AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR

SGD 1,699 RRP

The other lens announced along with the release of AF-S NIKKOR 24-85mm F/3.5-4.5G ED is definitely one that raises eyebrows and interests of the mass market DX body users. AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is an ultra-high power 16.7x zoom set to replace the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR. This variable aperture lens is probably not your solution to a fast lens, but do bear in mind the telephoto end at f/5.6 can still deliver excellent pictures with creamy bokeh. Equipped with the latest VRII (Vibration Reduction version II) mechanism, expect the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR to deliver steady and sharp shots in low light conditions. You can expect fast focusing across the wide traverse range of the lens with the SWM (Silent Wave Motor).

Before the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR was available, the best option for such superzoom lens has to be the TAMRON AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD ASPHERICAL (IF) MACRO PZD lens. I have the older version TAMRON AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD Aspherical (IF) MACRO which pioneered without the PZD (Piezo Drive; TAMRON's answer to SWM), which I wrote a great deal about this lens and recommended it to many Nikon and Canon users. Read about it here. In a nutshell, this sub S$1000 superzoom lens delivers sharp photos, steady low light shots, acceptable AF speed across all high versatile 15x zoom range. A perfect lens for globetrotters, as it accompanied me for visits to various trips. Check out the photos in my Hong Kong, Spain and Korea posts. The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR uses a bigger 77 mm filter compared to Tamron's 72 mm. The NIKKOR also physically bigger and heavier than the Tamron. Both lenses have a similar reproduction ratio. With almost features on par with the TAMRON AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC LD ASPHERICAL (IF) MACRO PZD, I would love to see how the new AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR matches up!

SPECIFICATIONS

Focal length	18-300 mm
Maximum aperture	f/3.5-5.6
Minimum aperture	f/22-32
Lens construction	19 elements in 14 groups (including 3 aspherical lens elements and 3 ED lens elements)
Angle of view	76° - 5° 20'
Focusing	Nikon Internal Focusing (IF) System with autofocus controlled by Silent Wave Motor and separate focus ring for manual focus
Minimum focus distance	300 mm focal length: 0.45 m (1.48 ft) from focal plane
Maximum reproduction ratio	1/3.2x
No. of diaphragm blades	9 (rounded diaphragm opening)
Filter-attachment size	77 mm (P=0.75 mm)
Dimensions	Approx. 83 mm diameter x 120 mm (distance from camera lens mount flange)
Weight	Approx. 830 g (29.3 oz)