Nikon AF-S Nikkor DX 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Lens

Nikon AF-S DX 18-300mm - a high-powered 16.7x superzoom for Nikon DX DSLRs

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  All-in-one capabilities, handling, solid VR

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  Colour fringing at some focal lengths

Nikon's AF-S Nikkor 18-300mm F3.5-5.6 VR lens offers the longest zoom range currently available for any interchangeable lens camera system. But this comes with all of the usual optical compromises associated with a superzoom, in a large, heavy package.

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  Huge 16.7x focal length range (while maintaining F5.6 aperture at telephoto), Good image quality in the wide to short telephoto range, Fast, quiet autofocus, Good build quality, smooth zooming action and no zoom creep, Decent close-up capability

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  Very soft results at telephoto, Extreme distortion across most of the range (but can be corrected in-camera with recent SLRs), Image stabilization not as effective as on similar lenses, especially at telephoto end, Flash shadowing at wideangle on smaller SLRs, Large, heavy and expensive compared to...

Handling and features This super-zoom lens for Nikon DX format DSLRs covers a huge 16.7x zoom range, equivalent to 27-450mm on a 35mm camera. It sports internal focusing, Nikon's second generation Vibration Reduction system and a maximum aperture of f/5.6 at 300mm, which is relatively bright for...

Instead of a summary it would be enough to present a comparison between the Nikkor AF-S DX 18–300 mm f/3.5–5.6G ED VR and the Tamron 16–300 mm f/3.5–6.3 Di II VC PZD MACRO. The Nikkor is noticeably more expensive, physically heavier and bigger.

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  very useful focal lengths range,, good resolution in the frame centre,, moderate astigmatism,, good correction of coma at longer focal lengths,, moderate vignetting at longer focal lengths,, silent and accurate autofocus,, good stabilization.

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  weak image quality on the edge of the frame at longer focal lengths,, significant longitudinal chromatic aberration at the biggest focal length,, huge lateral chromatic aberration,, distinct vignetting at the wide angle,, high barrel distortion at the wide angle and noticeable pincushion at longer...

It is hardly surprising that it is a difficult quest to optimize a lens with a 16.7x zoom ratio. Given this scope, Nikon did a decent job but the outcome is still a collection of compromises. The weak spots are, unsurprisingly, at the extreme ends of the zoom range.

Those looking for a convenient all-in-one zoom lens for travel, or simply to cut down on lens changes will love the extreme zoom range this 18-300mm lens offers. However, the large size and weight will mean you're not exactly travelling light.

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  Good sharpness in the centre, Extreme 16.7x zoom range, Effective VR system, Good build

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  CA levels towards edges of the frame are high, Distortion, especially at 18mm, VR system lags for around a second before stabilising image.

I bought this lens for an upcoming 19 day trip to India and Nepal. I have the larger f/3.5-5.6 version of this DX lens, but size and weight are a big factor when traveling for a long time on a rigorous journey. I tested the lens today and it didn't disappoint.

I read many reviews before purchasing this lens and I had some reservations about clarity and overall IQ, but I'm not disappointed at all. This is a fantastic all-around lens and the IQ is wonderful for the price and the versatility.

Fantastic lens with ease of use and crisp details on all pictures. If you want to carry only one lens while traveling - this is the one. Beautiful lens.

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  The one lens to carry.

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  There are none.

I just returned a brand new 18-300mm f3.5-5.6. Failed to focus in low light and hesitated even outdoors

Traded in a Nikon 55-300mm that was not doing it for me. This 18-300mm is pricey but wonderful. Couldn't wait for a refurb model! Traveling, taking a lot of shots. Hasn't left my camera except for a day with a 35mm f/1.8 prime.

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  Fast Focus, Great Color, Not heavy, Sharp, Zoom lock

Nice improvement over the 18 - 200 mm zoom. Heavier, but not unwieldy. No loss in lens speed from the 18 - 200 mm zoom. The VR feature helps keep a sharp image at the maximum focal length. If you can only have one lens, this is the one to have.

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  Improved Vr, Maximum Focal Length, Little Or No Zoom Creep, Relatively fast

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  Price, a bit heavy

Creates a big shadow in the picture when used the default camera Flash. At 18mm the pictures are a bit curved