Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM Aspherical
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.
Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM Aspherical
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.
Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM Aspherical
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.
Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM Aspherical
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'.
Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM Aspherical
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.
Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM Aspherical
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).
Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM Aspherical
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.
Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM Aspherical
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.
Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM Aspherical
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).
Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM Aspherical
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
- 10-20 mm/4.5-5.6G AF-P VR
- 10-24 mm/3.5-4.5G AF-S
- 12-24 mm/4G AF-S [gold ring]
- 16-80 mm/ 2.8-4IN AF S VR [gold ring]
- 16-85 mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR
- 17-55 mm/2.8G AF-S [gold ring]
- 18-55 mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S [black / silver]
- 18-55 mm/3.5-5.6GII AF-S [black / silver]
- 18-55 mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR
- 18-55 mm/3.5-5.6GII AF-S VR
- 18-55 mm/3.5-5.6G AF-P
- 18-55 mm/3.5-5.6G AF-P VR
- 18-70 mm/3.5-4.5G AF-S
- 18-105 mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR [Thailand / China]
- 18-135 mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S
- 18-140 mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR [Thailand / China]
- 18-200 mm/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR [Japan / China]
- 18-200 mm/3.5-5.6GII AF-S VR
- 18-300 mm/3.5-5.6G VR
- 18-300 mm/3.5-6.3G VR
- 55-200 mm/4-5.6G AF-S [black / silver, Japan / China]
- 55-200 mm/4-5.6G AF-S VR
- 55-200 mm/4-5.6GII ED VR
- 55-300 mm/4.5-5.6G AF-S VR
- 70-300 mm/4.5-6.3G AF-P
- 70-300 mm/4.5-6.3G AF-P VR
Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM Aspherical
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. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram
ARKADY, PLEASE TELL ME PLEASE ME Nikon D3100 18-55 PHOTOGRAPHY VERY UNCLEAR! WHAT MAY BE THE CAUSE ???
YOU ARE SURE THAT THAT IS NOT SO WITH THE CAMERA OR LENS SETTINGS !!!!! 11111
FIX THEM !!!!!!
I had the same. I sold this lens and took 18-55 VR)))
enable autofocus on the lens
On which focal range can you get the sharpest pictures
Hello, tell me which filter is needed for this lens? (52mm / 55mm)
52mm.
Tell me please. Does not focus automatically through the video finder. In live view, everything focuses normally. You press the digger and the autofocus motor does not even move.
Buy yourself 18-105 + 50 1,4
In the description, an error accidentally crept in?
2. Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII VR AF-S DX Nikkor SWM Aspherical - the second version of the lens, improved optically, this lens is presented in this review. In reality, there are no serious differences from the first version, since lenses actually use the same optical design.
Exactly there are letters VR? Because when such a lens fell into my hands, there was no stabilization. About point 1. I can not say, because I didn’t get such a lens in my hands.
Fixed
And as for the first paragraph:
1. Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor SWM Aspherical - the first version of the lens, it is rare because it was produced for a limited period of time.
Here, too, is in the description of VR, but it should be sort of like ED, however, as in the second paragraph. Please specify the name.
PS It is better to delete a post right away so as not to clutter up messages.
Thanks. Updated.
Hello, I am a beginner photographer, please advise a lens for Nikon d3200, I want the photos to be beautiful! Beautiful bokeh!
nikon 85 / 1,4G - bokeh, rock!
Thank you! And what about on camera flash?
Good afternoon. Arkady, I read your blog with pleasure, but I think that statements like “... try to explain the difference to a person who bought an amateur carcass with my father’s money)” are not entirely appropriate. Sincerely.
Take it more abstractly.
And what is he wrong about?
Good afternoon for Nikon D3200 which lens do you recommend? To make the photos beautiful and blurry at the back? I am a beginner photographer
I advise you to read this site from cover to cover.
Someone asked you here, sheep? where do you climb into every koment with your snout
Banned.
But seriously
I am extremely serious.
A person who broke to read on a good site with a detailed story about lenses and shooting, because of what and how the background is blurred and under what conditions - it is better to sell a DSLR and buy a soap dish.
Cheap Nikon 35mm f / 1.8G AF-S DX Nikkor
Please advise a good camera within 6 thousand UAH. I am considering the option Nikon D3200 kit 18-55mm VR & 55-200mm IF-ED. What can you advise?
D5100 Cool!
Hello, I have a question, at what distance does the infinity of this lens start at 18 mm? I don’t have it, I can’t check it. I would be grateful.
a photo taken on an 18-55 whale I use 15 days of mirroring in general ..
processed in lightroom, the first treatment) I wanted juiciness)
this photo looks like a picture
Posony, I don't like the lens at all! Backlash and quality when shooting a landscape does not suit ... The old 43-86 f3.5 will be much cooler for me)
For those who think that this lens doesn’t work out, I recommend taking a look at this site. These photos are taken by a whale lens. There is much to learn. http://www.flickr.com/photos/agrusoft/12630024225/in/album-72157647447275265/
The first and second generation have a difference in the design of the front. The solution to the problem with the “slowdown” of autofocus (the point is in the plastic sleeves), is described on all sites only for the 1st version of the lens. For the same (..GII ..) I can not find anything. Maybe someone came across?
PS For supporters: “throw it away and buy a new one” - don't waste your precious.
As you can clearly see, the Nikkor 18-140 lens is excellent for its class copes with portrait photography - an amateur photographer, having got used to it, can easily afford to do with a single lens in almost all life situations. For me, only a wide angle is missing here, but a wide-angle is always an independent lens. But, if the photographer does not need to shoot the beauty of old cities or crowd scenes, then it is quite possible to do with the only one 18-140.
Good day, Arkady!
Sorry for the stupid question. A few days ago I bought myself the first in the life of the Central Control Commission Nikon D5100. Took used in perfect condition. The lens came with it: Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED. I care that he is without stabilization! Now there is an opportunity to take also a used Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII VR II AF-S DX Nikkor lens. Do you think it is worth buying it just because of the availability of stabilization? Or maybe there are still some significant changes in it compared to mine? Thank you so much for the answer.
PS Now I read the theory of photography on your site, everything is very accessible and clearly written!
It is better not to change the "whale" lens to the "whale lens with a stub". Want a real upgrade? Then look towards Nikon 18-105, or 18-140.
If I understand you correctly, then the presence of a stub is not a sufficient reason to replace my lens, right?
And is it possible to make good, sharp and not blurry with my lens due to the slight movement of my hands and models of photography?
And yet, why do you recommend Nikon 18-105, or 18-140? I took a camera for photographing my family, portraits in an apartment, with insufficient lighting or on the street in different weather conditions, and for such photos I considered buying a fast aperture 35 or 50 for purchase in the future, am I not right? Which one is more suitable for me to achieve my goals?
Thanks for the answer. Really looking forward to your advice. Sincerely, Alexander.
With fifty dollars it will be cramped in the apartment. Maybe you should consider a fast zoom like 17-50 / 2,8? Native Nikon is expensive, but Tamron or Sigma are relatively affordable + they are both on the secondary market.
Arkady's recommendation is due to the fact that 18-105 or 18-140 is a more universal option. just in order to understand which focal points you like to shoot more. For example, I like 70-300 / 4,5-5,6, but there is nothing to do with it in an apartment. This lens needs room.
With short exposures, there will be no blur from camera movement. From 18-55 you can get very sharp pictures. The flash helps a lot, or AUTO ISO mode in P, A, S, M modes. For example, turn on P mode (what is it?) and the auto ISO function set to 1/125 second (where is it?) and shoot for your own pleasure. 18-105 / 140 is a replacement for 18-55, and 35 and 50 are an addition to it.
Does the rear lens move in this lens when zooming, creating the so-called vacuum cleaner effect?
Yes.
Probably the rear lens in all zoom lenses moves when zooming. At least not expensive. Or not?
Yes, no, it depends on the optical scheme. As an example - the newest Nikon 70-200 / 4G or the oldest Nikon AF Nikkor 70-210mm 1: 4 af. televisions.
Good evening, tell me which of the lenses would be better Nikon 18-70 or Nikon 18-55 ED ll I have both, but I like 18-55 ED ll in the picture, although this one has a metal mount and a better light.
Camera Nikon D40.
Good afternoon everyone. I have a special request to Arkady. Arkady, if you take test photos while reviewing the lens, then please describe the lens in such a way that it will then match the quality of the test photos. When reviewing the Nikon 18-55 GII (second version), you write that the lens is an ordinary whale lens for novice photographers, that everyone complains about it, and you give its test photos - well, just GORGEOUS. This is how to understand everything. Not every pro with an expensive lens can produce the same photos as yours. Ultimately, the lens only serves one purpose - getting good photos.
I am waiting for public explanations from you and comments from others.
Yes, Arkady squeezed gorgeous bokeh from this lens)
and on the penultimate photo in the forest you don’t see chromaticity at all?
In fact, the examples of photos in this review are mediocre.
And the answer is very simple - the generalized quality of the photograph may not correlate with the capabilities of the lens. The lens is technically weak / mediocre, but no one forbids taking good photos with it.
Good evening, Arkady!
Do you give master classes?
If so, how to contact you.
Thank you.
Dmitry.
Ehh, I will help))
https://radojuva.com/2017/04/quintessentia/
I do it. Information here.
I had a d3100 with 18-55, over time I began to use other lenses (35mm, 50mm, 55-300mm) and the impression was that 18-55 was the most miserable, then I had a d5200 and when I put on it 18-55 then mine opinion of him has changed))) and the most important thing for me turned out to be 18-55 is his 18mm!
The only question is: did the opinion change due to a change of camera or due to experience? And yes, an entry-level lens, a confident average, with a head-on comparison, outperforming the same initial whales from Kenon, Sony, Panasonic and Olympus in the picture. Unfortunately, it is structurally simple, with an uncomfortable focus ring, with a plastic mount. But the price is low.
due to a change in the camera, as the pixels are larger, the picture became sharper and the tenacity of focus became higher in my view, and I also need a wide eighteen-millimeter space))
Then it is controversial ... Well, the new camera would differ from the old one by the absence of a low-pass filter (OLPF), then some effects could still be attributed to this. But if I remember correctly OLPF began to be removed from the D5300 model. If there are paired shots in which you see a fundamental difference with this lens on the D3100 and D5200 cameras, please share a link. Very interesting.