Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II AF-S DX

Nikon continues to pump out new lenses for their top of the line digital SLR cameras and although the selection of modern available cameras remain limited and rather easy to pick, choosing the right lens can be tough even for people that feel they need extra features that their included kit lens doesn’t have. But if budget is a major concern, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6g ED VR II may fit the bill. Priced well under $900, the NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6g ED VR II brings plenty of the newest technologies to amateur photographers while keeping the weight light.

Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II AF-S DX | Lens Details

Classification

The Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II adds to the big family of standard zoom lenses out there. In the focal range area, it is very much similar to the AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED, but the latter adds some versatility along with some convenient functions. Therefore, this is one of the lenses that will replace the IF-ED model.

Design & Construction

The Nikon 18-200mm VR II looks very much similar to the older 18-200mm counterpart mentioned earlier because of the similar features that they both share. One minor change is the VR label printed in gold rather than red. The lens construction is similar though where there are two ED glass elements and three aspherical lens elements that together contribute to better sharpness, color correction, and image quality. As for the overall build quality, the ruggedness isn’t improved that much and still falls under the pro grade lenses that are available. Still it looks like a professional performer that can pair well with the latest Nikon digital SLR cameras.

Features & Specifications

Just like the IF-ED, the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6g ED VR II has the same 11x zoom versatility and 27-300mm picture angle equivalent in 35mm format making it an excellent one-lens solution. It also incorporates the VR II technology which helps reduces unnecessary vibrations that cause blur. This in turn increases the sharpness without any processing power by allowing handheld held shooting at 4 shutter speeds slower.

Superior color consistency is achieved too with the Super Integrated Coating technology which drastically improves light transmission and at the same time also helps reduce flare and ghosting. Since it lacks the Nano Crystal Coat found in advanced models, this coating effectively minimizes the negative effectives. Using wide aperture settings is no longer a gamble thanks to the two ED elements and three aspherical lens elements that eliminate coma and keep chromatic aberrations to a minimum. It also uses the Nikon Silent Wave Motor which is effective in ensuring quiet autofocus operation while maintaining quickness and precision. Out-of-focus image elements have a more natural appearance thanks to the rounded 7-blade diaphragm.

One of the newest features to grace the 18-200mm ED VR II is the helpful zoom lock switch which keeps the lens barrel secured when a minimum length is in use. Versatility is also extended allowing focus of up to 20 inches.

On the side, everything else is basically the same with the HB-35 lens hood that it comes with. This flower-shaped lens hood aids in separating the most wanted parts of the image from any light that degrade the area. Manual and autofocus operation can be easily switched using the M/A focus mode switch making it ideal for a number of different DSLR cameras.

Bottom Line

Nikon successfully improves a highly receptive product giving more amateurs a reason to use a high zoom ratio lens. The image stabilization technologies are very efficient and the two VR modes make it ideal for using the lens for a variety of occasions. It may not have the same build quality as the professional lenses, but the weight is considerably lighter to better complement the entry-level cameras and the technologies housed in the lens can make any user feel like they are using a more improved Nikon body. All of the technologies ultimately lead to an overall better picture in all angles of quality.

View Latest Offer on Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Enjoy Free Shipping & Secure Shopping