The versatile Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED II is designed exclusively for use with Nikon’s DX-format. The Nikon AF-S 18-200 with 11x zoom with VR image stabilization, makes for a perfect one-lens solution.

The Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED features two ED glass and three aspherical lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion, while ensuring high resolution and contrast. The Nikon AF-S 18-200 lens is smaller than expected considering it is fitted with VR11 technology as well as a SWM focussing engine. The overall length of the Nikon AF-S 18-200 increases by around 67mm when fully zoomed and this is achieved by a double trombone mechanism operated by the forward zoom ring.

The Vibration Reduction system is the newer VR11 that Nikon claim is good for up to four stops of shutter speed reduction when hand holding and, although difficult to really measure, certainly seems to work. The active mode, employed for example while in a moving vehicle, certainly made the Nikon AF-S 18-200 lens usable in those kind of conditions even on a bumpy road. The focussing is carried out internally, resulting in a front element that does not rotate during use and making the use of filters a simple operation on the 72mm filter thread. The build quality, torque and general feel of the lens are up to Nikon’s usual, very nice standard.

On the left of the Nikon AF-S 18-200 sits the control panel sporting three slide switches. They control, from top to bottom, the AF/MF, VR on/off and VR mode (normal/active). The rear manual focus ring is some 12mm wide, enough for a finger to adjust it with when needed. The silent wave motor that controls the autofocus means that this lens’s AF is both silent and quick and the MF ring does not turn during operation.

What is pleasing about the Nikon AF-S 18-200 lens is the contrast, which is good to excellent throughout the range. Another area that has been well controlled is that of Chromatic aberration, which, although it does exist, has been, evened out well enough for it not to show to any great extent at any point. Zooms with a ratio in excess of 10x, and this one comes in at 11.1x, are normally a bit of a compromise when it comes to optical quality. The Nikon AF-S DX 18-200mm f3.5-5.6G IF ED VR lens is no different, with the need to close it down a stop or so to get the best results and performance at the wide end slightly better than at the longer focal length.

The Nikon AF-S 18-200 covers a large focal range, it produced nice results and the quick, silent autofocus along with the upgraded Vibration Reduction made it a joy to use. While not really up to producing big enlargements, the Nikon AF-S 18-200 did well enough up to A4 from a desktop printer and the advantages of not having to constantly change lenses will be a boon for many. Supplied with both a dedicated lens hood and soft leatherette string-top bag the lens, with it’s upgraded advantages seems good value for money and will likely come down in price a tad more once the initial supply problems are overcome.

Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED key features:

• Offers broad 18 - 200mm focal range for use in a variety of situations, equivalent to a 27-300 lens in 35mm format.
• 11x zoom coverage offers a perfect compact and lightweight “one lens” solution.
• VR II system offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed 4 stops faster.
• Two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass and three aspherical lens elements minimize chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion, while ensuring high resolution and contrast.
• Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) offers superb color reproduction while minimizing ghosting and flare.
• Incorporates a Silent Wave Motor (SWM) allows for fast, quiet focusing.
• Delivers a high-level optical performance designed exclusively for use with Nikon DX digital format.
• Employs a 7-blade rounded diaphragm opening that achieves a natural blur for out-of-focus elements.
• Enables focusing from as close as 50cm (20 in.) from the subject through its entire focal range.
• M/A mode for rapid switching between auto focus (A) and manual focus (M) operation.
• Flower-shaped lens hood (HB-35) provides greatly reduced stray light.

see the Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED and full range here