AF-S DX NIKKOR
18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
This 5.8x zoom, designed exclusively for use with Nikon’s DX-format, features Nikon’s VR image stabilization and is perfect for portraits and action.
$399.95*SRPSRP (Suggested Retail Price) listed only as a suggestion. Actual prices are set by dealers and are subject to change at any time.
Close
Supplied Accessories
- LC-67 67mm snap-on front lens cap
- LF-1 rear lens cap
- HB-32 Bayonet lens hood
- CL-1018 Flexible lens pouch
*Supplied accessories may differ depending on country or area.
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
148
148
Great all around lens
Ease of use: it is well balanced on a D5100 - it is far from that front heavy feeling that deteriorates mirrorless APS-C cameras. I love the focus ring... but it could be a bit more wide. It weighs just as much, that it is comfortable for a walk. Zoom rings and tubes are OK, no creeping, and turning smoothly. Plastic bayonet?? I can't state anything about it, because I use it since less than two weeks. I have read many users stating it is strong enough, but I will handle with care.
Sharpness: excellent at the center, and no dramatic drop towards the edges. Great color rendering.
Distortion: really exists, and somewhat pronounced. Sometimes ADC is a Must.
Vignetting: pronounced with max. aperture at the wide and long end - stopping down by 2/3-1 stop helps much. But in some situations you have to live with it.
Macro: it is not really intended for macro, but makes nice pictures of flowers.
Out of focus blur: I love it at 105mm - but obviously, there are far more powerful bokeh-makers.
VR: helps much. At wide end, even 1/2.5s handheld is possible with appropriate shooting technique.
Focus speed: not a speed demon, but fast enough in most of the situations.
Zoom reach: usually you won't need more at the tele end, but if you shoot wildlife (butterflies, birds, mammals etc.), a 70-300 VR tele will improve the situation much. Wide is nice, but nothing more than standard.
Final words: bearable compromises, great performance for price.
April 4, 2012
5 Stars based on class of lens
I originally got this lens with my D90 when it was first introduced 3 years ago, when I was new to Digital SLR after decades shooting film with Canon equipment. The 18-105 is the most versatile lens in my kit now in that it handles a wide range of shooting styles from landscapes, travel, portraiture, and almost macro close up very well but excels in none of them. Over the last several years I have gotten some of the best lenses Nikon makes, which are stellar for their specialty but none, are more versatile regardless of price. I recommend this lens for beginners who are not sure of their special interests yet and probably will not know until after taking thousands of photos. This lens allows someone to explore such a wide variety of shooting subjects that it is almost an essential lens for newcomers.
I also recommend this lens to travelers and casual shooters because it is light weight and quite capable of producing images that anyone regardless of experience, would be proud of.
What is its strengths: Light weight, wide range of zoom, very close minimum focusing distance(almost macro), nice flare resistance, good contrast, excellent Vibration Reduction(VR), smooth manual focusing, good sharpness at widest apertures and excellent sharpness stopped down to, say f/8, good out of focus rendering at longer focal lengths which is really effective at 90mm or so for portraits that blur the background pleasantly to isolate the very sharply focused subject, and bargain price.
What are the weaknesses? It is not as good for ambient light indoor photography because its maximum aperture not optimized for it....use a flash when the light is dim, moderately slow automatic focusing in low light, geometric distortion at the widest focal lengths, a little pincushion distortion at 105 mm focal length, Software correctable CA at wide apertures. These all sound bad but they impact every lens to varying degrees and compared to other lenses in its class and price range, these are better specs than others.
Note that this lens has a plastic lens mount which I've heard is criticized for potential weakness but my experience is that after 80,000 shots on two different Nikon cameras(D90 and D7000) in rough conditions of event and back country shooting it seems rugged and I would have no qualms about taking it anywhere.
So, with $10,000 in great, heavy lenses in my bag, the 18-105 is still shot frequently, particularly for walks and travel, or anywhere when using the great SB900 flash with it.
April 1, 2012
Awesome Lens
Awesome lens, works perfect for every occasion, great lens for a great price
March 21, 2012
It is what it is...
Understand that many of these reviews lack objectiveness - it's mostly peoples' opinions and if we stand back and look at the "big picture", we'll come up with a more balanced perspective. 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. 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.
February 20, 2012
My Most used lens
I have a 18-200 lens, I use this lens most of the time. I always seem to go back to this lens.
November 23, 2011
20 Questions | 42 Answers
Product Q&A
Ask your questions. Share your answers.
20 Questions | 42 Answers
Have a new question?
Ask a new question Search the Product Forum
All
All
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
5 Answers
would a teleconverter work w/ this lens? i am new to dslr.
1 year ago
by
Anonymous
Age: 25-34
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Occasional user, memory keeper
5 Answers
Answers
Answer:
no, tele-converters only work on FX (full frame) bodies with FX lenses attached.Nov 7, 2011 by
by
smaperry
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
Teleconverters do not work with this lens or any of the new generation Nikon lens. They work with the old Nikkor lenses but not with the new lenes with VR and auto focus etc. I would recommend purchasing a longer zoom focal length like a 200mm or 300mm VR AF.Aug 14, 2011 by
by
M.R. Herron
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
Unless your sample of the 18-105 is sharper than mine, I would not use a teleconverter with it. A teleconverter is kind of like an optical "digital zoom." It does not waste megapixals, but it does take the existing resolution and spreads it out. My lens does not have any resolution to spare.Aug 8, 2011 by
by
Stevie G.
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 11-20 years
Experience: 6-12 months
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
I would professionally stay away from Teleconverters with digital. The lenses are calibrated for optimum performance as per their design. When you add teleconverters, you interfere with engineering principles as well as lose your ability to auto-focus in most cases.Jun 1, 2011 by
by
Nicky Nikon
Baltimore, MD
Location :
Baltimore, MD
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Professional photographer
Answer:
actually (please nikon officials look away) a kenko TC will work with nikkor superzooms as well (but of course, only in the tele area). i don't say it's pretty but it works.Has staff answer
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
4 Answers
Is the 18-105mm lens compatible with the D3100?
1 year ago
by
Jim
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 6-10 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
4 Answers
Answers
Answer:
yes all AF-S lenses are compatible.Nov 7, 2011 by
by
smaperry
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
YesJun 1, 2011 by
by
Nicky Nikon
Baltimore, MD
Location :
Baltimore, MD
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: 1-3 months
Role: Professional photographer
Answer:
yes. That is what is great with the nikon camera from there old cameras to a new cameras the lens will fit.Answer:
Yes, the AF-S 18-105mm lens is compatible with the D3100.1 year ago
by
Anonymous
California, USA
Location :
California, USA
Age: 45-54
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 6-10 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
3 Answers
Answers
Answer:
yes all AF and AF-S lenses are compatible.Nov 7, 2011 by
by
smaperry
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
AbsolutelyJun 1, 2011 by
by
Nicky Nikon
Baltimore, MD
Location :
Baltimore, MD
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: 1-3 months
Role: Professional photographer
Answer:
yes. it'll autofocus because it's an AF-S, meaning the focusing motor is inside the lens. it'll also enable exposure metering and distance calculation.Has staff answer
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
3 Answers
Is this lens compatible with the D50?
9 months ago
by
Zach
Charlotte, NC
Location :
Charlotte, NC
Age: Under 18
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
3 Answers
Answers
Answer:
yes, all AF and AF-S lenses are.Nov 7, 2011 by
by
smaperry
Age: 18-24
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
Yes, this lens is compatible with the D50.Answer:
yes
I just purchased a D90 with the Nikkor 18-105 kit lens, my question is about the focus ring. I thought that there would be a range to use and a stop point to let you know you have reached the closest or farest in that range. Mine kind of free turns, you can feel this very slight resistance like one should be there but goes past that pretty easy. Once it goes beyond that point it doesn't change the focus ability at all. Is it broke or is that the way everyone elses work??
Edit your post: To insert a product link use the format: [[ASIN:ASIN product-title]] (What's this?) I just purchased a D90 with the Nikkor 18-105 kit lens, my question is about the focus ring. I thought that there would be a range to use and a stop point to let you know you have reached the closest or farest in that range. Mine kind of free turns, you can feel this very slight resistance like one should be there but goes past that pretty easy. Once it goes beyond that point it doesn't change the focus ability at all. Is it broke or is that the way they all work?
Edit your post: To insert a product link use the format: [[ASIN:ASIN product-title]] (What's this?) I just purchased a D90 with the Nikkor 18-105 kit lens, my question is about the focus ring. I thought that there would be a range to use and a stop point to let you know you have reached the closest or farest in that range. Mine kind of free turns, you can feel this very slight resistance like one should be there but goes past that pretty easy. Once it goes beyond that point it doesn't change the focus ability at all. Is it broke or is that the way they all work?
6 months ago
by
Kaye K.
USA
Location :
USA
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Nature
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: Less than a month
Role: Occasional user, memory keeper
3 Answers
Answers
Answer:
That's how it works. Even though it doesn't say it on the side, that focusing ring is actually an M/A (autofocus with manual override), meaning you can have it set to AF, but turn the focusing ring without damaging the gears on the inside of the barrel.Nov 12, 2011 by
by
D. Andrew
Norfolk, VA
Location :
Norfolk, VA
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: 1-3 months
Role: Professional photographer
Answer:
the fine focus ring does tighten slightly at max and min point but over rides those points when a small pressure is applied, so no its not broke.Nov 7, 2011 by
by
smaperry
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
In order to better assist you, please click on the link below:Answer Title: How to ask or update a Technical Support question
Answer Link: http://support.nikonusa.com/app/ans...
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
3 Answers
1 Is the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR compatible with the D 5100 ?
9 months ago
by
dhananjay
bhopal ( INDIA)
Location :
bhopal ( INDIA)
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Professional photographer
3 Answers
Answers
Answer:
yes, all AF-S lenses work well with the D5100Nov 7, 2011 by
by
smaperry
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
Yes it is and I am sure you would love it I use it with my D5000 and my D7000.Aug 14, 2011 by
by
M.R. Herron
Crescent PA
Location :
Crescent PA
Age: 55-65
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 21+ years
Experience: 6-12 months
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
Yes.
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
2 Answers
How do I set the infinity focus on the 18-105mm lens?
11 months ago
by
Renee
Miami,FL
Location :
Miami,FL
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Portrait
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: 3-6 months
Role: Professional photographer
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
set to manual (M).set focal depth (18mm etc).
Turn fine focus ring to the right until infinity focus is viewed.
Nov 7, 2011 by
by
smaperry
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
Using manual focus is going to be your best option.May 31, 2011 by
by
Nicky Nikon
Baltimore, MD
Location :
Baltimore, MD
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: 1-3 months
Role: Professional photographer
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
2 Answers
Is the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR compatible with the D3000?
Is the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR compatible with the D3000?
10 months ago
by
Danang
Indonesia
Location :
Indonesia
Age: 18-24
Favorite Subject: Landscape
Nikon Family: 0-1 years
Experience: 6-12 months
Role: Semi-professional photographer
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
yes. The AF-S lens is certainly needed with this model.Nov 7, 2011 by
by
smaperry
Age: 25-34
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
Yes, it is7 months ago
by
Anonymous
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
if you mean cross mounts so that you can mount (say) canon onto nikon or nikkor onto canon, yes you can get them but it is generally not encouraged to do so as you will lose something from the lens...usually sharpness and incur aberration.Nov 7, 2011 by
by
smaperry
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
Please get in contact with the Nikon Parts Department7AM - 3PM (Pacific) Monday - Friday
310-414-8107
Fax- 310-322-6979
Has staff answer
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR
2 Answers
what's the factory warranty on this brand new lens?
6 months ago
by
Anonymous
2 Answers
Answers
Answer:
5 yearsNov 7, 2011 by
by
smaperry
Age: 35-44
Favorite Subject: Travel
Nikon Family: 2-5 years
Experience: More than a year
Role: Serious passion, hobbyist
Answer:
Camera Lenses are warranted by Nikon, Inc. to be free from defects in material and workmanship for one (1) year from the date of purchase plus 4 extended years (total of 5 years).
We’ll keep track of the products you view here.