Nikon Updates the 55-200mm to AF-S DX VR 55-200MM F/4-5.6G IF-ED - Reviews and Samples

ShaolinTiger posted this at 6:11 pm on Thursday, May 31, 2007 —

Nikon finally brought out some reasonably priced VR lenses!

Nikon 55-200mm VR

Interesting Links

First of all the excellent Nikon AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED and now they have updated the small and light 55-200mm as a perfect companion to the standard 18-55mm kit lens.

This lens will go very well with the new D40 or D40x or an existing D80 or D50.

The AF-S DX VR 55-200MM F/4-5.6G IF-ED lens is a high-quality compact 3.6x DX zoom designed specifically to work with Nikon’s market-leading D80 and D40/ D40x cameras. The AF-S DX VR 55-200MM F/4-5.6G IF-ED is an affordable entry-level lens which features Nikon’s cutting edge Vibration Reduction stabilization system and exclusive Silent Wave Motor for fast, quiet and precise autofocussing.

With optics designed for the Nikon DX Format digital SLR cameras, this high-performance compact lens delivers a picture angle equivalent to that of a 35mm format, 82.5-300mm zoom lens, which enables users to get close to unapproachable subjects.

Nikon’s Vibration Reduction function compensates for camera shake to produce sharper, clearer pictures in unsteady or poorly-lit conditions.

Other fantastic features include the Nikon ED glass and aspherical lens elements to minimize chromatic aberration, astigmatism, and other forms of distortion, while ensuring high resolution and contrast.

Interesting Links

Comments from Amazon Reviews

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.

This lens is fabulous. The perfect compliment to my 18-55 lens on my Nikon D80. It takes over where the 18-55 stops. Sharp and lightweight at 11 oz. The VR “no shake, no blur” feature is a must for me. I am usually out walking the dog or in a car or at a cycling event so I never have a tripod. I have no complaints about this lens.

Some more samples here and Ken Rockwell’s thoughts here.

So far from what I’ve seen it’s a capable lens, light weight, sharp wide open and very reasonably priced.

Here in Malaysia it’s on sale (street price) for around RM850.

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1,129 views - Filed under: Equipment, Nikon

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- An 18-200mm Zoom? Ultimate Lens? The Sigma 18-200mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS
- Nikon D90 Finally Released - D80 Replacement dSLR with Video
- Nikon Launches New Site About VR (Vibration Reduction) Function
- Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED Lens
Interesting Links

10 Comments »

Comment by Mark

May 31, 2007 @ 7:36 pm


Wow, for RM850 that is definitely a steal for a VR lens.

Comment by BlogDirectory

June 1, 2007 @ 3:38 am


RM850 was cheap.. real cheap.
I wish I have a DSLR… grrrr…

Comment by Eugene

June 1, 2007 @ 8:26 pm


I think I’ll be wanting to get this one.

I was at Carey Island last weekend at the beach in the evening when the mud-skippers and hermit crabs came out to play. I tried getting close to them with the 18-55mm but they kept running away :D

Of course, if there are other lenses you would recommend, please do tell :) Cheers!

Comment by ShaolinTiger

June 3, 2007 @ 4:40 pm


Mark: It certainly is great value!

BlogDirectory: Surely you can buy one with the earnings from your ‘blog directory’…

Eugene: I personally prefer the 70-300mm VR as it’s razor sharp at 200mm and acceptable at 300mm for that extra reach. It is heavier and more expensive though (Around RM1900), it depends on your budget and preference.

Comment by genedavinci

June 4, 2007 @ 11:39 am


At RM850, I will definately prefer this over Sigma APO 70-300mm for the budget zoom (under rm1000 bracket) category. Although short of 100mm, but at 200mm, you should be getting good zoom photos. Add that with VR, it’s good enough… at least for me.

Comment by calvaryzone

June 4, 2007 @ 12:20 pm


what the..?
VR under rm 1k?
man, how come we dont get IS lens that cheap?

Comment by Mark

June 4, 2007 @ 1:51 pm


Thanks to this post I actually went out and bought it on Friday. Retail price is RM850 and I got it at Shong Lee 1Utama. Decided to buy it there because its nearer and I was too lazy to head to KL to look for a better price. Also I was in a hurry to try using it at Teluk Batik over the weekend.

Comment by ShaolinTiger

June 4, 2007 @ 2:30 pm


genedavinci: Yah it’s a much better choice than the cheaper 70-300mm third party lenses, which can be at least RM600-700 anyway.

calvaryzone: Move to Nikon la, it’s the wise choice :P

Mark: Great, I’m sure you’ll love the lens. Do let us know when you’ve posted some pics from it! Shong Lee is a good shop, I know the boss there, you won’t really get it cheaper in KL. For the best prices around PJ you can also try J-One in Amcorp Mall.

Comment by Eugene

June 4, 2007 @ 10:10 pm


Mark,

You seem to have all the luck!

I was out on Sunday looking for it at YL Camera at Pudu Plaza, no luck. I called up Jason at Amcorp and also no luck.

Hope to see some shots quickly!

Shaolintiger

You’re right there at the street price being RM850.00 - I called a few places and that’s the minimum so far. Based on my budget and preference, I just placed an order for it too. Thanks :D

Pingback by New Canon Budget Lenses Announced - EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS »

August 22, 2007 @ 9:03 am


[...] It looks like Canon are jumping right back at Nikon, after Nikon launched it’s cheapest VR lens to date the 55-200mm to AF-S DX VR 55-200MM F/4-5.6G IF-ED. [...]

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