits of having these two lenses? Thanks!
Or, for example, the Canon EOS 600D Kit 18-55 IS II
Arkady, kindly, tell me if there is where the instruction for disassembling (partial) of this lens?
I have not met anywhere.
Hello! Can you please tell me if I will “lose” a lot if I choose Nikon AF-S18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6GII ED DX Nikkor instead of Nikon AF-S 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6G VR DX Nikkor, or is it better to give some money and stay on the second option (Nikon AF-S 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6G VR DX Nikkor).
Hello. Arkady, help with choosing a DSLR, please. We need a good fotik for a portrait (shooting indoors, nature), and of rest, family life. Which one would you recommend: Nikon D3200 Kit 18-55 VR or CANON EOS 600D? or maybe some other? rs: nikon bribes at a price ..
Not a bad D3200 + 18-105, you can find thoughts on your choice here - https://radojuva.com.ua/2013/01/what-camera-nikon-shoud-i-buy/
Please tell me, is this lens in practice worse than a similar VR?
due to the lack of a stabilizer, it is worse.
Arkady good afternoon!
I want to ask for advice.
I want to buy D5100 - the first DSLR, complete with 18-55 optics and buy a lens (if you buy it, which one is better?).
Or immediately buy from 18-105 and stay on it ?.
It is planned to shoot nature.
Thank you.
Hello! Tell me which light filter to buy for the Nikon AF-S 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6G VR DX Nikkor lens, if I also have a second 55-300 telephoto lens, a Nikon d5100 camera. All this “wealth” was presented to me not so long ago, I am mastering it quietly. Now they want to donate a filter. Basically I rent my family and gardens, sometimes I am away from nature (I do landscape). And is it possible to buy a filter for use on two lenses at once through adapter rings? I read about it not so long ago ... I looked at polarizing, ultraviolet, gradient. Do you need this entire set for both lenses?
Thank you.
Hello. Tell me please! I have a Nikon d 3100 and a kit 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6g. I would like a photo with good bokeh, I think to buy a Nikon 50mm f / 1.8G AF-S. Is it worth it to buy? Or can a similar result be achieved with a kit ? and if you still take 50, can they take full-length pictures at a distance of a couple of meters?
Hello. Please tell me what my problem is ??? When I switch the lens with
M on And then he does not take pictures, but hisses…. what could it be???
Arkady, hello! I just started taking photos. I shoot on Nikon 7000, with an 18-55 lens, f3.5-5.6. I want to do wedding photography. Please advise which one is better to take a fast lens and which flash? All advise 700-ku. One acquaintance asked to shoot her wedding. That's just afraid! Will I be able to make good decent photos with my lens and using only the built-in flash? Thanks in advance for the advice !!!!!!!)))
Hello!
Arkady, please advise what to choose: nikon D3100 complete with 18-55VR or D5100 18-55II
Actually the difference between them is 2-3t.r, but the lens confuses the second
and there is a strict limitation in finances ...
needed for taking pictures on vacation (landscapes, architecture, etc.).
There is a 35mm fix
I used to deal with d3000
I recommend d3100 as a budget option - https://radojuva.com.ua/2013/01/what-camera-nikon-shoud-i-buy/
Arkady, hello !!! Please advise. Which zoom lens to buy? I have a Nikon 5100 (there are 18-55,35 ka and they gave me 50ku ... almost a set;) But the zoom is not enough in nature ... What do you advise .. 55-200,55-300,70-300?
Arkady, thank you so much for your work !!! I am new to photography and therefore, having read the articles, I learned a lot of useful things! HELP WITH A CHOICE! Nikon D5100 18-55 OR 18-105 OR CANON D550
Hello Arkady!
Help advice! Broken Nikon 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6GII ED AF-S DX Nikkor lens
I was advised by the lenses:
Nikon Nikkor AF 35 mm F / 2.0 D
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 35 mm f / 1.8 G DX
Nikon Nikkor AF-S 18-55 mm F / 3.5-5.6 G DX VR
Maybe you will advise something else or some of them. Limited to a price category within 10.
For tourist and amateur filming.
tell me my choice fell on the Nikon D90 Kit 18 55mm VR or better with a lens 105 if so then
Kind people, please tell me why my lens nikon af-s nikkor 18-55mm 1 3.5-5.6g does not focus in the mode, with the Nikon D5100 camera, I already tried everything in all modes. And in the manual fotka.
Why doesn’t my lens nikon af-s nikkor 18-55mm 1 3.5-5.6g do not focus in the atore mode, with the Nikon D5100 camera, I have already tried everything, in all modes, the green indicator blinks that there is no focus. in (M) mode also flashes, but takes pictures.
In Liev Viev mode, everything focuses perfectly itself.
Maybe a factory marriage ???
if not already fused, in the “buttons” menu it is necessary to set the top line for the AE-AF button. I am a kettle too, but I learned it from experience
Hello! So which whale lens is better:
Nikon AF-S18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6GII ED DX Nikkor or
Nikon AF-S 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6G VR DX Nikkor ???
They offered Nikon D90. with a lens 18-55 3.5-5.6vr. tell me whether it is worth taking for 17000r.
Hello!! I ordered myself an online store Nikon D3100 Kit 18-55mm VR. They’ll bring it tomorrow. And then I saw the same, but with a different Nikon D3100 Kit 18-55mm GII AF-S DX lens. Did I choose the right one or did I hurry with the choice ?? it is urgent!) thanks in advance
Better with VR
And I have a magpie (D40) with such a whale (EDGE II without VR) In general, I really like it, but that it’s not very fast a bit annoying, right now, for a while, I switched to Helios 44-2, all the same it’s to infinity I won’t deduce ((And about 18-55, it’s very annoying that the focus ring is spinning. Okay, if it goes tight so that you can tweak and release it a bit, or you let it go, and it leaves itself, it is very annoying. A couple of times in the motor got stuck in it, I don’t know why, but I was very scared.
Hello Arkady, I'm a beginner and I want to buy myself the first SLR camera. I choose between Nikon D5100 18-55VR Kit, Nikon D5100 18-105VR Kit and Canon EOS 650D 18-55mm IS II Kit. Please tell me which is better to take. Thanks in advance.
Hello. Tell me please. I want to buy a Nikon D3200 with a Toko kit lens with which the 18-55 II Kit or 18-55mm VR Kit is better. Tell me what is the difference and what is better ????