Nikon Wide Angle DX Nikkor Zoom Lens Comparison

AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED

If you are looking to buy a new wide angle to telephoto zoom lens to go with your new or existing Nikon digital SLR like the Nikon D40X or the Nikon D80, there are a number of different lens options available.

Nikon currently offers four wide angle consumer oriented zoom lenses specifically designed for their DX format digital SLR cameras; the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II, the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED, the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED, and the AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED.

We have completed a side by side lens comparison between these four Nikon DX wide angle zoom lenses, testing them against each other at various focal lengths and apertures to hopefully offer assistance in the decision making process.

Although we have provided links to full size versions of the test images, we have also included crops taken from each image while viewed at 100%. Please note that each sample image is close to 5MB in size. If you want to compare the full size image from each lens you will have to download close to 20MB of files per comparison. The cropped images that we have provided are intended to save you from this task. All the images were taken in JPEG, Large, Fine mode with either the Nikon D80 or the Nikon D40x digital SLR.

To begin our review we provide a brief description of each lens, a list of the major features, followed by specifications and latest prices. The pages that follow include side by side image sample comparison tests and our conclusions. The navigation menu below is found on each page for your convenience.

Nikon DX Wide Angle Zoom Lens Overview

The Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G II ED is one of the more popular options and can be economically purchased on its own or in a bundled kit with entry level oriented digital SLR models such as the Nikon D40 and D40X.

If you are looking at stepping up in zoom range, the AF-S DX 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED zoom offers approximately the equivalent field of view of a 28-200mm lens in 35mm terms. The Nikon AF-S DX 18-135mm zoom is targeted at users who want a lens that will offer extra versatility in terms of telephoto ability (bring subjects closer), and serves as an effective all around lens that is moderately priced.

Another popular option (especially with higher end Nikon D200 and Nikon D80 users) is the Nikon AF-S DX 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED, a lens that is designed to more rugged specifications and features a metal lens mount. This lens is also one full stop brighter than the AF-S DX 18-55mm ED II at the upper telephoto end (f/4.5 Vs f/5.6).

The AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED zoom tops the list, offering an impressive 28-300mm focal range in 35mm terms, coupled with Nikon's 2nd generation Vibration Reduction technology. (Up to 4 stop vibration compensation)

Designed to be a very versatile all around lens, the AF-S DX VR 18-200mm has enjoyed immense popularity, to the point that if you are looking at getting this lens you will find it in short supply. In some cases you may find you will have to put your name on a waiting list with your dealer to get one. Nikon has been working hard to produce enough units to meet the worldwide demand for this lens.

Field of View at Maximum Telephoto Setting

The series of images below illustrates the relative field of view provided when shooting with the camera in a stationary position at the maximum telephoto focal range provided by each of these lenses (55mm, 70mm, 135mm and 200mm DX format).

Note: since the Nikon DX format sensor is smaller than the traditional 'full frame' 35mm format, there is a focal multiplier effect that applies in order to get the equivalent field of view (FOV) provided by these lenses in 35mm terms. The focal multiplier effect for the Nikon DX format is 1.5 times the given focal length. (AF-S DX 18-135mm x 1.5 = provides equivalent to 27mm-202.5mm FOV in 35mm terms)

With either the Nikon AF-S DX 18-55mm or the AF-S DX 18-70mm zoom you would want to consider getting a second lens to carry around for those important telephoto shots were you might be prevented from getting closer to the action, for example; sports, wildlife, travel etc. (The Nikon AF-S DX 55-200mm f/4-5.6G VR IF-ED or Nikon AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED are both recommended options)

As can be seen the Nikon AF-S DX VR 18-200mm zoom lens offers considerable more telephoto power than even the Nikkor AF-S DX 18-135mm zoom when all of the the lenses are set at their respective maximum focal length settings.

Nikon Standard Wide Angle Zoom Lens Comparison:
Major Features and Benefits

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II: Offers the popular focal range of 18-55mm (picture angle equivalent to a 27-82.5mm lens in the 35mm format) for use in a variety of situations.

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Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED: Provides 18-135mm focal range (7.5x zoom) for use in a wide variety of situations (equivalent to a 27-202.5mm lens in the 35mm format).

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED: Offers added durability and a 3.8x zoom range covering the equivalent field of view of a 27mm-105mm lens in 35mm terms.

Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED: Offers the broad 18-200mm focal range (11.1x zoom) for use in a variety of situations (equivalent to a 27-300mm lens in 35mm format)

Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens
with VR On and Off

AF-S DX 18-55mm	AF-S DX 18-135mm	AF-S DX 18-70mm	AF-S DX VR 18-200mm
Rear Lens Mount View

Nikon Standard Wide Angle Zoom Lens Specifications

Next Page  Back to Top Back to Main News Nikon DX Wide Angle Zoom Lens Comparison Test: 18mm at f/8 Nikon DX Wide Angle Zoom Lens Comparison Test: Nikkor DX Zooms Versus 50mm f/1.8D Prime Lens Nikon DX Wide Angle Lens Comparison Test: 35mm focal range at f/5.6 Nikon DX Wide Angle Zoom Test Optical Characteristics and Conclusion Nikon Side by Side Lens Comparison Intro (this page): Overview, Features, Specifications and Design

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