Get closer to your subject with Nikons budget zoom (Nikon Nikkor 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 G AF-S)

Member Name: JJJJ

Product:	Nikon Nikkor 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 G AF-S
Date:	08/08/08 (212 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Good image quality

Disadvantages: Manual focus ring cheap

The 55-200MM F4.5-5.6G AF-S VR DX Lens by Nikon is a great piece of equipment. In standard SLR terms, it equates to a focal length of roughly 80-300mm.

The build quality is good, but not amazing - as this is a budget model. The rubber zoom ring is comfortable to hold, and most importantly won't move on its own when you tilt the lens up or down. However, the focus ring at the end of the unit is quite disappointing - small and too easy to turn - it feels rather plasticky also.

Image quality is more than acceptable, giving pretty good results throughout the zoom range. There is a slight softness at maximum zoom, but nothing too drastic, and nothing that can't be fixed with a bit of Unsharp Masking in Photoshop.

The 55-200 features a superb vibration reduction system which works extremely well, ensuring shots taken at the long end of the zoom are blur free. Make sure that if you use this lens with a tripod, the VR is set to off, otherwise the slight kick that occurs when the VR sets in will result in blurred images.

For the price, this is an absolute bargain and is a must for any photographer who wants to get closer to nature.

Summary: For the price it's great

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