I bought-as the lens 3 years ago with my D90 entry into digital SLR photography. I've created beautiful shots that I did not expect from the lens. The plastic impression is after years with a fairly good Zuiko Olympus OM lens to get used to-Times change. For this, I must agree with the previous speakers: Pleasant little to wear! I have the impression that the 18-55VR somewhat more sensitive to direct light responds as eg my 25mm ZF2 Zeiss; and of course my 1.4 / 50AFD Nikkor provides much better free-logical. I feel better when meinem85er1.4 or Zeiss180er but medium format lens because I then also drag a kilogram by the forest of the back thanks later ... I have the DX lens even at my F100 set (I have now the film again discovered) and even then the lens makes from about 28mm upwards ansehbare images. Look at the adjusted images! Even with close-up lens, the lens I used satisfactorily.
Macro images with normal flash go herewith as opposed to 18-105, which always casts a shadow! Clear: the 2.8 / 17-55G Nikkor or Sigma appropriate optics for example can provide better free; clear: a Zeiss brings better micro contrast, nice vibrant colors. The 12-24er / 4G Nikkor has a faster AF and more wide-angle ... etc. But also clear: the theoretical use of 4-6 18-55ern each with additional weight or other special features (MF; VR ...)
So who wants to create absolutely hammer moderate artistic shots, looking probably the appropriate optics, who enjoy photography, Budget and back protects something accesses.
I like now but the good feel and better picture quality of the above-mentioned "glass blocks" - would therefore deduct a star, a metal bayonet possibly with some Gummidichtung- euros would I have been more value.
