Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II is a Variable aperture Auto Focus (AF)
Standard Zoom lens with Optical Image stabilization and APS-C / DX max sensor coverage, and it is designed to be used with Nikon F (DX) mount cameras.
Nikon replaced the older Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR with this model. Follow the link to read our detailed comparison of these models:
Compare Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II vs Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR
What type of photography is the Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II lens good for?
The type of photography that you are planning to use the Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II is an important decision factor. Here we have evaluated its suitability to various photography scenarios:
| Photography Type |
Suitability |
| Bird/Wildlife | Fair |
| Sports | Fair |
| Portrait | Good |
| Travel | Good |
| Street | Good |
| Wedding | Good |
| Walk Around | Very Good |
| Vlogging | Good |
| Landscape | Very Good |
| Macro | Average |
Lenses in Nikon F (DX) Mount with Same Focal and Aperture Range
Reasons to Buy Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II Lens
Here, we've included a summary of the advantages and disadvantages of the Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II lens in a list form to help you determine whether it offers the features you need.
| Optical Image Stabilization |
| Autofocus |
| Minimum focus distance of 0.28m / 11.0 inch |
| Light weight at only 195g / 6.9 oz |
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| No Weather Sealing |
| Hood is not supplied |
| Lens Extents while zooming |
| Slow Aperture at Tele end |
| Variable Aperture |
Lens Mount
Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II is compatible with cameras that have Nikon F (DX) lens mount. Some of the latest released cameras that are compatible with the Nikon F (DX) lenses are Nikon D3500, Nikon D7500 and Nikon D5600.
Size, Weight and Filter Thread
Size and weight is a very important decision factor when searching for your next lens. Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II has a maximum diameter of 60mm and total length of 66mm when not extended . It weighs 195g / 6.9 oz.
Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II has a filter thread of 52mm.
Focal Range
Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II has a focal range of 18-55mm and 3.1X zoom ratio which has a 35mm equivalent focal range of 27-82.5mm when used on a APS-C / DX format camera.
Optical Image Stabilization
Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II features an optical image stabilization system which helps to reduce the blur that occurs due to shaking during hand-held shooting.
Zoom Method
Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II features Rotary (extending) zoom method where the length of the lens changes as you zoom in or out. This makes it possible to design the lens with a smaller minimum length ( generally when it is zoomed out) compared to internal zoom lenses. The disadvantages of this design are being harder to seal against dust and moisture, weight balance shifting while zooming and zoom creep in certain lenses.
Maximum Magnification Ratio
Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II has a Max Magnification Ratio of 0.31x and has a minimum focusing distance of 0.28m. For a non-macro lens, the 0.31x is considered a high magnification and will come handy for close-up shots.
Aperture
Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II is a variable aperture lens with a max aperture of f3.5 and a minimum aperture of f22 at 18mm, and a max aperture of f5.6 and minimum aperture of f36 at 55mm .
| Focal Length |
Max Aperture |
Min Aperture |
|
18mm
|
F3.5 |
F22 |
|
55mm
|
F5.6 |
F36 |
Optical Formula
Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II's optical formula consists of 11 elements in 8 groups . Special elements used in this design is 1 aspheric element.
Lens Hood
Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II doesn't come with a lens hood but there is an optional lens hood with a part code of HB-69 that you can order separately.
Popular Comparisons of Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II
Here is the eight most popular comparisons of Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6G VR II amongst Camera Decision readers.