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

The 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G AF-S Zoom-Nikkor lens is a midrange zoom lens manufactured by Nikon for use on Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras. Often included as a kit lens on entry-level DSLRs, it also can be purchased separately from the camera body. Nikon first introduced the lens in 2005 and has provided five subsequent updates. The last two iterations have AF-P type autofocusing with a stepper motor, while all others use an SWM autofocus motor. Following are the six variants as of 2024:

AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G ED, released in 2005^[1]
AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G ED II, released in 2006.^[2]
AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G VR, released in 2007.^[3]
AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G VR II, released in 2014.^[4] ^[5]
AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G, released in 2016.
AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G VR, released in 2016.

Note:VR means Vibration Reduction as used in Nikon Lenses.IS means Image Stabilization as used in Canon Lenses.VR (Nikon) and IS (Canon) are both the same thing, but each maker uses their own acronyms.^[6]

Like all lenses in the DX format, the 18-55mm casts a smaller image circle than lenses for full-frame 35mm cameras and is therefore only compatible with cameras having APS-C-sized sensors (or vignetting will happen). However, from 24mm onward until 55mm, the image circle will cover the full 35mm frame, and is usable on film.

Features

Silent wave motor (SWM) for the first four AF-S versions, stepper motor for the AF-P versions
Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass element, to reduce chromatic aberration (available only on the two AF-S versions without VR)
Two aspherical lens elements (available only on the two AF-P versions)
Easy variant of Vibration Reduction (most recent versions only), to make lens cheaper there is no "Active" and "Normal" VR options switch here

Construction

Plastic body and mount
52mm filter thread for widely used 52mm filters (AF-P versions: 55mm)
No protector from dust and moisture near mount
Rotating front lens while focusing (not in VR II version)
VR II version has a collapsible lens barrel, a design first used with certain lenses for Nikon's 1 mount for mirrorless interchangeable-lens cameras^[4]

(Lens construction details vary between models; see table below for specifications).

Performance

Thom Hogan praised its value and optical performance, but criticized its handling, noting a diminutive focus ring that rotates during focusing, with no manual override.^[7]

Specifications

Attribute	AF-S 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G ED	AF-S 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G ED II	AF-S 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G VR	AF-S 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G VR II	AF-P 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G	AF-P 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G VR
Autofocus	AF-S	AF-P
Vibration Reduction (Image Stabilization in Canon)	No	Yes	No	Yes
Maximum aperture	3.5-5.6
Minimum aperture	22-32	22-36	22-38
Weight	210 g	205 g	265 g	195 g	195 g	205 g
Maximum diameter	69 mm	70.5 mm	73 mm	59.5 mm	64.5 mm	64.5 mm
Length	75 mm	74 mm	79 mm	66 mm	62.5 mm
Filter diameter	52 mm	55 mm
Picture angle <	-- My specs don't say which dimension it is -->	76° - 28°50'
Groups/elements	5/7	8/11	9/12
of diaphragm blades	7
Closest focusing distance	0.28 m	0.25 m
Lens hood model	HB-33/HB-45	HB-45	HB-69	HB-N106
Release date	2005	2006	2007	2014	2016	2016
MSRP $			$200	$250

Notes and References

Web site: AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/4-5.6G ED. 2005. Nikon Corporation. 2009-11-17.
Web site: AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED (3.6x). 2007. Nikon Corporation. 2009-11-17.
Web site: AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR. 2009. Nikon Corporation. 2009-11-17.
Step Up to D-SLR Photography with the New Nikon D3300 and Capture Brilliant Images with Ease . 2014-01-06 . Nikon Inc. . 2014-02-27.
Web site: AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II Tech Specs . Nikon Inc. . 2014-02-27.
Web site: Vibration Reduction, VR (Nikon) and Image Stabilization, IS (Canon) . Ken . 2010 . kenrockwell.com . 20 June 2015.
Web site: 18-55mm AF-S DX Lens Review. Hogan. Thom. 2009-11-17.