Review of Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM Aspherical (first version)

According provided by lens Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM Aspherical many thanks to Philip Chulanov.

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM Aspherical Review

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM Aspherical Review

Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM Aspherical is such a small lens, it has such a long name :). This is a brief overview due to the fact that Radozhiv already has a more detailed description of his copy - Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED SWM Aspherical.

Main technical specifications of Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM Aspherica:

Review Instance Name Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM Aspherica
Basic properties
  • DX (for Nikon DX) - Lens designed for Nikon DX APS-C cameras
  • AF S (built in Auto Focus motor) - built-in focusing motor
  • G (Gelded) - no aperture control ring, transfer of focusing distance to the camera
  • AS (ASPHERICAL) - the use of special aspherical elements in the optical scheme
  • SWM (Silent wave motor) - silent wave focusing motor
  • ED (Extra low dispersion) - the use of special low dispersion elements in the optical scheme
  • AM (Autofocus or manual focus switch) - focus mode switch
  • NIC (Nikon Integrated lens Coating) - special integrated enlightenment of optics
  • most often the lens comes with entry-level Nikon DX cameras
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 cameras Nikon DX
Number of aperture blades 7 rounded petals
Tags focal lengths for 18, 24, 35, 45, and 55 mm; bayonet mount tag and lens hood mounts.
Diaphragm 18 mm from F / 3.5 to F / 22. 55 mm from F / 5.6 to F / 38.

Maximum aperture values ​​depending on the zoom scale:

  • 18 mm: F / 3.5
  • 24 mm: F / 4.0
  • 28 mm: F / 4.2
  • 35 mm: F / 4.8
  • 45 mm: F / 5.3
  • 55 mm: F / 5.6

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 210 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.

Optical design Nikon 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor

The image of the circuit is clickable.

Lens hood Nikon HB-33, bayonet type (not supplied, and must be purchased separately)
Manufacturer country MADE IN THAILAND
Period From April 2005 to 2006, subsequently replaced / supplemented by a lens Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6GII ED AF-S DX Nikkor SWM Aspherical.
Price

Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G was announced in spring 2005 along with a camera Nikon D50 and was released a little over a year. In December 2006 was replaced by a version GII. Version G and GII have same optical design, the same control and practically act as a copy of each other. Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G suitable for all cameras Nikon DXsince the lens has built-in focus motor.

Two versions of the first version

Two versions of the first version

And here is the second version:

The second version of the lens in two versions

The second version of the lens in two versions

It is very funny that the version of the GII narrowed the ribbed rubber of the zoom ring, but a silver border was added near the front lens. Also, lenses differ in zoom marks and, slightly, the shape of the body.

Interestingly, the GII version was replaced by the 'VR' version with image stabilization - Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Nikkor SWM Aspherical in the optical scheme of which the ED element was removed. Thus the 'G' and 'GII' versions have 1 aspherical element and one ED element in their optical design, while the newer 'VR' version has only 1 aspherical element. Because of this, it is often rumored that older lenses had better image quality. However, the 'GII' version is still being produced in parallel with the 'VR' version, although it remains a mystery to me who buys a version without a stabilizer these days.

In fact, the Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G is a very 'naked' lens - it has neither internal focusing (the front lens rotates and slides forward) nor a focusing mode M \ Anor image stabilizer. Even the lens mount is plastic, not to mention the absence of any marks, such as focus distance or depth of field. In the hands of such a lens feels like a plastic Chinese toy, which does not inspire any confidence. On the copy from my review, the gum of the zoom ring slightly swelled from old age.

Optical design Nikon 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor

Optical design Nikon 18-55mm f / 3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Nikkor. The aspherical element is in blue and the ED element is in yellow.

The lens has an average focus speed. Errors in focusing, or something else strange, I did not notice. Maybe someone will be surprised, but Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G focuses faster than Nikon 18-140mm 1: 3.5-5.6G DX AF-S... The front lens moves in waves when zooming. For manual focusing, be sure to set the lens to 'M' mode using the dedicated switch on the lens. Focusing manually is just disgusting - the focus ring rotates only 45 degrees, while it is very narrow and not rubberized. The aperture consists of 7 blades, closes to F / 22 @ 18mm and F / 36 @ 55mm.

Of the advantages, one should definitely note its very low weight and small size. This is one of the lightest DX lenses out there and won't get in the way when traveling or hiking. And also a very small minimum focusing distance of only 28 cm, which allows you to shoot close-up subjects. By the way, this lens can be easily turned into a super macro lens, which is described in the section 'Macro adapter for Nikon G-type lenses'. If the capabilities of Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G are not enough, then I recommend looking into section on the selection of cameras and lenses Nikon.

The parameters shown in the photo gallery:
Everything is filmed on Nikon D80. On camera JPEG L Fine, no processing, original 10MP photo size. All captured with Picture Control N (neutral). Long exposure noise reduction is off, high ISO noise reduction is 'Norm'.

Now on sale you can find only newer versions of this GII and VR lens:

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

A line of standard (i.e. 'whale') class 18-55 / 3.5-5.6 lenses for cameras Nikon DX:

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.

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

Results

Write about whale lens always difficult. On the one hand, this is the most primitive autofocus zoom lens for cropped cameras, on the other hand, it is not at all as bad as inexperienced, and sophisticated, amateur photographers often say about it :). Of course, Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G is far from Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-55mm 1: 2.8G ED IF SWM DX, but it also costs only some 50 USD. At the same time, at closed apertures, we get quite adequate sharpness, good contrast and normal work in the backlight. Image quality only suffers greatly from distortion, vignetting and weak sharpness at open apertures. Anyway, Nikon 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G can be a very useful 'toy' in skilled handsand many 'housewives' who use a DSLR don't need more.

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

Add a comment: DTL

 

 

Comments: 26, on the topic: Review of the Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 1: 3.5-5.6G ED SWM Aspherical (first version)

  • R'RёS,R ° F "RёR№

    Bypasses almost all other whales in quality and is among the top ten NIKON lenses according to Ken :)

    • Basil

      it's hard to argue =) very flexible =)

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Ken did not include this, but the GII version in his rating.

      • R'RёS,R ° F "RёR№

        same eggs but side view :)

  • Basil

    A whale lens for someone like:) is delayed for a long time, for someone for a week and then other glasses ...

  • Eugene

    sorry photo is not enough in the review ... not really considered

  • fierce Anonymous

    Native glass, I started with it))) I changed the camera and replaced it with 18-105 ... if it hadn't been for chromatilizing strongly, and Tamron would not have bought a sharper picture. Thanks for the review, inspired)

  • Denis

    Kit does not always mean “weak”, my colleague shoots with the second version (18-55… GII) of this lens and from the processed photos he makes up photobooks of very decent quality. Focus speed is a relative concept. I myself use 18-105 (Kit), focusing speed is enough for the vast majority of dynamic scenes; Moreover, at events with insufficient (club-type) lighting, with all sorts of backlash laser "deceivers" of autofocus, the 18-105th works with a clear conscience - 9 out of 10 dynamic shots exactly in focus. I always try to use the most “disadvantageous” shooting points (against the light, climb higher, etc.), because The “profitable” ones are already occupied by hired photographers and other guests with gold-red lenses. Do not rush to buy expensive lenses, Kits (and in fact, excellent lenses) and lenses of similar price allow you to get excellent results with a certain experience.

  • Do_Oraemon

    For me, one plus of this glass is simply undeniable - for such a price it is not a pity to lose it or screw it up.

  • Valery

    Reviews got bored….

    • Arkady Shapoval

      Just not so long ago you had a different opinion :)

    • fierce Anonymous

      Make your own;) we are happy to honor

    • Lynx

      but you are still just as funny. )

  • Michael

    Plus only 1 is a cheap wide angle ... Thanks for the review Arkady. As always, everything is clearly and intelligibly described.

    • Denis

      I would like to add about the wide angle; repeatedly here on Radozhiv I noted in the comments that 18 mm is enough for me on the crop always and everywhere. But I began to face situations in the process of shooting "winter" weddings, when guests want a group photo in the room right after the painting of the young, or when it is necessary to take various kinds of interior photos in halls with beautiful architecture, etc. Here 18 mm is not enough :)), even the attached Nikkor 14-24 does not help much in resolving the situation (at least on the crop).

  • Vyacheslav

    The last photo is very similar to the photo with Helios.

    • Arkady Shapoval

      This is due to the small MDF amplification of the background blur.

  • marina

    a good model, but nowadays camera flaws can be fixed http://studioimpress.ru/obrabotka-foto

  • varezhkin

    This lens, like the D50, was quickly discontinued ... I think for a reason. I barely found it in ex. comp.

    • Vyacheslav

      sometimes the manufacturer removes cameras with a low price and rich functionality - so that they do not interfere with selling more amateur ones at the same price tag + if it was possible to reduce the cost of lens production - in the new version - naturally the old one will be removed from production - which does not mean that the old camera d50 - for example, is worse than d40. .or that the old glass is worse than the new one - especially for the very amateur segment - it is enough to glide at d50 and on a modern crop - for example, d3100 mli 3200 - plastic and workmanship, functional and battery capacity - everything will be better and much better for the old man - therefore removed from production - imagine a camera at the price of d3200 but with an additional LCD screen + screwdriver + capacious battery + casing - without increasing the price - who would need a 5000 series? vabsche to anyone - and sales of the 7000th would be greatly reduced) .. marketing ...

      • Sergey

        For 5100 and above, you can safely set ISO800, and sometimes ISO1600 and not be afraid of noise.
        You can't afford that on D50. So there would be people interested in it too. Although, for example, I would like myself a Nikon D50 with high ISO and a large swivel screen ...

  • Anatoly

    I bought such a device in the emirates, 8kb pictures, my daughter bought in Russia, 24kb pictures, why so?

    • Lynx

      In Russia, it immediately includes in the file size the volume of "both rollback and customs clearance". The technique is imported.

  • Alyona

    Tell me! How to remove (memory card is locked, move the switch to the recording position)? Where is this switch?

    • KalekseyG

      on the card itself, the switch must be raised up, remove it

  • DTL

    Well, technically, this is one of the last whale-building masterpieces of the outgoing techie. on the 7/5 scheme there are more whales and zooms, IMHO and no. on the 7/5 scheme, to have a tolerable apparent 3x zoom is a real photo feat. Together with a relatively new clearance from the Nikon of the 200x season, this gives us approximately the contrast system itself, but in a small size and light weight and with a low price and in the presence of homing. in practical comparison with the newer time of season 201x - the small lens with food, as expected, gives more pure colors from less scattering in the system and even has a very decent bokeh (seen in the pictures of medium size - at less than 5 meters from the fotik approximately. they have already thrown away expensive food and poured headless lenses up to 8/11 and it has become much worse in many photographic terms (we could have switched to more megapuxelny cameras and there it was necessary to raise the MTF even with complete shit on the rest of the picture quality). only in a part of the photos and gives only about 2 times the benefit.But to the great horror, turning off VR on the VR version without the possibility of throwing out extra lenses from there and they spoil both colors and contrast and bokeh in 100 percent of the photos. enough light to take pictures on food and only rarely when there is little light and you still need +2 two stubs to wind up a much more photographically dull time whale.

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