Lens review

Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 18-135 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF

11. Summary

Pros:

• great picture quality for the center of the frame and for the whole focal length range
• low chromatic aberration for 35 to 85 mm
• well corrected astigmatism
• quiet and efficient autofocus
• universality in a small size
• reasonable price.

Cons:

• poor picture quality for 35-50 mm and 135 mm at the edges of the frame
• visible chromatic aberration at the ends of the focal length range
• large geometric distortion for the whole focal length range
• huge vignetting at 18 mm and 135 mm
• poor performance in bright light in wide angle mode
• poor build quality

To take the place of the Nikkor 18-70 mm, Nikon released a new model - the Nikkor 18-135 mm with more universal parameters and an equally good price. Unfortunately, nothing is for free. Very good picture quality in the center of the frame is offset by poor performance in the edges of the frame. There is huge vignetting and visible chromatic aberration at the ends of the focal length range. The distortion is visible at the whole range of focal lengths.

Another drawback is the poor quality of the body build and the bayonet. So far, the quality of the elements used in the construction do not influence the picture quality, but it is hard to say, after a week of testing, how this plastic is going to perform in a year or two. This could be a problem...

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Sample shots:

Camera: Nikon D80 Parameters: 18 mm, f/5.6, exp. 1/180 sec, ISO 200 File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 2.3 MB	Camera: Nikon D80 Parameters: 135 mm, f/6.3, exp. 1/250 sec, ISO 200 File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 2.3 MB	Camera: Nikon D80 Parameters: 70 mm, f/5.6, exp. 1/125 sec, ISO 500 File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 3.9 MB
Camera:Nikon D80 Parameters: 35 mm, f/6.3, exp. 1/160 sec, ISO 500 File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 4.8 MB	Camera: Nikon D80 Parameters: 66 mm, f/5.3, exp. 1/80 sec, ISO 400 File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 4.3 MB	Camera: Nikon D80 Parameters: 105 mm, f/5.6, exp. 1/200 sec, ISO 400 File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 3.6 MB