Good entry-level zoom for battle-price with a few weaknesses

Actually, I wanted a replacement for my kit zoom NIKKOR 18-105 mm, 3.5 -5.6 ED VR because bothers me the violent distortion, especially at wide angle. And so I have this 18 - looked at 55 mm zoom closer. The result beforehand, I did not buy it, since there was no substantial improvement to the existing part, as far as I'll have to invest more. But my experience I do not want to deprive other interested parties.

Processing, haptics, Equipment

The 18-55er Nikon is quite inexpensive and yet satisfactory processed lens, which is specifically calculated for the DX sensor. The mechanics is ok but looks in detail remiss of tube is very wobbly, but it works fine, so I could not complain.
With approximately 265 g is still to be regarded as easy. It ranks as regards their type to the smaller Zoom`s. A lens hood? None that you have to buy it. The lens is made entirely of plastic, the feel is therefore only average. Unfortunately, there is also the bayonet only plastic, just like the 18-105er made by Nikon. With a focal length 18-55 mm, it covers an everyday zoom range. Unfortunately, the front lens rotates when focusing, which is more of a hindrance for the filter insert (52 mm). Nice is on the other hand, the Nikon has integrated an image stabilizer.

For processing, material quality, equipment and the below average mechanics = 3 stars.

Imaging performance - image quality

With a light intensity from 3.5 to 5.6, it takes its place in the endless list of average Lenses is so good standard. If you want to here more light intensity, must engage much deeper into their pockets. But according to my test photos I can say that the look is not bad, but unfortunately, no better than the 18 -105er device.

As I have already mentioned above, bothers me with my kit lens (18-105 mm) but the violent distortion, especially at wide angle. As some users have reported good values ​​and the lower zoom range promised an advantage I have ever used in my first with this lens. But to my amazement, even the smaller 18-55mm recorded violently! Although the sheets are 18 mm wide angle is not quite as pronounced, but the proverbial "ton" is very clear, especially in buildings in the background, noticeable. This in turn requires detention on the PC, which I so wanted to keep under possible. Pleasing contrast is but little to almost total freedom from distortion from 35 mm to the top of the 55 mm focal length, a real consolation. So who can live with the mega-ton in wide angle, obtained in the intermediate focal length an almost distortion-free lens, insofar really great.

In the discipline distortion can forgive good 3 + star, the plus represents the low or almost nonexistent distortion at 55 mm range.

Another important area that is the focus Figure convinced. The lens stands out with good, sometimes very sharp and high-contrast images. The autofocus in conjunction with my D90 + Lens worked impeccably and expeditiously. Depending on the aperture used can be a great depth of field can be generated. The bokeh is rather below average, but still quite acceptable, quite ok for a zoom. For the offered sharpness I like to give 4 stars.

Chromatic aberrations hold also pleasing in boundaries only at magnifications from A 4 are fringing partially clearly visible, but 3 stars.

Another aspect in the field of image quality are vignetting, thus shadowing the edges. This discipline is also the 18-55er not bad, as these hold back significantly, 4 stars.

In summary, one 3.5 stars and an extra "plus" awarded in the discipline image quality.

Price-Performance

Provided Given the still super low price, with good facilities (image stabilization), in spite of average build quality but with good optical properties 4 stars are fully justified.

Conclusion:

A really good 3 star Lens with very good value for money. Despite the lousy mechanics this lens conjures up great image results. The pretty violent distortion at 18 mm range and the co-rotating front lens is a shortcoming, but in view of the payable Obolusses and almost complete freedom from distortion at 55mm, these disadvantages are quite get over. There are clearly better optics, but not for the money, so it deserves a real buy recommendation.

Why in the result only 3 stars in skimpy marks on edge 4 stars (3.5 stars and an extra "plus")? The cheap plastic bayonet in conjunction with the wobbly mechanics and the lack Gegenlichblende (available at least 18-105er included) leave from my personal point of view on any 4 star rating, but without trying to talk the lens in the whole poor, which also would not be appropriate. But a gradation must be allowed, the price alone can not be the yardstick. As already mentioned earlier, it is not really better than the 18-105 mm and two of this variety are a me too much. In that regard, I have not indulged in the outcome of this objective and prefer to invest in a different lens. But when entry-level kit lens, it is very well suited.