Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR

[Zoom] Wide-zoom | Standard-zoom | Tele-zoom | High-zoom  
[Fixed-focal] Wide angle | Standard | Telephoto | Macro

The AF-S DX Nikkor 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR is a DX-format lens boasting its 16.6X zoom ratio. In 35mm format, it covers from 27mm to 450mm! When you travel, you want to minimize the luggage. But, you never know what focal length you will need. So, a lens like this gives you a peace of mind. The image quality of high zoom lenses has improved dramatically, and this lens is no exception.

( Photography & Text : T.Nakanishi )

I stopped down. The yellow leaves look very sharp. The tonal gradation is smooth and the 3D quality is great.

I shot wide open in a backlit condition. The focal plane is sharp while it reproduced the perspective and the air.

I shot the farmers on duty after getting their permission. Even at the tele-end, it froze the subjects thanks to the powerful vibration reduction mechanism. Long range shot like this one used to be extremely difficult, but now it's so easy.

It depicted the great detail of the bird's feather and the tonal gradation of the water surface is smooth. The AF doesn't hunt and it helps you shoot moving objects.

This is a great lens for walking, too. Kids grow fast, and now is the best time to record the growth.

It's not razor sharp, but sharp enough considering the zoom ratio.

No ghosts and flares, and no loss of contrast even under the backlit condition.

Like other Nikkor lenses, this lens is good at texture reproduction. It not only draws the subject beautifully, but also emphasizes its presence.

I took this eclipse shot using the camera's crop mode and zooming to the tele-end.

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This lens is versatile, yet compact. At least, it doesn't look like a 450mm lens. But, like other Nikkor lenses, the built quality is great. And, the optical performance is great enough to use with high-megapixel cameras.

( 06.01.2015 )