Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G ED VR IF SWM has a very long name, so for the sake of simplicity I will refer to it as 'Nikon 55-200 VR'. This is an inexpensive telephoto zoom lens for Nikon DX cameras... Nikon 55-200 VR has a built-in focus motor and is therefore suitable for all Nikon cameras... At one time, it became a replacement for an older version - Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor ED 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G SWM, which did not have an image stabilizer, and in 2015 it was itself replaced with an updated model - Nikon DX AF-S NIKKOR 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6GII ED VR II, which has a lens parking mechanism.
In total, there are three such lenses:
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G ED SWM, was produced from April 2005 to 2007.
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G ED VR IF SWM, from this review, was released from March 2007 to 2015.
- Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6GII ED VR IIAvailable since January 2015.
Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G ED VR IF SWM Lens Overview
The focal length of the lens is 55-200 mm, which will allow using it for a large number of photo tasks. For example, with this lens you can shoot not very shy animals, sports, various events. It is no secret that a telephoto lens, in general, is suitable for shooting portraits, since it has a small distortion, does not distort the geometry, respectively, the faces are not distorted in the pictures, while a large focal length helps to achieve a small depth of field. True, the Nikon 55-200 VR still has a small level of distortion, but on the other hand, 200 mm focal length can be easily blur the background, which is sometimes very important for portraiture.
Rear view of the Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G ED VR IF SWM lens
Main technical characteristics of Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G ED VR IF SWM:
| Review Instance Name | Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G ED VR IF SWM 1760879 |
| Basic properties |
|
| Front Filter Diameter | 52 mm, plastic thread for filters |
| Focal length | 55-200 mm EGF for Nikon DX cameras is 82.5-300 mm |
| Zoom ratio | 3.64 X (usually rounded to 4) |
| Designed by | for digital cameras Nikon DX |
| Number of aperture blades | 7 rounded petals |
| Tags | focal lengths for 55, 70, 85, 105, 135, 200 mm, bayonet mount mark and hood mounts |
| Diaphragm | 55 mm from F / 4 to F / 22. 200 mm from F / 5.6 to F / 32. The lens is deprived of the aperture control ring, control is via the camera menu (G - lens type) |
| MDF (Minimum Focus Distance) | 1.1 m over the entire range of focal lengths, maximum magnification ratio 1: 4.3 |
| Stabilizer features | 3 stops by CIPA standards (for 200 mm focal length). The stabilizer monitors the movement of the camera while shooting panoramas. |
| The weight | 335 g |
| Optical design | 15 elements in 11 groups, including 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'.
Image of optical circuit clickable |
| Lens hood | Nikon HB-37, bayonet type, plastic |
| Transportation | With a soft cover CL-0815 |
| Manufacturer country | China (PRC), inscription on the lens: “MADE IN CHINA” |
| Period | From March 2007 to the present. In January 2015 was supplemented / replaced by a version Nikon DX AF-S NIKKOR 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6GII ED VR II |
| Instructions | View–> |
| 3D view | View–> |
| Current prices in modern online stores |
Nikon 55-200 VR belongs to the lenses of the most low price range, because you should not expect stunning results from him. The lens is designed for use by amateurs, for the pros there are much better lenses. Depending on the set focal length, the lens has a maximum aperture from F / 4 @ 55 mm and F / 5.6 @ 200 mm, and the minimum value can be set to F / 22 and F / 32, respectively.
Lens designations Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G ED VR IF SWM
The advantages of the lens and their impact on shooting and photo quality:
- Nikon 55-200 VR weighs only 335 grams. On younger cameras (used on Nikon D3000, Nikon D40As well as Nikon D90) It provides a normal weight distribution and holding the camera in your hands is quite simple and convenient. The lens does not pull the camera down.
- Zoom is 3.6 x, which is a normal indicator for such optics. The larger the zoom, the more complex the optical design and the more difficult it is to get good image quality. Also, keep in mind that the viewing angle of 55 to 200 mm on DX cameras is equivalent to the viewing angle of the lens 82.5-300 mm for full-frame cameras. More details in the section on crop factor. I used several Nikon 55-200 VR lenses and did not observe spontaneous focal length changes on them under my own weight (the trunk itself did not protrude).
- Built-in ultrasonic focusing motor SWM (Silent Wave Motor) - allows you to focus on all Nikon digital SLR cameras. This factor is important to owners of non-powered cameras by type Nikon D5200, Nikon D3200 etc. since they can easily use this lens on their cameras.
- Internal focus - when focusing, only the internal parts of the lens move, which means that the front lens and its frame do not move. This will allow you to use different filters without problems. I recommend immediately get protective filter, a filter diameter of 52 mm, filters of this diameter are considered the most common and easiest to find.
- The Nikon HB-37 lens hood comes with a lens. It is very pleasant that Nikon has not been stingy of additional accessories such as blends or caps for its lenses recently. The hood is quite large and with it the lens looks very solid. You can also wind the hood in the opposite direction and always carry it with you. With this installation method, the lens hood does not take up extra space, always on the lens. But if the hood is wound in the opposite direction, then it covers the focus ring and you cannot use the lens in manual focus mode until you remove the hood.
- VR ('Vibration Reduce') is Nikon's term for Image Stabilizer. it the most important aspect in this lens. The stabilization system will allow you to shoot without grease from your hands at slower shutter speeds. The instructions say that you can reduce the shutter speed by 3 steps, which is 2 ^ 3 = 8 times, that is, if you shot with shutter speedequal to 1/160 s, then now the same can be repeated with shutter speed 1/20 s without loss of sharpness (for stationary objects). This is an indispensable feature in the dark. For a telephoto camera, image stabilization is a very useful feature. Of course, the instructions are a bit exaggerated and in reality it will be possible to shoot at shutter speeds no longer than 1/60 s at a 200 mm focal length. There is a button on the lens to control the operation of the 'VR ON / OFF' stabilizer.
- The image quality is acceptable, it is useless to hope for something super-good, for it alone says its price.
Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G ED VR IF SWM with hood installed
What did not like:
- The lens is almost all made of plastic. The bayonet mount (attachment point) is also plastic. The lens itself is made in China :(.
- Auto focus speed is average. It's funny, but the Nikon 55-200 VR focuses faster than the more advanced model - Nikon DX AF-S NIKKOR 55-300mm 1: 4.5-5.6G ED VR SWM HRI. The focus ring, unlike the zoom ring, is not rubberized and rotates only 60 degrees.
- The lens does not have any additional marks on its body.
- During focal length changes (zooming), the rear lens moves, creating a “vacuum cleaner effect,” which can quickly contaminate the interior of the camera.
- The lens shows good sharpness at f / 7.1 apertures
- Nikon 55-200 VR has a weak macro, with a maximum magnification of 1: 4.3.
- The lens does not have a permanent manual focus control mode 'M / AM'. Attention: To focus manually, be sure to move the lens to the 'M' position. During autofocus, the focus ring rotates and cannot be touched. Alas, focusing is not the quietest.
Here link to the archive with the originals - 294 MB, 37 photos in .NEF format (RAW) from the camera Nikon D80.
From personal experience using:
The built-in image stabilizer can sometimes buzz and jerk the image in the viewfinder - this is due to the fact that the stabilizer still works for some time after pressing the shutter button and when you move the camera, the stabilizer holds the picture, and then it turns off and the picture “twitches” due to moving the camera. This is absolutely normal. To check the stabilizer, you need to turn off autofocus, turn on the stabilizer and press the shutter button halfway at this time, the noise from the operation of the hybrid gyroscopic drive should be heard.
Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G ED VR IF SWM with hood installed in transport mode
If shooting at long focal lengths, it is advisable to use excerpts no longer than 1/300 - 1/200 s (if you shoot without the stabilizer turned on) and always remember that the stabilizer only helps to reduce the level of vibrations, but does not completely remove them - therefore sometimes you have to use a tripod. I highly recommend reading the article as take offto prevent blurry pictures.
View of the Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G ED VR IF SWM lens on the camera
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View of the Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G ED VR IF SWM lens on the camera. The special enlightenment of the lenses is clearly visible.
All original Nikon DX telephoto lenses
- Nikon DX AF S Nikkor 55-200mm 1:4-5.6G ED SWMarel 2005
- Nikon DX AF S Nikkor 55-200mm 1:4-5.6G ED VR IF SWMMarch 2007
- Nikon DX AF S Nikkor 55-200mm 1:4-5.6GII ED VRIIJanuary 2015
- Nikon DX AF S Nikkor 55-300mm 1:4.5-5.6G ED VR SWM HRIAugust 2010
- Nikon DX AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4.5-6.3G EDAugust 2016
- Nikon DX AF-P Nikkor 70-300mm 1:4.5-6.3G ED VRAugust 2016
A list of absolutely all lenses of the Nikon DX series, as well as a lot of useful information on lenses and cameras Nikon will find here.
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
Conclusion:
Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6G ED VR IF SWM is one of the most affordable telephoto lenses for Nikon DX cameras. The lens produces image quality comparable to its cost. Me aboutI liked very much its lightness and the presence of a stabilizer. Due to its low cost, I recommend it as a good addition to a standard class lens 18-55 / 3.5-5.6.
In 2015, this lens was replaced with an updated model - Nikon DX AF-S NIKKOR 55-200mm 1: 4-5.6GII ED VR II.
Material prepared Arkady Shapoval. Training/Consultations | Youtube | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | Telegram
Good afternoon!
Understood thanks.
I will not worry about the lenses.
“Pro Photo” has blocked links to my website “Radozhiva” in its comments. Therefore, I dislike them. As for the lenses, yes, at certain values of the aperture and focal length 55-200 loses. But please note that 200mm is sufficient for a crop.
Thank you very much for your answer (I have to agree about the professional photo - the guys have zeros ($$) between the lines in their eyes, at least this is the impression, although ... maybe I'm wrong). In general, I came here http://the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/ISO-12233-Sample-Crops.aspx?Lens=665&Camera=614&Sample=0&FLI=5&API=5&LensComp=662&CameraComp=614&SampleComp=0&FLIComp=1&APIComp=2 (the moderators hopefully got used to it), attracted the attention of a STRONG blur in the interval between 18 mm and 45 mm FR at 18-55 VR at the edges of the frame (the lower part of the test picture) compared to 18-105 VR at apertures 3,5 - 5,6. Things got better only after 8,0 (18-55 VR), while, for example, the 18-105 VR has no problems throughout the entire focal range at any aperture values; this phenomenon suggests that in the aperture range of 3,5 - 5,6 at a FR of 18-45mm, the 18-55 VR “falls out” the corresponding depth of field, with a static distance to the subject of the composition (group of faces), causing the need to run very dynamically squat in search of an acceptable exposure, when unfavorable conditions (on the left and on the right, a long wall-cabinet, replete with an unlimited number of glittering surfaces such as glass-mirror; tables bursting with an abundance of various dishes, decanters and glasses) stand exactly in those places from where both once “exactly that” density / sharpness of the background is revealed ... In short, the question began to haunt - is everything so bad in 18-55 VR in fact, or are there intrigues of capitalism (http://the-digital-picture.com/) and can they be trusted? Since I myself am engaged in computers, I have often met “marketing tests” of budget “pieces of iron” that run counter to reality, due to the drop in sales of top positions from the same “testing”, because the motto is “until the paint is thickened, no one will rush to spend spend spend loot "works along with" ... people hawala "(c), because 18-105 VR is 2-4 times more expensive than 18-55 VR \ notVR ...
So to summarize:
In view of the above, I visited LIGHT THOUGHT - look for a whale version of the NIKON D3100 18-105 VR (well, I really like sharp photos, especially where they should be sharp), or stop pretending to be a sophisticated photo connoisseur and take the whale of the same Nikon, only 18-55 VR and having bought 55-200 VR (having invested in the same money), enjoy the "sometimes-soap" wide-portrait and more telezoom, convincing myself that my KODAK Z1085 IS still takes pictures incomparably worse.
Thank you in advance for your patience, with uv. BaBaN
18-55 there are three modifications, as I wrote in the review of the ED version without VR, the lens of the second version without VR is pretty good and on the edges of the frame, F8.0 has excellent sharpness all over the field. 18-105 VR, which I used for about half a year, on the contrary, was less harsh than 18-55. Therefore, it is still very much dependent on the direct instance. I sold my 18-105 precisely because I needed a sharper wide angle. My idea is this: one 18-105 VR is better than two 18-55 and 55-200, if you look at them from a high level, they do not reach the level. Here you have some interesting food about 55-200 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-Bd0Q8l7pI&list=PL94F8F23975CFFD79&index=13&feature=plpp_video , look where they say about diffraction (NHC says that with this lens you can’t shoot at 55mm and 200mm at all).
Thank you very much, I'm already looking ...
And do not mind you listening to all sorts of dunno)))
In fact, there are not so many questions for the day, I am editing photos today, while the computer is digesting MOWs, I look at my Rainbow and answer :)
there are no examples of photos, even if the test grid was shot at 50 there, at 200 ... and the graphics are certainly beautiful, but laconic ...
I’ll search for larger examples of photos, and there it will be seen
Advise what to buy a lens for the D3100 camera! 18-55 flew (
A good replacement for 18-105 VR and 18-200 VR
Nikon 55-200, what will not work? I am not an amateur (((We are waiting for the birth of a child and want to photograph him, but we have not decided what better yet ....
This is a lens that is "long-range", it is difficult for them to shoot indoors, there will not be a wide angle of coverage, therefore, I suggest you take a universal lens 18-105, or 18-200
thanks I will know now))
Arkady, advise that it is better to take 55-200 with a stub or 70-300 without ??? Who do you prefer and why?
For a crop, I would take it with a stub, without a stub - a waste of money.
All the same, which is better 55-200 or 70-300?
The lens is a bit different. If for a full frame, 70-300 by itself is better, if for crop, then 55-200 with a stub is better, as I already wrote.
for D80))) a good device))) I’m watching TV sets for him! and why for crop 70-300 will be worse than 55-200?
I did not say that 70-300 will be worse for a crop. Compared to the 55-200, the 300mm focal length without a stabilizer is a very difficult task.
And if both with a stub, then it will be better 70-300?
Yes, stabilizer option https://radojuva.com.ua/2011/10/obzor-nikon-70-300mm-f-4-5-5-6g-ed-if-af-s-vr-zoom-nikkor/ much better than 55-200.
For those who underestimate the capabilities of 18-55 VR, I still want to say the following, you should not write it off quickly, this is an excellent lens, especially if I use it with an external flash, I used to shoot their wedding before I saved it at high-speed zoom)) For those who like portraits 50mm 1.8G is just the king, not a glass and not expensive at all. So think about it, do you need a telephoto at all ?? My bright thought is addressed first of all to those who are faced with the choice of which kit to create masterpieces to take, so here's my tip, start with whale + external flash, and d proc eed will understand.
Sergey, many thanks for the bright thought.
Not a bad idea, but half a toss will not allow making non-staged natural portraits “from an ambush”.
There are 5100 kit 18-55VR. I want to buy 55-200 sometimes it is impossible to “zoom” with your feet)). Question: must it be with a stub? Under normal lighting, I realized that everything would be ok, but is it very critical if there is insufficient lighting in the evening, for example. (portrait, sports, landscape) There is a tripod, but not always carry it with you!
Yes, you need to take with a stabilizer.
Hello Arkady, thank you so much for your work. Your reviews have a lot of useful information. My question is: what is the distance in meters from the lens to the person, if you make a facial portrait?
At what focal length?
200 mm correction
If only a facial portrait, then 6-10 meters. Sorry, I can’t do the test now, there’s no 200mm at hand.
Thanks, I'm still thinking what to take
Hello Arkady !! I re-read absolutely all the comments, but I still can’t decide) I have D3100 + 18-55 VR! I want to buy a lens a little better. What is better to take 55-200 or all the same 18-105? or are there other options? Thanks a lot in advance!!
Of these two, you'd better take 55-200. If you have extra money, then 55-300 will be a very good option.
Thank you very much!!
I understand that a set of 18-55 + 55-200 will be better than 18-105 for the same money. Since the whale 18-55 at a wide angle behaves sharper. Yes, and a focal length of 6 × 18-105 cannot give a better picture than 3 × of each of these two lenses. Or am I wrong?
The kit will be better.
Thanks! And if it’s not difficult for you, tell me, is the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm F / 4-5.6G ED worse than the newer version with the stub? That is, can I take it off my hands? And how much worse picture quality?
Worse, quantifying is difficult. About quality Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 55-200mm F / 4-5.6G ED is written in this review. Yes, it will be possible to remove from hand in normal light.
Hello!
You can advice, I bought a used Nikon D3000 without a lens, before that I photographed everything on shovel optics (Helios-81N, Jupiter-37A, Helios-44M), but I thought about buying a more modern lens with autofocus and zoom ... You will not advise which is better purchase from the category of a budget (UAH 3000) of more or less normal quality ...
For what purpose? What focal length are you interested in?
for versatile shooting (portrait - landscape). Focal length up to 200 mm. I would like an even bigger viewing angle)
Nikon 18-200 is not bad in this class.
I read a lot of positive reviews on this lens ... but the price bites a little, the more the lens will be used purely for amateur filming, in the secondary market it is probably not much cheaper, maybe something simpler ...
Good afternoon! Please tell me. I have a Nikon 5100 18-55 and 55-200 I want a more powerful follow-up that you advise!
1. Teleconverter
2. Long telephoto lens