Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR [Vibration Reduction] Nikkor Zoom Lens

This versatile and compact 3.6x Zoom-NIKKOR lens brings the action to the photographer. Ideal for portraiture, family, sports, nature and wildlife.

AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED Lens Highlights:

• An ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element minimizes chromatic aberration, contributing to superior optical performance
• Focus mode switch enables quick switching between A (Autofocus) and M (Manual Focus)
• 7-blade rounded diaphragm provides more natural out-of-focus highlights

Features

• 55-200mm zoon Nikkor lens with f/4-5.6 maximum aperture for Nikon digital SLR cameras
• 2 extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass elements for minimized chromatic aberration and superior optics
• Super-integrated coating minimizes ghosting and flare for more vivid images in dim lighting
• Silent Wave Motor produces quick and quiet high-speed autofocusing; weighs 9 ounces
• Measures 2.7 inches in diameter and 3.1 inches long; 5-year warranty

Customer Reviews

  Incredible Bargain - Sharp Lens with VR for $250!
This lens is sharp even at wide apertures, the VR (image stabilization) works great, autofocus speed is more than acceptable, and it it is very light and compact. The fact that it costs $250 and has effective VR is pretty amazing - no other company offers a lens with this feature for anywhere near this price.

As for image quality, search the various internet photo sites, such as dpreview and nikonians for sample photos taken with this lens by real users. The results are impressive! My copy produces similar results. The previous reviewer must have a bad sample.

Of course, the lens is slow (like almost all consumer zoom lenses), in that its widest aperture is smaller than a professional zoom or prime lens, so it's not a good choice for action photography in lower light conditions (like indoor sports without flash or outside sports at dusk). But a fast telephoto zoom will cost at least three times as much and weigh a ton.
I give the lens 5 stars based on a combination of image quality, value, and compactness/lightness.


  VR really works and the price can't be beat.
I had the 55-200mm non VR version for about 5 months, sold it to essentally recover my cost, and bought the VR version as a replacement. The non VR version was very compact and light, and produced excellent photos, but the slightly larger VR version is so much more usable I don't miss the other lens at all. The VR works as advertised and allows me to take pictures at 3 times or more lower shutter speeds than the non VR version. While I would love the 18-200mm VR for the convenience, I will never be able to justify the $750 price, so my 18-55mm kit lens and this lens will likely cover my needs as long as I own my camera. I also seriously considered the 70-300mm VR, but couldn't accept twice the price for only 50% more reach. And at twice the length of the 55-200mm non VR version, it would be too awkward for me to carry around. I am very satisfied with this 55-200mm VR lens and if you are considering it, please give it a try. You will not be dissapointed.

  the VR works perfectly 
I was at first disappointed in my new Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G DX VR lens. Then I found the VR on/off switch on the side. Since then I have been pleased with the lens' VR capability (what I bought it for).

My previous digital camera was a Canon PowerShot S1 IS. Without being aware of it, I became used to that little camera's image stabilization. I casually took handheld shots that came out tack sharp. I didn't realize how dependent I was on the image stabilization until a few months ago when I got my Nikon D80. I love the camera but was driven to using a tripod for most of my shots. I was taking close-up photos for publication and had to have perfect sharpness. And, I have two kittens; kittens beg impromptu, handheld shots. I was excited when I found this lens because of the low cost.

You really can take photographs three stops slower than is possible without a VR lens. That means more depth of field for close-up shots (used with a filter-like close-up lens). I'm taking my first manual mode outdoor photos so the extra speed range helps me out of tight spots.

The rest of the lens (construction, zoom range, weight) are just fine. One unexpected advantage is the lens' 52mm filter size. Most of my lens accessories (close up lens set, teleconverter, extension tube set) are 52mm.