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Lens review

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

24 September 2007
Arkadiusz Olech

4. Image resolution

First, we would like to report that all the Nikkor 18-135 mm tests on our testing charts were made with the Nikon D200 DSLR camera with the mirror lock-up option switched on. We also used the remote control and we worked in RAW format.

The picture below presents the results of the MTF50 values measured in the center of the frame for the used diaphragm and focal lengths of 18, 35, 50, 85 and 135 mm.

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


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The poor impression following the build quality test disappears immediately. The tested Nikkor performs perfectly for the 18-85 mm focal length. In spite of the larger focal length range the tested lens performs better that the 18-70 mm! A slight drop is visible for 135 mm, but it is still a good result. The comparison of the best and weakest focal length for JPG format is presented in the picture below.

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


Is it possible that Nikon found the aforementioned Grail? Unfortunately, it's not true. The proof would be the lens's behavior in the corners of the frame, which is shown below.

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


For 18 mm the result is not so bad, but for the 35-50 mm focal length the results are poor. It is clearly visible in the testing chart clippings from the corner of the frame below. There is a slight improvement at 85 mm focal length, where the results are acceptable, but it drops again to an unacceptable level for the maximal focal length.

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