Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Review

Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is a zoom lens for digital cameras Nikon with ASP-C sensor (DX). Came as a kit lens. The lens was producing in 2008 and is released today. It has an almost 6-x zoom, and due to demand for the focal length, it is used as a universal lens. Some photographers are only one offer.

Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Specifications

Focal length: 18-105mm

Max. aperture: f/3.5-5.6

Weight (gr): 420

Length (mm): 89

Filter Ø (mm.): 67

Aperture blades: 7 Min.

Focus distance (m.): 0,45  

Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Handling and Mechanics

The lens is assembled in a plastic barrel. On the camera looks solidly then kit Nikkor 18-55mm.

But I love the good old lenses in a metal barrel; it seems slimpsy. The bayonet is also made of plastic.

My friend once fell from the table with the Nikon D7000 lens mount flew off one ear, and it occasionally deviated from the camera; the contacts also periodically depart, and to focus, the lens stops. Now that it certainly worked autofocus, it has to be pressed to the camera by hand. Was he sure that the metal would stand such harsh conditions? In the middle of the barrel, taken by the zoom ring. It rubbered. By the way, again, after a year of intensive use of the lens with the same friend, gum rings start to peel. By the way, it is in the photo, this lens, you can see. Including all these troubles would not call it a good assembly. Yet, it seems to be better than the Tamron SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8. Its rubber zoom ring receded even faster. 

Closer to the camera has a narrow focus plastic ring, which can be used, although it is not very convenient. To switch to the manual focus lens on the left, there is a switch A/M. It is located next to the switch On/Off stabilizer. I used manual focus when focused in the dark, and the autofocus could not help me. But for the full manual focus lens is not used due to the short turn of the focus ring, about 45 degrees. The lens has an internal focus; when you hover, the field length of the lens does not change - it is a positive moment in the design one. When you zoom to 105mm lens decent trunk extends over a distance of about 6 cm. The front element during zooming and focusing is not rotating is a positive thing two. The lens is equipped with flower shape lens hood HB32. Which is attached bayonet, and for transportation of the lens, it can be mounted upside down. Hood plain, plastic, looks cheap. The lens has an image stabilizer, as evidenced by the inscription VR. The stabilizer is a good thing, especially for beginners amateur photographers; it smoothes handshake at slow shutter speeds, helps to avoid camera shake. I would also like to say about the lens aperture. It is not linear. Refer to the table:

I imagine a smooth fall aperture from one end to the other, but in reality, it is not. From the values of the table can say that, in fact, the lens is darker than it appears.

Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Sample Photos

Examples are taken with cameras Nikon D7000 and Nikon D5200. Exports from RAW converted Darktable c default settings without post-processing.

Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Sharpness

The lens has a typical kit lens sharpness. On the wide-open aperture, sharpness is not particularly brag. Well, for the 6x zoom need something to pay. But in general, a normal sharpness.

105mm f/ 5.6

58mm f/ 5.6

45mm f/4.8

85mm f/ 6.3

105mm f/ 6.3

To cover the aperture's sharpness is good.

18mm f/ 4

Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Character and Bokeh

Bokeh observed at close range and close-ups.

105mm f/ 5.6

105mm f/ 5.6

105mm f/ 5.6

98mm f/ 5.6

105mm f/ 5.6

105mm f/ 5.6

When submersible portraits. Something special about the lens character, I did not notice. Nothing special.

Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Color Reproduction and Contrast

105mm f/ 5.6

The contrast is good. The colors are bright and vivid.

105mm f/ 6.3

105mm f/ 5.6

80mm f/ 5.6

As it befits a modern lens, it copes with backlighting.

18mm f/ 14

28mm f/ 5.6

Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Autofocus and Stabilizer

The lens has a built-in focus motor, allowing autofocus will work on all Nikon cameras. Motor autofocus is quiet.

42mm f/ 6.3

Autofocus is normal for its lens class. Not super fast, but the speed is sufficient. Misses are rare, and for that, I love Nikkor autofocus lenses. The image Stabilizer is well made. It will be useful for long exposure photography. For example, when shooting nightscapes, you suddenly want to take a night view picture, but you do not have a tripod.

58mm 1/2 sec handheld with stabilizer

I deliberately took this example to demonstrate the stabilizer work. In my opinion, it is good.

Summary

Nikkor 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR is a standard kit lens. Interestingly their focal range. Can act alternative to 18-55mm kit lens. But not more than that.