The Nikon AF-S 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens from Nikon is an all-purpose zoom lens capable of shooting wide angle to super telephoto focal lengths. This lens has a zoom range of 18-300mm, which provides the 35mm focal length equivalent of 27-450mm in the DX format, making it useful in a wide range of shooting situations. The lens utilises a Silent Wave Motor enabling quick, quiet auto focusing for photo and video as well as an internal focusing system that keeps the lens design compact. Also, second-generation Vibration Reduction technology optically stabilises the image to reduce the effects of camera shake and movement providing the equivalent of up to 3.5 additional shutter speed stops. Helping with image quality are three aspherical and three extra-low dispersion glass lens elements that will minimise aberrations and lend to overall image clarity and colour accuracy. Nikon's Super Integrated Lens Coating reduces flare and ghosting and the lens has 9 rounded diaphragm blades for smooth out-of-focus areas and a 77mm front filter thread. This lens looks to be in near mint condition with almost no signs of use. The optics are clean and clear with no marks or scratches. The lens barrel shows almost no cosmetic marks. The focus ring is smooth and in great condition. The lens mount is in great condition showing almost no signs of use.
The Nikon AF-S 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens from Nikon is an all-purpose zoom lens capable of shooting wide angle to super telephoto focal lengths. This lens has a zoom range of 18-300mm, which provides the 35mm focal length equivalent of 27-450mm in the DX format, making it useful in a wide range of shooting situations. The lens utilises a Silent Wave Motor enabling quick, quiet auto focusing for photo and video as well as an internal focusing system that keeps the lens design compact. Also, second-generation Vibration Reduction technology optically stabilises the image to reduce the effects of camera shake and movement providing the equivalent of up to 3.5 additional shutter speed stops. Helping with image quality are three aspherical and three extra-low dispersion glass lens elements that will minimise aberrations and lend to overall image clarity and colour accuracy. Nikon's Super Integrated Lens Coating reduces flare and ghosting and the lens has 9 rounded diaphragm blades for smooth out-of-focus areas and a 77mm front filter thread. This lens looks to be in near mint condition with almost no signs of use. The optics are clean and clear with no marks or scratches. The lens barrel shows almost no cosmetic marks. The focus ring is smooth and in great condition. The lens mount is in great condition showing almost no signs of use.
There are no live offers for Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G Ed VR Lens right now. The all-time low we recorded was $125.50 on 1 Sept 2026. Set a price alert to hear when it's back in stock.
Prices last updated 1 Sept 2026.
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G Ed VR Lens
The Nikon AF-S 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens from Nikon is an all-purpose zoom lens capable of shooting wide angle to super telephoto focal lengths. This lens has a zoom range of 18-300mm, which provides the 35mm focal length equivalent of 27-450mm in the DX format, making it useful in a wide range of shooting situations. The lens utilises a Silent Wave Motor enabling quick, quiet auto focusing for photo and video as well as an internal focusing system that keeps the lens design compact. Also, second-generation Vibration Reduction technology optically stabilises the image to reduce the effects of camera shake and movement providing the equivalent of up to 3.5 additional shutter speed stops. Helping with image quality are three aspherical and three extra-low dispersion glass lens elements that will minimise aberrations and lend to overall image clarity and colour accuracy. Nikon's Super Integrated Lens Coating reduces flare and ghosting and the lens has 9 rounded diaphragm blades for smooth out-of-focus areas and a 77mm front filter thread. This lens looks to be in near mint condition with almost no signs of use. The optics are clean and clear with no marks or scratches. The lens barrel shows almost no cosmetic marks. The focus ring is smooth and in great condition. The lens mount is in great condition showing almost no signs of use.
The Nikon AF-S 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens from Nikon is an all-purpose zoom lens capable of shooting wide angle to super telephoto focal lengths. This lens has a zoom range of 18-300mm, which provides the 35mm focal length equivalent of 27-450mm in the DX format, making it useful in a wide range of shooting situations. The lens utilises a Silent Wave Motor enabling quick, quiet auto focusing for photo and video as well as an internal focusing system that keeps the lens design compact. Also, second-generation Vibration Reduction technology optically stabilises the image to reduce the effects of camera shake and movement providing the equivalent of up to 3.5 additional shutter speed stops. Helping with image quality are three aspherical and three extra-low dispersion glass lens elements that will minimise aberrations and lend to overall image clarity and colour accuracy. Nikon's Super Integrated Lens Coating reduces flare and ghosting and the lens has 9 rounded diaphragm blades for smooth out-of-focus areas and a 77mm front filter thread. This lens looks to be in near mint condition with almost no signs of use. The optics are clean and clear with no marks or scratches. The lens barrel shows almost no cosmetic marks. The focus ring is smooth and in great condition. The lens mount is in great condition showing almost no signs of use.
Last updated at 09/01/2026 06:23:35
Used Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VRII - Good
Delivery $34.88
[n.mint/in Box]nikon Af-s 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Ed Vr Dx Lens From Japan
Delivery $23.02
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Nikon 18-300mm f3.5-6.3 AF-S Nikkor G ED VR
Delivery $59
Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR at Etoren
Delivery $42
Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3G ED VR
Delivery $100
Nikon Camera Lens AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR for APS-C Black [Nikon F / zoom lens]
Delivery $31.15
Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3G ED VR *DX Format Lens (24mm X 16mm) AFSDXVR18-300G6.3
Delivery between 4–9 Sept $113.47
Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3G ED VR Lens
Free delivery between 7–15 Sept
Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm F3.5-6.3G ED VR Lens (New)
Nikon AF-S 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 VR ED Lens FX / DX Mount Camera Lens
Free delivery between Thu – Fri
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
The lens performs well at near and far zooms. I did some basic sharpness tests and got good results. I love the 18mm (28mm DX) and need the 300mm (460mm DX).I have noticed reviews of lack of sharpness and pincushion distortion. And, in my first attempt to use the lens out of the box I noticed that these were in fact characteristics of the lens. However, as Nikon recommends, I then upgraded my D500 to the latest firmware for Camera (C) and Lens Distortion (LD), and in the camera I turned on Auto Distortion Control, All issues went away.The lens is now performing excellently. Sharpness has returned, distortion has gone away. A definite 5 star piece of equipment.
originally posted on bestbuy.com
If you are considering buying this lens, then you have already done your homework and determined that Nikkor lenses offer some of the best glass on the market. If you are looking to upgrade from the 18-55mm kit lens that came with your DSLR, look no further.I initially purchased the Nikkor 18-200mm lens, which I was very happy with, so that is what I will focus on for comparison. You might also compare this lens with the Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, if you’re willing to pay a few hundred dollars more for a better aperture range and 3 additional lens elements. From my perspective, any minor improvement in image quality (and I would really have to be convinced of this, I don’t notice any) is immediately negated by the heavier weight of the more expensive ... MoreIf you are considering buying this lens, then you have already done your homework and determined that Nikkor lenses offer some of the best glass on the market. If you are looking to upgrade from the 18-55mm kit lens that came with your DSLR, look no further.I initially purchased the Nikkor 18-200mm lens, which I was very happy with, so that is what I will focus on for comparison. You might also compare this lens with the Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, if you’re willing to pay a few hundred dollars more for a better aperture range and 3 additional lens elements. From my perspective, any minor improvement in image quality (and I would really have to be convinced of this, I don’t notice any) is immediately negated by the heavier weight of the more expensive 300mm lens. Another 10 ounces (or 280 grams) on top of your solid-body DSLR doesn’t sound like a lot until it’s been hanging on your neck or shoulders several hours into a hike – trust me!Compared with the 18-200mm Nikkor lens, this 18-300mm really does give you a significant boost in zoom capacity. You don’t really want to use either extreme too often if you want to avoid image distortion, so having more focal length range to work with is always better in my opinion. Like other Nikkor lenses, the 18-300 is solidly-built, responsive, and produces clear, beautiful images. Both lenses can be “locked” at 18mm, which is a nice feature – though I have not experienced any lens creep at all with the 18-300 while I did with the 18-200. This 18-300 lens feels lighter yet sturdier and more compact than the 18-200, which is even more amazing when you consider what you’re getting for not that much more money.I learned photography on an old Pentax film camera with a 35mm lens, which meant I was used to zooming with my feet to get the shot I wanted. Having the simply ridiculous range from fairly wide at 18mm to a great zoom at 300mm means you can do just about anything you can imagine and (legally) pull off without ever having to change lenses. You can capture an entire mountain range in one second and then grab a quality shot of the wildlife that just appeared hundreds of yards away without missing a beat. The capabilities of this lens are mind-blowing and you will appreciate having it with you on any type of trip you might take.Like all automatic/manual Nikkor lenses, the focus and zoom grip rings are responsive and intuitive if you want to quickly take control during a shot. The vibration reduction will spoil you and open up new possibilities in terms of what you can capture in less than ideal conditions.If you are just starting out with a DX DSLR, this or an 18-200mm should be your go-to lens. If you pick up this great zoom and a 35mm fixed lens, that may be all you need in your bag for a long while!
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I've owned three all-in-one zoom lenses over the last four years and this one is the best of the bunch. The first lens I purchased was the Tamron 16-300mm f3.5/6.3 Di II VC PZD. I really wanted to keep this lens because of the incredible zoom range, especially at the wide end. After about 6 months of use, I sold it. It just wasn't very sharp. Maybe it was the copy I had but I wasn't willing to risk purchasing it again. In its place, I purchased the Nikon 18-140 f3.5-5.6 ED VR lens thinking that giving up some zoom range for a sharper lens would be worth it. However, in the end I sold this lens as well. It was sharp enough but the focus accuracy through the view finder on my Nikon D5500 cameras was poor, especially in low light. Several pictures were ruined because ... MoreI've owned three all-in-one zoom lenses over the last four years and this one is the best of the bunch. The first lens I purchased was the Tamron 16-300mm f3.5/6.3 Di II VC PZD. I really wanted to keep this lens because of the incredible zoom range, especially at the wide end. After about 6 months of use, I sold it. It just wasn't very sharp. Maybe it was the copy I had but I wasn't willing to risk purchasing it again. In its place, I purchased the Nikon 18-140 f3.5-5.6 ED VR lens thinking that giving up some zoom range for a sharper lens would be worth it. However, in the end I sold this lens as well. It was sharp enough but the focus accuracy through the view finder on my Nikon D5500 cameras was poor, especially in low light. Several pictures were ruined because of this so I sold it. I may have had a bad copy of this lens as well. I read the reviews for the redesigned 18-300mm f3.5-6.3G ED VR lens and decided to try one more time on a super-zoom. This time, I wasn't disappointed. The focus accuracy is decent, much better than the 18-140 I previously owned, and the lens is reasonably sharp, especially at f8 - f11. I like the light weight and zoom range. The only significant downside is that the zoom only reaches 300mm at infinity focus. At close range, it's only about 200mm, maybe less. Overall, I still like it and am going to keep it. I feel confident that I can get good pictures with this lens that are keepers, even with large prints. The two best practices using this lens are to stop down to f8-f11 when possible, and to use live view contrast-detect focus rather than phase-detect through the view finder in low light conditions. I've found that live view focus, although slow on the D5500, is more accurate and dependable in low-light conditions. Modern mirrorless cameras probably don't have this issue, so this is just something I do on the D5500 DSLR to get better focus in low light with this lens. I've included three pictures to show the versatility of this lens. The picture of my cat was taken from 10 feet away at 300mm and f6.3, handheld. It's very sharp. The sunset picture was taken in low light at 18mm and f8, handheld, through the view finder. The focus is pretty good. This lens can also capture sunstars as shown in the sunstar picture taken at f20, handheld. Some reviewers said that this lens doesn't capture sunstars but that's not true as you can see.
| General | |
| Length | 9.9 cm |
| Diameter | 7.85 cm |
| Weight | 550 g |
| Lens System |
Used Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VRII - Good
Delivery $34.88
[n.mint/in Box]nikon Af-s 18-300mm F3.5-6.3 Ed Vr Dx Lens From Japan
Delivery $23.02
Affiliate Disclosure: We may receive a small commission for purchases made through this link at no extra cost to you. This helps support our site. Thank you!
Nikon 18-300mm f3.5-6.3 AF-S Nikkor G ED VR
Delivery $59
Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR at Etoren
Delivery $42
Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm F/3.5-6.3G ED VR
Delivery $100
The lens performs well at near and far zooms. I did some basic sharpness tests and got good results. I love the 18mm (28mm DX) and need the 300mm (460mm DX).I have noticed reviews of lack of sharpness and pincushion distortion. And, in my first attempt to use the lens out of the box I noticed that these were in fact characteristics of the lens. However, as Nikon recommends, I then upgraded my D500 to the latest firmware for Camera (C) and Lens Distortion (LD), and in the camera I turned on Auto Distortion Control, All issues went away.The lens is now performing excellently. Sharpness has returned, distortion has gone away. A definite 5 star piece of equipment.
If you are considering buying this lens, then you have already done your homework and determined that Nikkor lenses offer some of the best glass on the market. If you are looking to upgrade from the 18-55mm kit lens that came with your DSLR, look no further.I initially purchased the Nikkor 18-200mm lens, which I was very happy with, so that is what I will focus on for comparison. You might also compare this lens with the Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, if you’re willing to pay a few hundred dollars more for a better aperture range and 3 additional lens elements. From my perspective, any minor improvement in image quality (and I would really have to be convinced of this, I don’t notice any) is immediately negated by the heavier weight of the more expensive ... MoreIf you are considering buying this lens, then you have already done your homework and determined that Nikkor lenses offer some of the best glass on the market. If you are looking to upgrade from the 18-55mm kit lens that came with your DSLR, look no further.I initially purchased the Nikkor 18-200mm lens, which I was very happy with, so that is what I will focus on for comparison. You might also compare this lens with the Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens, if you’re willing to pay a few hundred dollars more for a better aperture range and 3 additional lens elements. From my perspective, any minor improvement in image quality (and I would really have to be convinced of this, I don’t notice any) is immediately negated by the heavier weight of the more expensive 300mm lens. Another 10 ounces (or 280 grams) on top of your solid-body DSLR doesn’t sound like a lot until it’s been hanging on your neck or shoulders several hours into a hike – trust me!Compared with the 18-200mm Nikkor lens, this 18-300mm really does give you a significant boost in zoom capacity. You don’t really want to use either extreme too often if you want to avoid image distortion, so having more focal length range to work with is always better in my opinion. Like other Nikkor lenses, the 18-300 is solidly-built, responsive, and produces clear, beautiful images. Both lenses can be “locked” at 18mm, which is a nice feature – though I have not experienced any lens creep at all with the 18-300 while I did with the 18-200. This 18-300 lens feels lighter yet sturdier and more compact than the 18-200, which is even more amazing when you consider what you’re getting for not that much more money.I learned photography on an old Pentax film camera with a 35mm lens, which meant I was used to zooming with my feet to get the shot I wanted. Having the simply ridiculous range from fairly wide at 18mm to a great zoom at 300mm means you can do just about anything you can imagine and (legally) pull off without ever having to change lenses. You can capture an entire mountain range in one second and then grab a quality shot of the wildlife that just appeared hundreds of yards away without missing a beat. The capabilities of this lens are mind-blowing and you will appreciate having it with you on any type of trip you might take.Like all automatic/manual Nikkor lenses, the focus and zoom grip rings are responsive and intuitive if you want to quickly take control during a shot. The vibration reduction will spoil you and open up new possibilities in terms of what you can capture in less than ideal conditions.If you are just starting out with a DX DSLR, this or an 18-200mm should be your go-to lens. If you pick up this great zoom and a 35mm fixed lens, that may be all you need in your bag for a long while!
I've owned three all-in-one zoom lenses over the last four years and this one is the best of the bunch. The first lens I purchased was the Tamron 16-300mm f3.5/6.3 Di II VC PZD. I really wanted to keep this lens because of the incredible zoom range, especially at the wide end. After about 6 months of use, I sold it. It just wasn't very sharp. Maybe it was the copy I had but I wasn't willing to risk purchasing it again. In its place, I purchased the Nikon 18-140 f3.5-5.6 ED VR lens thinking that giving up some zoom range for a sharper lens would be worth it. However, in the end I sold this lens as well. It was sharp enough but the focus accuracy through the view finder on my Nikon D5500 cameras was poor, especially in low light. Several pictures were ruined because ... MoreI've owned three all-in-one zoom lenses over the last four years and this one is the best of the bunch. The first lens I purchased was the Tamron 16-300mm f3.5/6.3 Di II VC PZD. I really wanted to keep this lens because of the incredible zoom range, especially at the wide end. After about 6 months of use, I sold it. It just wasn't very sharp. Maybe it was the copy I had but I wasn't willing to risk purchasing it again. In its place, I purchased the Nikon 18-140 f3.5-5.6 ED VR lens thinking that giving up some zoom range for a sharper lens would be worth it. However, in the end I sold this lens as well. It was sharp enough but the focus accuracy through the view finder on my Nikon D5500 cameras was poor, especially in low light. Several pictures were ruined because of this so I sold it. I may have had a bad copy of this lens as well. I read the reviews for the redesigned 18-300mm f3.5-6.3G ED VR lens and decided to try one more time on a super-zoom. This time, I wasn't disappointed. The focus accuracy is decent, much better than the 18-140 I previously owned, and the lens is reasonably sharp, especially at f8 - f11. I like the light weight and zoom range. The only significant downside is that the zoom only reaches 300mm at infinity focus. At close range, it's only about 200mm, maybe less. Overall, I still like it and am going to keep it. I feel confident that I can get good pictures with this lens that are keepers, even with large prints. The two best practices using this lens are to stop down to f8-f11 when possible, and to use live view contrast-detect focus rather than phase-detect through the view finder in low light conditions. I've found that live view focus, although slow on the D5500, is more accurate and dependable in low-light conditions. Modern mirrorless cameras probably don't have this issue, so this is just something I do on the D5500 DSLR to get better focus in low light with this lens. I've included three pictures to show the versatility of this lens. The picture of my cat was taken from 10 feet away at 300mm and f6.3, handheld. It's very sharp. The sunset picture was taken in low light at 18mm and f8, handheld, through the view finder. The focus is pretty good. This lens can also capture sunstars as shown in the sunstar picture taken at f20, handheld. Some reviewers said that this lens doesn't capture sunstars but that's not true as you can see.
I was thinking seriously of trading this lens into B&H as I have done with other lenses since I switched from a Nikon D7100 to a D750. But, I decided to take it out to my friend's small ranch this past weekend to reassess its performance. I also took my Sigma 24-105mm f-2.8 Art Lens as a comparison. The Sigma Art Lens is a full-frame lens as compared to the 18-300mm which is a DX and therefore the Nikon works as an effective focal length of 27-450mm. Yes, the Sigma is sharper and has less distortion, and it far better in low light, but I put my photos through Adobe Lightroom anyway, so I can lessen the distortion. I had read online comments from one well-known photographer reviewing the Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5-6 and he said he liked the newer Nikon 18-300 f/3.5-6.3 ... MoreI was thinking seriously of trading this lens into B&H as I have done with other lenses since I switched from a Nikon D7100 to a D750. But, I decided to take it out to my friend's small ranch this past weekend to reassess its performance. I also took my Sigma 24-105mm f-2.8 Art Lens as a comparison. The Sigma Art Lens is a full-frame lens as compared to the 18-300mm which is a DX and therefore the Nikon works as an effective focal length of 27-450mm. Yes, the Sigma is sharper and has less distortion, and it far better in low light, but I put my photos through Adobe Lightroom anyway, so I can lessen the distortion. I had read online comments from one well-known photographer reviewing the Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5-6 and he said he liked the newer Nikon 18-300 f/3.5-6.3 better. And he said that since it was a DX lens, you shouldn't use it on a full frame camera. I could have bought either one, but I get annoyed with lenses that don't perform in the available light. I spoke to B&H about using this and my one Sigma DX Art Lens on a full-frame camera and they explained that the newer, Nikon full-frame camera at D750 quality or above should be compatible with this lens and my Sigma 50-100mm Art lens. So I bought the older 3.5-5.6 from B&H as a used lens. And, he calls it heavy?!? Maybe he needs to workout more. I'm 73 years old and at about 1 1/2 lbs, this lens is far lighter that my Sigma 50-100mm 1.8 Art, or my Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 Sports lens. It's not kit lens light, but it balances well on the D750. Bottomline? I'm keeping the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6 ED VR Lens. I just switch my D750 to DX mode and this lens performs just fine if you are not looking for perfection. I have several other lens that I can use when I want to approach my version of perfection, but this is a great tool when I'm walking around having fun with my camera.
I had been looking for a good zoom lens for my Nikon D5200 to replace my Nikon 55-300mm zoom and my 18-200mm zoom lenses. I'd really become frustrated with changing out lenses for close-up and distant shots. Didn't like carrying an extra lens on hikes and didn't like changing lenses in windy, dusty conditions. This lens fits the bill and does exactly what I hoped it would. Great lens and similar weight of my 55-300mm lens. I also like the lens lock feature. Couldn't be happier with this product and look forward to using it on future photography outings.
#1 B&H is great. Quick shipping, great service. #2 Was excited to get this lens, so I could get closer shows of bride/groom from way back behind the guests, and to be able to take more candid pics of people without being so close. I would probably give this a 2/5 as far as quality goes for my primary reason for getting it. It does take the occasional great photo as far as quality/bokeh goes, but out of 100 pics, maybe a couple decent ones. I'll keep using it until I can afford something better, but a little disappointed in a $700 lens that doesn't exactly do what I need it to do.
I got this to use with my Z FC. It says 18-300, but shooting side by side with my 50-250 Z lens, this lens produces a slightly smaller, slightly less detailed image. It should be noted that I'm pixel peeping, but I need to as I tend to crop a lot. If you don't, then this lens should be more than sharp enough. But you're clearly not getting the magnification Nikon is claiming, which is also important to me.For most people, and most uses, this lens would be very convenient and perfectly adequate. But for me, it doesn't really replace the 16-50/50-250 combo, which kit lenses though they may be, are excellent.
I purchased this lens along with a D3300 a few months before my recently completed Tanzanian safari, in order to become familiar with it in time for that big trip.Now that I used it for 2100 pictures in Africa, I can report that the lens is good, not great. It is not overly sharp and it lacks contrast. Fortunately, it is sharp enough that you can safely apply sharpening and no one will be the wiser, and I tackled the contrast issue--really a lack of dynamic range--via the levels control (I use both Photoshop Elements and Photos on the Mac).My 18-135 Nikkor has way more snap, but that is not a fair comparison, of course. For all I know, this lens is superior to others of its "reach."Ultimately, by putting in the small effort to deal with sharpness and dynamic ... MoreI purchased this lens along with a D3300 a few months before my recently completed Tanzanian safari, in order to become familiar with it in time for that big trip.Now that I used it for 2100 pictures in Africa, I can report that the lens is good, not great. It is not overly sharp and it lacks contrast. Fortunately, it is sharp enough that you can safely apply sharpening and no one will be the wiser, and I tackled the contrast issue--really a lack of dynamic range--via the levels control (I use both Photoshop Elements and Photos on the Mac).My 18-135 Nikkor has way more snap, but that is not a fair comparison, of course. For all I know, this lens is superior to others of its "reach."Ultimately, by putting in the small effort to deal with sharpness and dynamic range, I am delighted with the results.I have Active D-Lighting switched on, which I don't think is responsible for the lack of contrast, but I've never tested it, and anyway, I would not want to turn off that feature and lose detail. I also tweaked the Standard Picture Control, increasing both sharpness and contrast by one notch, but I still needed to increase both of those aspects with postprocessing. I did not choose the Vivid Picture Control because I think the lens' color rendering is just fine. Also, this lens has oodles of pincushion and barrel distortion, but my Nikon, and probably yours, has Auto Distortion Control which works superbly.I did most of my shooting at f/11 because a) at 300mm there's minimal depth of field and b) some test I read about this lens said it performed best around f/8 - f/11, and at f/16 I was concerned about diffraction effects.This is a nice compact package. If you are willing to adjust sharpness and dynamic range -- two exceedingly simple things, don't be afraid to do it! -- then I recommend this lens.
The bad, just so you know what you're getting from this lens:* Significant vignetting, especially when fully zoomed in--can be corrected in post automatically* Significant barrel and pincushion distortion depending on how zoomed you are--can be corrected in post automatically* Average sharpness, distortion, and contrast across the zoom range. You will not get the sharpest possible photos out of this lens.The good:* Extremely convenient! The zoom range covers everything from landscapes to portraits to telephoto work (450mm full-frame equivalent). Most of the time I also pack my 10-20mm wide angle and 35mm prime and never bother switching to either.* Great travel lens since it can cover most scenarios acceptably* VR works well at most ranges (I've had middling ... MoreThe bad, just so you know what you're getting from this lens:* Significant vignetting, especially when fully zoomed in--can be corrected in post automatically* Significant barrel and pincushion distortion depending on how zoomed you are--can be corrected in post automatically* Average sharpness, distortion, and contrast across the zoom range. You will not get the sharpest possible photos out of this lens.The good:* Extremely convenient! The zoom range covers everything from landscapes to portraits to telephoto work (450mm full-frame equivalent). Most of the time I also pack my 10-20mm wide angle and 35mm prime and never bother switching to either.* Great travel lens since it can cover most scenarios acceptably* VR works well at most ranges (I've had middling performance with at 300mm)* Manual focus ring works great when you want to take control from the autofocusThe mediocre:* Autofocus with the FTZ mount is a bit slow and tends to hunt compared to e.g. native Z lenses. Somehow seems a bit more sure on my D7500.* Bokeh is mediocre, especially compared to e.g. the 35mm prime* Lens lock isn't secure enough if you use a side strap for your camera* Switches for autofocus and vibration reduction on the lens barrel are convenient, but can get knocked out of the selected position if the camera is slung by your side, same as the lens lockOverall though, I love this lens. I've taken ~30K photos since I bought my first camera, and the vast majority of them are with this lens. I could replace it with other lenses, but it will take 2-3 lenses to replace it, which would weigh at least twice as much, plus cost factor for all the filters. If I move to an FX format camera, the only disappointing thing will be that there is no equivalent lens with the range of zooms this lens allows me in such a small package. It's especially handy when I'm near the ocean and don't want to swap lenses for fear of letting sand or spray into the camera body.tl;dr: it's a compromise lens. If convenience/weight are important, consider it. If you need the sharpest possible image at the expense of convenience, you probably should look elsewhere. If you need a really wide aperture, there are other lenses that will perform better for your needs. You'll just need several of them.For myself, if I ever break this lens, I plan on immediately buying another copy.
Bought this as replacement for older 18-200mm DX zoom that was failing. Used now for a few months, it has been a nice surprise, given that it is not a top shelf optical piece. Focus is faster and more quiet than expected. Sharpness notably better than older 18-200mm DX. As expected and noted by others, some clarity falloff is noted at reach toward 300mm but, it is acceptable and better than no shot at all. You have to be careful at widest focal lengths due to distortion but, bearing that in mind, does nice job at capturing acceptable images. Close focus is better than I had expected, with very acceptable sharpness, given that this is not a macro lens. Barrel is nice and tight so have not experienced zoom creep, as yet. Seems like a well built lens but I do not find ... MoreBought this as replacement for older 18-200mm DX zoom that was failing. Used now for a few months, it has been a nice surprise, given that it is not a top shelf optical piece. Focus is faster and more quiet than expected. Sharpness notably better than older 18-200mm DX. As expected and noted by others, some clarity falloff is noted at reach toward 300mm but, it is acceptable and better than no shot at all. You have to be careful at widest focal lengths due to distortion but, bearing that in mind, does nice job at capturing acceptable images. Close focus is better than I had expected, with very acceptable sharpness, given that this is not a macro lens. Barrel is nice and tight so have not experienced zoom creep, as yet. Seems like a well built lens but I do not find it too heavy to carry around all day, if needed. Of course, if needing to capture action with higher shutter speeds, be aware of need to go up on camera ISO due to max lens aperture of f 3.5 and need to be higher than that for sweet spot sharpness for this lens. All things considered, would definitely purchase again. (my point of reference is excellent heavier glass, 70-200mm f2.8 and 400mm f 2.8 used on a D850).
| General | |
| Length | 9.9 cm |
| Diameter | 7.85 cm |
| Weight | 550 g |
| Lens System |
