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
will marry 55-200 second-hand for 1000g (12 months in operation, according to the words in perfect condition, still under warranty), is it worth taking a used / new one? How much would you recommend buying used?
Take used or a new one - you decide upon direct examination of the first option.
Thank you
Arkady, good afternoon! Tell me what is better to take to Nikon d60 after 18-55 - 55-200 or 55-300, I would like 70-300, but a little expensive .. Thanks in advance!
If there is no money, then there’s nothing to think about :) 55-200 will be a good option.
Arkady, thanks for the answer, but could you explain to the beginner why 55-200 is better than 55-300? Thank you in advance!
I did not write that he is better. Often focal lengths up to 200mm on the crop are enough, 300mm you rarely have to shoot for a number of photo tasks.
Arkady, thanks again for the answer!
Tell me an inexpensive lens for Nikon 5100, so that you can take pictures of children’s homes, and on the street, if you take pictures to the full height, the background blurred well? for a beginner .. therefore with autofocus, if any. Thank you in advance)
Hello Arkady, help me decide on a choice for the D-50 Nikon 55-300 f / 4.5-5.6G ED DX VR AF-S Nikkor or Nikon 55-200mm f / 4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor unfortunately did not understand the difference
This is the same lens that is called differently in different stores. There is no difference.
Hello! Tell me which photo is better to get for a start? Nikon D3100 Kit 18-55 VR, 55-200 VR or D5100 18-55VR D3200 18-55VR
Thoughts of choice can be found here. https://radojuva.com.ua/2013/01/what-camera-nikon-shoud-i-buy/
Please advise what to take Tamron AF 70-300mm F / 4-5.6 Di LD MACRO 1: 2 Nikon or Nikon 55-200 f / 4-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor. I re-read a bunch of everything and my head is already spinning. tamron attracts macro shooting, Nikon at a price. for amateur photography. Thanks in advance. PS. for Nikon D3100
Please do not ignore the message ... There is no one else to ask .... (((
For amateur photography - without much difference, I would take my own Nikon's. There are many more to ask, Radozhiva is not the only resource.
?
Hello!
I want to ask you which one is better to buy a lens for nikon D3200.
I just realized that the 18-55 kit was not enough for me and decided that something bigger was needed)
I would like a wide-angle lens with a good macro) Which advise?
Hello Arkady!
I shoot on my lightweight D40 with a standard 18-55. There was a little money, and what to do:
1) Sell a carcass and buy a new D3100 body (my mileage of my D40 is already 60000)
2) Either invest in a new lens
PS
From the lens, on the one hand, I want more aperture (I'm thinking of the Nikon 50mm AF-S f / 1.8), and on the other hand, I want a bigger focal length limit.
Tell me) Thank you in advance!
First, decide to buy a new camera or a new lens. Then you will choose models.
Well, for example, I want to buy a Nikon 50mm AF-S f / 1.8G lens.
I will use it as a portrait. He has very good bokeh.
Isn’t the acquisition of this optics a waste of money? 18-55mm do I have?
Aperture is important to me, but an expensive telephoto lens is expensive.
Nikon 50mm AF-S f / 1.8G will not be a waste of money, it is a lens of a completely different class, compared to 18-55mm.
Arkady tell me if you choose for a portrait and just shooting indoors which fix is better than 35 f / 1.8 or 50 f / 1.8?
For a room better than 35mm f / 1.8
Arkady I have a question for you, I have a Nikon d 5100 18-55mm and 50mm. But wants a shtoto more universal like 18-105mm or better to take 35mm and 70-300mm
ATP for the answer
Hello. I think to get Nikon D3200. recommend a non-expensive and universal (if possible) lens. I take the camera for home-family shooting, experience very good. little, but I will learn))) Thank you in advance.
this https://radojuva.com.ua/2010/12/obzor-nikon-18-105-otzuv-nikkor/
Thanks a lot. What about the camera? Worth a choice or advise something else?
Arkady, good afternoon!
Your advice is needed! I have a Nikon D90 18-105kit. I constantly photograph a lot of individual furniture as well as interiors, decor items (candlesticks, vases, pillows), in rooms with poor lighting. What about the AF-S NIKKOR 50mm f / 1,8G? Tell a lens for Nikon that matches my goals.
Thank you very much for your attention and help !!!
Hello Arkady. After reading several reviews about SLR photos, I have not really decided yet, but I need your advice. I have traveling work and different objects, each object is at different distances, one at a distance of 3-7 meters and the other at a distance of up to 3 km.
the choice between Nikon D3100 18-55 - 55-200 or D3200 18-105 + 70-300 or the same cameras but other lenses
Hello Arkady! Recently became the owner of the NIKON-D3100 18-55 vr kit. I am new to SLR cameras. My daughter is engaged in dancing and competitions take place mainly in concert halls, I take pictures from the audience. I would like to purchase an inexpensive lens suitable for this purpose. At 18-55, there was still no opportunity to shoot in the hall. It seems to me that his focal length for a close-up is not enough. Will 55-200 fit? Thank you in advance for your response .
Good afternoon, Arkady, I am here for advice and clarifications. At the moment there is a Nikon D40 with a kit lens. in the future I plan to switch to Nikon D5200, most likely. in this regard - questions: as a portrait lens, which is better to take - 50 1/8 G or 35 1/8 G? how will they differ in practice? and one more thing: what is the difference between Nikon AF-S DX 55-300mm / 4.5-5.6 G ED VR and Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm / 4-5.6G IF-ED VR? what to choose? whose quality is better?
what is 55-200 non VR word non which means
Hello, Arkady! The question may be peculiar, but still ... I have, to put it mildly, not the best financial position, Nikon D40, Kit 18-55 and the desire to develop))) I fired up 50 / 1.8 because I really want to develop in the direction portrait, while I want to shoot auto-moto sports, which implies zoom. And now I read * that the telephoto is convenient for shooting portraits * and I think whether it is possible to cheat fate?)) I subconsciously understand that not, but I would like your comment. Thank you!
A TV is suitable for a portrait, and a good TV is good for a portrait. 55-200 is not the best option, but you can shoot.
http://www.nikon.ru/ru_RU/product/nikkor-lenses/auto-focus-lenses/dx/zoom/55-200mm-f-4-5-6-af-s-vr-dx-zoom-nikkor
http://www.nikon.ru/ru_RU/product/nikkor-lenses/auto-focus-lenses/dx/zoom/55-200mm-f-4-5-6g-ed-af-s-dx-zoom-nikkor
What is the difference? Thanks for the answer!
The difference is stabilization.
Thank you, Arkady, for your advice. Recently, thanks to your thoughts outlined on this resource, I bought myself a Nikon 5100 18-55VR. Before that, there was a soap dish - because the camera is more than satisfied. I work in sales (plumbing wholesale). And my partner and I decided to make a good catalog and website. To do this, you need to take a lot of photos (probably a thousand). Photoshoot will be carried out outside. Filming objects - showers and hydroboxes (mainly glass - multi-colored, semi-mirror), bathroom furniture (mdf - white, bright colors, with drawings, with structure) and ceramics (toilets, washbasins). There are no big requirements for the quality of photos, but I still want the photo to convey all the charm of our products. What lens would you recommend to additionally purchase for such subject shooting (I have already purchased a tripod).
Thank you in advance.
Actually 18-55 with the head should be enough.
Thank you!
Hello Arkady! I read a lot of your answers, everything is written in a very accessible language. But I, unfortunately, have not decided on the choice of lens on the Nikon D3100. Included on sale is an 18-55 mm VR lens. Having read a lot of articles about lenses, I came to the conclusion that such a lens is no good for photos that are clearer, with a blurry background. I’m a beginner, and it’s not surprising to me that I want from the camera exactly vivid photos and with a blurry background to photograph family holidays, landscapes, animals. Please advise some optimal lens option for a reasonable price. (up to 15 000 r) Thanks in advance!
Nice work 18-55 and to it in addition to 50 1.8G like this https://radojuva.com.ua/2012/02/obzor-nikon-50-mm-f-1-8-g-af-s/ to blur the background.
Hello, Arkady! Please advise which telephoto is better to take. There are two options, at the same price of 1K UAH AF Nikkor 70-210 4-5.6 or 55-200 DX. Camera - D90
Thank you!
A TV set that is not stressful to take with you “just in case”. I managed to lose it :( Now there is an expensive heavy telephoto camera, but much less everyday photos from ordinary walks, etc. - you won't wear it every time. I miss 55-200, although I scolded him when I had it. But when processing increase contrast, sharpness, saturate the colors a little - and that's not bad.
Good evening! I bought my first SLR camera, but I just can’t figure it out on the nikon d5100 lenses 18-55 and 55-200, please give a reference to read the capabilities of the lenses and how to set them up, I really like to shoot macro, but something doesn’t work out ( .Thanks in advance:)