Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f-4-5.6G IF - Telephoto Zoom Lens

Pros: Light weight, VR works well, sharp images, fast focus. Exceptional value.
Cons: Only kit lens quality(plastic barrel). I don't recommend for Macro(micro) shots.

I bought this lens to increase the zoom power available to my Nikon D40 dSLR camera and to accompany the 18-55mm kit lens. It's a natural to want to buy this accessory as you develop more skill in photography. The lens will bring subjects, that are not ...

Pros: super tack sharp images
Cons: aperture range is a bit on the high side

The Nikon Nikkor 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 G AF-S Lens is no less than a super lens! I'm a photographer and have used many different lenses, and theis one is a winner....plus it's relatively inexpensive at about $250. The zoom range is perfect for outdoor ...

Pros: Price, reliability, versatility, and that amazing Image Stabilization.
Cons: Not a macro lens, not a great low-light lens.

When I "outgrew" the kit lens that came with my Canon EOS Elan 7e I decided that I wanted to try a lens w/Canon's IS (Image Stabilization) feature. To my great satisfaction, this is the one that I chose. This lens has become my "do all, be all" choice ...

Pros: It's lightweight
Cons: Image quality is poor

Hi, I'm taking off for some extended travel and thought I'd delve into the Nikon D50 package because it's so light weight and I wouldn't have to worry about film. I did an exposure test on this lens with an evenly lit (.1 stop variation) test ...

Pros: Solid build, IS, good range, decent value
Cons: Some might want wider angle, no lock so zoom can creep.

I have used this lens on my rebel xt for a walk around lens for about 6 months and enjoy it. The range is fine for me although some may rather have a wider angle, on the occasion I can't take a step or 2 back, I have used the rebel xt kit lens for the ...

Pros: If this is what you can afford...it's not bad.
Cons: Cheap, rotating front, not that sharp.

There's not much you can say about this lens that doesn't seem unfair considering it's typical 175 dollar price point. It's a small, cheap feeling lens that has reasonable quality optics. The real question is whether it's worth keeping when lenses like the 18-70 and 18-200VR are out. The short answer is NO, unless you simply can't afford those lenses. If you don't use the shorter focal ranges, a 28-200G will blow the 18-55 away...and you can just hang on to the 18-55 for occasions when you do run into a need for the wider angle. Technology has trickled down allowing a low cost lens like this to perform nicely, but I don't want one. The build quality is poor. It's slow, suffers from a bit more CA than the more expensive siblings and isn't true AFS. In fact my non-AFS lenses focus faster in some cases. My 18-70 was clearly better, but at twice the price of course.
My current lenses are Nikon 70-200VR, Nikon 28-200G, Tamron 90 Macro, Nikon 18-200 VR and 50mm 1.8

Pros: Auto focus, Sturdy built, Crisp pictures, Silent motor
Cons: No depth of field scale or aperture ring. Both must be controlled by camera body.

I purchased my AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED lens new along with my Nikon D70s SLR. The lens functions well over all focal lengths. Nice lens for both portrait and action photography. Works well in burst mode to freeze on field sports action. Silent auto focus motor does not alert wildlife or disturb those around you. Lens came with front and rear covers, soft lens bag, and removable lens hood. Well made. I recommend this lens highly and never leave home without it.

Pros: the quality is more than you pay for
Cons: slow lens and need to be patience

when i first bought this lens, i regretted because after a few tries it does not give expected results; soft, bluish and slow. my latest outing was at the zoo and i decided to test it at my latest findings that is to shoot 1/3 to 1 stop down. it was a cloudy day with moderate sun. the pictures produced was totally different; sharp, excellent contrast even in the shade and far better from my previous shots. i was using my d50 set at program mode, iso 400, prefered white balance, normal settings.

at the tele end you may need a tripod but if you are steady enough, your good arms and hands will do.

for this sort of price, its far more than you can expect. lastly, do not place cheap plastic in front of your expensive lens for you will regret it. get a good filter for that purpose.

You can see my review at http://ikelah.blogspot.com"

good luck and happy hunting.

azmi

Pros: Sharp, Great Color and Contrast, Price, Compact.
Cons: None considering the price.

This is an excellent, often overlooked lens. Some people have discounted this lens on the mere fact it can perform as good as lenses costing several times more and do not want to accept the fact that a kit lens can compete with the pros. The 55-200 range is sharper and has better contrast than the 18-200 VR and 28-800 G. If you need proof in numbers, check out Nikon's own MTF charts, the DxO optics report at slrgear.com, or other reports (photodo, photozine). Thom Hogan (well respected Nikon pro) gave this lens four stars. Excellent color and contrast, sharp even wide-open, best performance at f8. Good build for the price, AF-S focusing, and 2 ED glass elements all for around $200.