The 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G AF-S Zoom-Nikkor lens is a midrange zoom lens manufactured by Nikon for use on Nikon F-mount DX format digital SLR cameras. Often included as a kit lens on entry-level DSLRs, it also can be purchased separately from the camera body. Nikon first introduced the lens in 2005 and has provided five subsequent updates. The last two iterations have AF-P type autofocusing with a stepper motor, while all others use an SWM autofocus motor. Following are the six variants as of 2024: AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G ED, released in 2005 AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G ED II, released in 2006. AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G VR, released in 2007. AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G VR II, released in 2014. AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G, released in 2016. AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G VR, released in 2016.
Note: VR means Vibration Reduction as used in Nikon Lenses. IS means Image Stabilization as used in Canon Lenses. VR (Nikon) and IS (Canon) are both the same thing, but each maker uses their own acronyms.
Like all lenses in the DX format, the 18-55mm casts a smaller image circle than lenses for full-frame 35mm cameras and is therefore only compatible with cameras having APS-C-sized sensors (or vignetting will happen). However, from 24mm onward until 55mm, the image circle will cover the full 35mm frame, and is usable on film.
Features Silent wave motor (SWM) for the first four AF-S versions, stepper motor for the AF-P versions Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass element, to reduce chromatic aberration (available only on the two AF-S versions without VR) Two aspherical lens elements (available only on the two AF-P versions) Easy variant of Vibration Reduction (most recent versions only), to make lens cheaper there is no "Active" and "Normal" VR options switch here
Construction Plastic body and mount 52mm filter thread for widely used 52mm filters (AF-P versions: 55mm) No protector from dust and moisture near mount Rotating front lens while focusing (not in VR II version) VR II version has a collapsible lens barrel, a design first used with certain lenses for Nikon's 1 mount for mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras (Lens construction details vary between models; see table below for specifications).
Performance Thom Hogan praised its value and optical performance, but criticized its handling, noting a diminutive focus ring that rotates during focusing, with no manual override.
Specifications Attribute AF-S 18-55mm3.5-5.6G ED AF-S 18-55mm3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S 18-55mm3.5-5.6G VR AF-S 18-55mm3.5-5.6G VR II AF-P 18-55mm3.5-5.6G AF-P 18-55mm3.5-5.6G VR Autofocus AF-S AF-P Vibration Reduction (Image Stabilization in Canon) No Yes No Yes Maximum aperture 3.5-5.6 Minimum aperture 22-32 22-36 22-38 Weight210 g205 g265 g195 g195 g205 g Maximum diameter 69 mm 70.5 mm 73 mm 59.5 mm 64.5 mm 64.5 mm Length 75 mm 74 mm 79 mm 66 mm 62.5 mm Filter diameter52 mm55 mm Picture angle 76° - 28°50' Groups/elements 5/7 8/11 9/12 # of diaphragm blades 7 Closest focusing distance 0.28 m 0.25 m Lens hood model HB-33/HB-45 HB-45 HB-69 HB-N106 Release date 2005 2006 2007 2014 2016 2016 MSRP $ $200 $250
See also List of Nikon F-mount lenses with integrated autofocus motor Nikon F-mount
References