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

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

This Nikon DX-format telephoto zoom lens covers between 82.5 and 300mm equivalent. As the name says, it's the successor of the AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED. By employing a collapsible mechanism, the length has been reduced by approximately 16.5mm to be about 83mm just like a standard zoom lens. Besides, the weight has also been reduced by about 35g. And of course, the image stabilizer assists you in all situations. Because I had no problem with the predecessor's sharpness and bokeh quality wide open, I was curious to know whether the rendition has been influenced by the change of optics associated with downsizing and weight reduction.

( Photography : Z II / Text : KIMURAX )

Wide-end / wide open. The lines of the stately columns look sharp and at the original size I can see every azalea flower in focus. The sharpness is already high enough and you have an ample room to stop down from here.

Wide-end /wide open. The distortion is visible around the corners, but the contrast is great. The texture reproduction of the metal chair frames is good enough.

Zoomed in to the mid-range. I shot under, trusting the shadow tone detail. It perfectly reproduced the subject's shape, color, and the shadow gradation.

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Tele-end. Despite the wind, I could freeze the moment thanks to the powerful image stabilizer. I'm also impressed with the minute resolution of the hat's mesh, the blood vessels bumping on his hand, and the gut. The 3D separation is great even considering the effect of the background bokeh.

The resolution is high wide open throughout the zoom range. What a realistic rendition of the aluminum can and the transparency of water.

Almost right in the middle of the zoom range. The compressing effect is just right. Great resolution of the hat, shirt, and the nylon bag. The high potential of this telephoto zoom lens is something you don't expect from this lightweight and compactness.

The 1.1m minimum focus distance was perfect to shoot the cat without disturbing. The hairs in focus look very sharp and the bokeh is big and smooth. This is such a fun lens.

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A telephoto zoom lens is always convenient and fun to use because you can crop, compress, and make bokeh wide open. And, you'll love the view in viewfinder while zooming. Considering the F4 max aperture, light weight, compactness, and price, this lens is a big bargain. While it's typically sold with entry-models such as the D3300 and the D5300, I sued the advanced model D7100 with no low-pass filter to test its native performance. And as you see, the focal plane is very sharp unlike most reasonable lens for beginners. This lens is so reliable that you can continue to use it even after you step up to an advanced model.

( 21.10.2015 )