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Lens review

2009-11-06
 

Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR

11. Summary

Pros:
  • low weight, compact dimensions ,
  • good image sharpness in the centre and on the borders across the 55-125 mm focal length range,
  • well-controlled coma,
  • slight astigmatism,
  • sound autofocus work,
  • presence of stabilization,
  • affordable price.

Cons:

  • average sharpness at 200 mm,
  • significant vignetting at all focal lengths,
  • weak work against bright light,
  • a lot of plastics in the barrel.

The summary of this lens’s tests results is going to be very positive for one reason - the Nikon company adjusted its price well to its possibilities. The optical properties seem to be one of the better in the amateur class of 55-200 mm instruments; in addition the autofocus works efficiently and so does stabilization – perhaps the results are not on the level of the best VR mechanisms but still they allow to extend the exposure time even 7 times.

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At the end let’s express one doubt in the role of a fly in the ointment. Perhaps instead of buying the 55-200 VR (in addition to a “kit lens” as a support) an amateur photographer should get more interested in a Nikkor 18-200 mm VR? The price is twice as high, it’s true, but we buy a more universal, better-made device, with a more efficient autofocus system and stabilization. In the range of 55-200 mm it doesn’t give in to the lens tested here and, additionally, its 18-55 mm range presents itself very well...


Sample shots:

Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR - Summary Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR - Summary Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR - Summary
Camera: Nikon D200
Parameters: 55 mm, f/4.0, exp. 1/60 sec., ISO 320
File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 2.9 MB
 Camera: Nikon D200
Parameters: 55 mm, f/8.0, exp. 1/320 sec., ISO 160
File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 4.7 MB		 Camera: Nikon D200
Parameters: 200 mm, f/10.0, exp. 1/640 sec., ISO 250
File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 3.2 MB
Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR - Summary Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR - Summary Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR - Summary
Camera:Nikon D200
Parameters: 55 mm, f/7.1, exp. 1/500 sec., ISO 160
File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 4.2 MB		 Camera: Nikon D200
Parameters: 116 mm, f/7.1, exp. 1/1000 sec., ISO 160
File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 4.2 MB		 Camera: Nikon D200
Parameters: 200 mm, f/8.0, exp. 1/500 sec., ISO 160
File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 4.3 MB
Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR - Summary Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR - Summary Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR - Summary
Camera:Nikon D200
Parameters: 110 mm, f/4.5, exp. 1/80 sec., ISO 250
File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 4.3 MB		 Camera: Nikon D200
Parameters: 200 mm, f/5.6, exp. 1/125 sec., ISO 250
File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 3.9 MB		 Camera: Nikon D200
Parameters: 55 mm, f/4.0, exp. 1/90 sec., ISO 250
File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 4.3 MB
Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR - Summary Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR - Summary Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED VR - Summary
Camera:Nikon D200
Parameters: 110 mm, f/4.5, exp. 1/180 sec., ISO 125
File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 4.6 MB		 Camera: Nikon D200
Parameters: 55 mm, f/5.6, exp. 1/60 sec., ISO 100
File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 3.9 MB		 Camera: Nikon D200
Parameters: 85 mm, f/4.2, exp. 1/100 sec., ISO 100
File: JPG, 3872x2592 pix, 4.0 MB

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