Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR [Vibration Reduction] Zoom Nikkor Lens

The newest addition to Nikon’s world-class Nikkor lens lineup, the DX Nikkor series was developed for professional and advanced amateur digital SLR users who demand high optical performance. This 55-200mm lens offers such features as two extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass elements for minimized chromatic aberration, an exclusive Silent Wave Monitor that allows for accurate and quiet high-speed autofocusing, and a nine-blade rounded diaphragm. And thanks to the 200mm maximum focal length and 3.6x zoom, you can shoot everything from close-up sports shots to national park wildlife without standing right next to your subject. Other details include a super-integrated coating that minimizes ghosting and flare; a nine-blade rounded diaphragm for more natural out-of-focus highlights; and a focus switch that lets you easily switch between autofocus (A) and manual (M) modes. All Nikon lenses carry a five-year warranty.

Focal length: 55-200mm
Maximum aperture: f/4-5.6
Minimum aperture: f/22-32
Picture angle (Nikon DX format sensor): 28 degrees (at 55mm) to 8 degrees (at 200mm)
Maximum reproduction ratio: 1:3.5
Lens construction: 13 elements in 9 groups (with 2 ED glass elements)
Lens drive: Silent Wave Monitor
Dx type: DX Nikkor (for use with Nikon digital SLR models)
Minimum focus distance: 3.1 feet

Filter/attachment size: 52mm
Included accessories: LC-52 snap-on front lens cap, LF-1 rear lens cap, HB-34 lens hood, CL-0815 lens case
Dimensions: 2.7 inches in diameter, 3.1 inches long
Weight: 9 ounces

Customer feedback:

1. This lens is sharp even at wide apertures, the VR (image stabilization) works great, autofocus speed is more than acceptable, and it it is very light and compact. The fact that it costs $250 and has effective VR is pretty amazing – no other company offers a lens with this feature for anywhere near this price. As for image quality, search the various internet photo sites, such as dpreview and nikonians for sample photos taken with this lens by real users.

2. Times sure have changed. There’s hardly a metal camera to be found and you can carry a bag full of equipment in one hand. The Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor is the latest lightweight from this heavyweight of the camera industry. Plastic construction right down to its lens mount. This thing looks and feels like the label should say Fisher Price and not Nikon. However, looks can be deceiving as I soon found out.
My only reason for buying this lens was that I needed to fill a void in my kit until I saved up enough for a 70-200mm f2.8. I had no intention of keeping the 55-200 VR once the 70-200 arrived. After shooting with the 55-200 for a few months I’ve come to appreciate what it can do. It’s limited to use in good light as even VR can’t change the laws of physics. In this case, it’s not even the current VR-II but the original VR that Nikon developed a few years ago.