Review: Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 VR

Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 VR

Without missing a beat, SLRGear.com has posted their review of new Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 VR lens that will be included as the kit lens for the new Nikon D90. While usually it’s a good idea to approach the typical kit lens with a bit of caution, this one looks to be a good deal.

Perhaps the best word to describe the sharpness profile of the 18-105mm is ‘consistent’. With most zoom lenses, especially in the ”kit” category, the designer must juggle a variety of factors, not the least of which is the cost of the design. Frequently a lens will be a good wide-angle performer, only to suffer when used at full telephoto; or, vice versa. This is not the case with the 18-105mm, which shows excellent performance at all focal lengths.

-SLRGear.com

and…

The Nikon 18-105mm ƒ/3.5-5.6 definitely raises the bar for Nikon’s current lineup of kit lenses; consistently sharp, even at large apertures, with good resistance to chromatic aberration. Corner shading is prevalent, but it’s not a noticeable problem. Distortion is evident and irregular, but again, you’re probably only going to notice it if you need your straight lines to be absolutely straight.

-SLRGear.com

That sounds pretty good to me. As of now the Nikon D90 with kit lens is going for $1299 most places. By itself the Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 VR goes for $400 so that’s a $100 saving. As a stand alone purchase $400 isn’t bad, consider the Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX goes for $350 or so with no VR. I’d expect the 2 have similar performance, so it’s all what you need, a little more length, or the benefits of VR?

While you’re deciding, go read the review…

(My advice: If you really want a good walkaround lens that covers all the bases reasonably well, the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR does the job. You’ll need an additional $250, but you’ll save yourself a little money when you decide (which you will) 105mm just isn’t enough. Later fill in your collection with some specific niche type lenses: macro, 50mm prime, etc.)

Tagged as: d90, image quality, kit lens, lens, Nikon, Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 VR, review, vr