In 2009, the Nikon Corporation launched the AF-S DX Nikkor 18 to 200 mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II. This auto-focus standard zoom lens has a focal length of 18 to 200 mm, a versatile range with a compact form. For photographers who prefer to keep only one lens on their single-lens reflex cameras, this lens allows sweeping wide angle to compressed telephoto images under a variety of shooting conditions.
Definitions
The "f/3.5-5.6G" designation refers to the maximum aperture setting or largest lens opening that permits light to hit the camera's sensor chip. This lens has a minimum aperture of f/22 to f/36. The "G" refers to Nikon's G-type lens that has no aperture ring to rotate. Instead, you adjust the aperture on the camera body. "ED" refers to extra-low dispersion glass. According to Nikon, this glass allows sharpness and color correction. This lens includes two ED glass elements. In 1968, Nikon introduced aspherical glass elements. This lens' three aspherical glass elements help reduce distortion and contribute to a lighter, more compact lens design. Together, the ED and aspherical glass elements minimize chromatic, or color, aberration and optical distortion.
Vibration Reduction
"VR" refers to vibration reduction made possible with the lens' internal image stabilization feature. In low lighting conditions when a slow speed on a hand-held camera can cause blurry images, this feature reduces the chance of motion blur but doesn't prevent motion blur. The "VR II" version features a zoom lock switch that differentiates it from the original VR version. The zoom lock switch prevents the lens barrel from accidentally extending from a compact, minimum length to a longer focal length. For example, if you walk with the camera lens set at 18 mm and pointed down, soon gravitational pull will make the lens barrel slip from its setting and the lens will extend. The zoom lock ensures the barrel stays at the minimum focal length.
Specifications
The Nikkor 18 to 200 mm lens feature an 11X zoom. Set at the widest setting, 18 mm, the lens the picture angle is 76 degrees. At the 200 mm telephoto setting, the picture angle reduces to 8 degrees. When attached to a DX-format camera, such as the D300S, the lens ranges from 27 to 300 mm. This Nikkor lens includes the exclusive Super Integrated Coatings that help reduce lens ghosting or flaring that appears as bright spots of unwanted color or haze on an image. The Silent Wave Motor allows quiet operation. This fairly compact lens weighs about 1.25 lbs. The lens length is 96.5 mm in length and lens diameter is 77 mm. The filter size is 72 mm. Lens construction includes 16 elements in 12 groups. The closest focusing distance is 1.6 feet.
Accessories Included
This Nikkor lens includes a 72 mm snap-on front lens cap, part No. LC-071, and a rear lens cap, LF-1. A bayonet hood, HB-35, helps reduce the chance of unwanted light rays from straying into the lens barrel. The flexible lens pouch, part No. CL-1018, helps keep dust off the lens. To protect the lens, consider buying a sturdier camera case or camera bag.
Tags: glass elements, aspherical glass, aspherical glass elements, focal length, lens barrel, lens includes, Nikkor lens