Nikkor DX 18-55mm VR lens Review

The Nikkor DX 18-55mm VR is a classy budget kit lens which puts many rival models to shame. The 3x range and f3.5-5.6 focal ratio may be unremarkable, but with both SWM focusing and VR facilities, it’s a step above most models for the money.

The SWM focusing may not be as quick and quiet as premium Nikkor lenses, but it’s still quicker and quieter than most kit lenses, while the VR facilities really do allow you to effectively handhold shots at much slower shutter speeds than normal. Crucially it brings anti-shake facilities to budget Nikon kits at a time when rival DSLR bodies are available with built-in stabilisation.

In terms of build and optical quality, you shouldn’t expect miracles from a lens at this price, but both are remarkably good for the money. It may have plastic construction, but feels relatively solid without any creaks or play in moving parts. The optical quality may not have been quite as good as the earlier DX 18-55mm II in some of our tests, but it still comfortably out-performs many kit lenses on other systems.

So is the DX 18-55mm VR the ideal general purpose lens for Nikon owners on a budget? Yes and no. If it comes subsidised in an affordable kit, then it’s a great choice, and anyone in the market for a budget Nikkor zoom will happily pay the small amount extra over its predecessor for the VR facilities. But its higher price brings it closer to some alternatives, so how does it compare if you have a little more to spend? We’ll start though with its predecessor.

Gordon Laing

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