Product Reviews
It is what it is
- February 20, 2012
- By: Ken
One thing to keep in mind is that this is a sub $400 lens - period. If you want to subject your body and lens to chasing antelope across the desert, don't include this lens. If you want zero distortion throughout the zoom range, forget it. This is certainly the area whereby if you want more, you have to pay more - a lot more. Also, taking great photographs isn't always technical - it's artistic. Some great photographers take better photos with their phone-cam than others do with a $5000 DSLR kit.
Having said that, this lens performs very well for where Nikon has it priced. When you add this lens to today's entry level DSLRs - 3100 through 7000, you have a package that people could only dream about having just 5 years ago at a price that nearly everyone can afford.
The lens performs well under most conditions. If you find yourself in low light, mid zoom and you can't use the flash, then crank up the camera's ISO. I've used this lens on my low end 3100 with the ISO at 1600 and was mildly impressed with what I got. Outdoors with lots of light is a no-brainer. Wide angle shots are reasonable for the amateur who wants an inexpensive starter kit without dragging around multiple cameras or lenses and/or shelling out multiple thousands of $$$.
If you want a good performing, all-in-one lens that will give you just a bit more reach than the 18-55, this one works very well for the PRICE. If you want a better lens, be prepared to pay for it.
0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful for you?
Report As Inappropriate
For the casual shooter, it's fine.
- March 09, 2012
- By: Vee Robillard
I've been using this lens off and on for about two years now, with a D300 and a D90. While I wouldn't say the performance is stellar, I will give it credit for being a decent lens, considering the price....but with some very important flaws.
When I first got into digital, this lens came as a kit lens on the D90. I only used this lens for 'walking around' casual shooting. Over time, I discovered that if I want a high quality image, I would be happier using one of my primes. The autofocusing is not that fast, and if you are shooting fast moving objects, you may be in for a challenge.
As well, the images produced are a little soft without any great contrast. All things considered, I think the performance is adequate for the casual shooter who will not be interested in photography as an art form, or a business. If all you'll ever want or need is one 'walking around lens', then this may be a good choice for you.
The ONLY thing I REALLY dislike about this lens (other than the only adequate performace), is the plastic mount. Given the right 'accident', I can easily envision cracking the lens right off the body due to the plastic mount. Plus, over time, I find it loses it's original tight fit against the camera body.
But again, overall and for the price involved, good value IMO as long as you're not a serious photographer or ever intend to be. If you are either, investing in a better more durable lens might be a better option.
0 people found this review helpful. Was this review helpful for you?
Report As Inappropriate