Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

by Nikon

• Ultra-compact 3x zoom lens designed exclusively for use with Nikon Digital SLR models
• 18-55mm focal length
• f3.5-5.6 maximum aperture
• 7 elements in 5 groups; 1 extra-low dispersion element and 1 hybrid aspherical element
• Silent Wave Motor

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 5.2 x 3.7 x 3.7 inches ; 9.6 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0009HN57E
• Item model number: 2158
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (96 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank:
  • #39 in Camera & Photo > Lenses > Camera Lenses
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 18, 2005

Product Description

NIKON 18-55MM F/3.5-4.5G AF-S DX

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

93 of 98 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Inexpensive Moderate Wide Angle Zoom for Nikon DX Digital SLR Cameras August 21, 2005

By John Kwok HALL OF FAMEVINE™ VOICE

The current issue of Popular Photography has a glowing review of this lens and its sibling, the 55mm-200mm zoom lens, for Nikon DX Digital SLR cameras. I'm amazed that Nikon has opted to produced a high quality moderate wide angle zoom lens for digital SLRs at a relatively low price. But don't be fooled that this relatively inexpensive lens isn't capable of producing excellent results, which the fine Popular Photography review certainly attests (At nearly every focal length there is excellent contrast and resolution, with minimal barrel distortion, except at 18mm, since there the barrel distortion is a bit noticeable: this would only have an adverse impact in photographing buildings, but again, the impact is just hardly noticeable.). Nikon has opted to use most of its optical innovations, including the new improved Super Nikon Intergrated Coating (Nikon's latest multicoating) to help greatly minimize flare and thus produce images which have excellent contrast and resolution. For many owners of Nikon's inexpensive line of DX Digital SLRs, such as the new Nikon D70s, this lens and its 55mm-200mm zoom sibling, may be all the optical firepower they'll need for photography, with the chance of expanding sometime later into Nikon's impressive line of superb optics for 35mm film and digital photography.

44 of 45 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A great lens at an amazingly cheap price July 29, 2006

By RonAnnArbor

The Nikon 18-55 is one of those rare pieces of glass that surprises across the board -- I find that it is far superior to the more expensive Nikon 18-70 kit lens now packaged with most new Nikon dSLR's. The 18-55 is not only a third of the price, but it is crisper and clearer at 18, and super sharp from 35 - 55. There is next to no barrel distortion at 18, certainly far less that the 18-70. And there is nothing better than a 6 ounce lens for carrying to parties, events, and dinners, rather than those pound+ lenses. I highly recommend this lens.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars I'm quite happy with this lens April 22, 2006

By Paulo Goulart

I'm quite happy with this lens, included in the D50 kit. It seems much better than my old Canon and Sigma zooms (which I've sold some years ago, after change from a EOS650 to digital), although it presents some barrel distortion at wide-angle (18mm). To be honest, I only noticed it recently (only after taking a few hundred shots), when I had the chance to get some pictures with the ocean at the horizon. I will try to remember not to use this lens at 18mm with perfectly "horizontal horizons"...

Anyhow, one can solve it in Photoshop, quite easily.

Overall, I'm content with the building quality and sharpness of this lens and, probably, I'll spend much more time with it (getting used again with a SLR).

20 of 24 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars decent, but be gentle September 11, 2010

By Jennifer W. Gorman

Amazon Verified Purchase

So, this is the 3rd version of this lens I have owned. The first one came with the camera, and since then I have purchased two from Amazon. This is a great beginner lens. Does what it is supposed to do and produces nice images.

The biggest problem I have with this lens is its construction. The reason I have bought 3. Now, I know I prob. should just pick a different lens, but this one is soooo compact and light! back to the construction, be careful of bumping, knocking and general use hazards, the previous 2 lenses have broken different parts internally, due to my clumsy nature.

The other lenses I own have been through the same if not MORE and are still kicking. In fact I fell down about a 15 foot edge of a trail in Yellowstone 2 years ago with my 55-200VR IN MY POCKET and have had no problems with it.

16 of 19 people found the following review helpful

4.0 out of 5 stars Value for the entry-level amateur March 29, 2006

By Cameron M. Scott

I bought this lens for just over $100.00 on eBay. I expected it to perform as well as it does. For the price, the lens is better than the 28-80mm by far. The images are clear (in good lighting conditions) and the sharpness is adequate. I have taken several thousand pictures with the lens, and I am satisfied with its performance. The macro photo possibilities are generally acceptable. It is a good beginning lens because you really get what you pay for. The lens does not perform well in low-light conditions, however, due to its aperture limitations. It does not feel too light, although the plastic mount is a liability if you remove lenses often. All in all, it is a worthwhile purchase for anyone excited about jumping into photography. This is a good, general portrait, landscape, and non-zoom macro lens.

EDIT: 2/26/07 The lens began sticking after a few months and ultimately became useless. I dismantled it to determine the cause and noted that the (unofficial name) three rails that the internal lens slides on all have a velvet-type layer of friction material glued to them. One of my rails started losing it's adhesive velvet material and the lens stuck on it as I zoomed in and out, eventually causing my zoom to be inoperable.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A really terrific lens August 28, 2006

By Earl D. Cox

I upgraded to a D200 from my D70 and waited and waited and am still waiting for my 18-200 VR. I needed a wide angle lens so I listened to Ken Rockwell (I enourage everyone to visit his site) and bought the 18-55. It is a wonderful lens, produces excellent, sharp images, is light weight, and focuses quickly. It's an inexpensive build, but for the price I can use for a few years (or until my 18-200 arrives which ever is first) and feel that I have gotten more than my money's worth. Don't let the light weight fool you, though, this is a great lens.