Introduction
|
B&H Photo — Video — Pro Audio |
This new Nikon 18-55mm AF-P is a significant improvement over the old 18-55mm VR II, and it’s better than any other 18-55mm because no other 18-55mm is sharper, it focuses essentially silently, and most importantly it focusses instantly and has instant manual-focus override. Other brands are softer, and no other 18-55mm offers autofocus anywhere near this fast or has instant manual-focus override.
This lens was announced worldwide in January 2016, but not in the USA until August 2016.
The old 18-55mm VR II doesn’t focus very fast, and requires moving a switch to get to manual focus. Good riddance.
Nikon’s 18-55mm P is extraordinary in that unlike every other 18-55mm kit lens, its new stepper autofocus motor lets it focus essentially instantly, even in near total darkness, even on the cheapest D3300 camera.
It focuses so close that you won’t need a macro lens.
This is the world’s first 18-55mm kit lens with instant manual-focus override, it’s also the first with ultra fast focussing. Canon’s 18-55mm IS II still sounds like a kid’s toy as it focuses, slowly.
New & Good
● Stepper motor for ultrafast AF
● Instant manual-focus override; just grab the ring
● Silent operation ideal for movies.
● 12-element optical design, one more element than the old 18-55mm VR II.
Missing
● No switches; VR and AF/MF now controlled in camera menus (but you can just grab the ring any time for instant manual-focus override).
Nikon 18-55mm AF-P extended to 30mm. bigger.
Nikon 85mm f/1.8G AF-S Nikkor
Autofocus Speed and Accuracy
The third generation of the Nikkor 18-55mm was the first-ever lens in the Nikon line-up featuring the new AF-P technology. Compared to the previous generation of ultrasonic engines (Silent Wave Motor, or SWM, referred to as “AF-S”), the new stepping motor technology (abbreviation for auto-focus pulsing, referred to as the “AF-P”) is faster and quieter. Quieter is not the right word – it is simply silent. The benefits are clear both for video shooting and for shooting stills. Focusing is very smooth, even in Live View Mode, where AF-S lenses tended to hunt back and forth before nailing the focus. The new focus motor is so silent that it is not audible in the video’s soundtrack (typically a problem in AF-S lenses).
Similar to my experience with the DX 70-300mm AF-P telephoto zoom, my real-life shooting experience shows that this lens focuses silently, accurately, and reliably. I estimate that this lens focuses roughly 30% faster than the older 18-55mm AF-S VR II lens. Focusing in low light with the D5300 was no problem either.
Speed and muteness of the sound is not the only advantage. The AF-P version offers instant manual override, unavailable on the previous 18-55mm AF-S version. It is an excellent feature in case you are shooting under challenging conditions, and the lens is hunting. You can then help the lens “find” the proper range and snap into focus. Manual override has been featured in most of the recent Nikkor lenses – except for the cheapest 18-55mm kit lenses – it is praiseworthy that Nikon finally included this technology in the cheapest lenses too.
Nikkor 18-55mm allows for a maximum magnification of 0.17x (1:1.26) at the closest focusing distance of 0.25m (0.9 feet). Zoomed in to 55mm, this gives you decent close-up photography (near macro magnification) possibilities. I tried to shoot insects on my lavender flower bed, and I was quite happy with the ratio of in-focus shots. Photographing shy insects is not recommended with this lens, as 55mm is too short, and you have to be just a few centimeters away from your subject, which may frighten it and make it move away.
NIKON D5300 + 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 55mm, ISO 400, 1/320, f/5.6
My only complaint concerns the missing AF ON / OFF switches (typically signed as M/A and M on Nikkor lenses). I repeat here what I wrote in the AF-P 10-20mm wide-angle review: even though one should praise Nikon for designing a faster and quieter focusing lens, I realized that, combined with the missing on-the-lens switch, I experienced some frustrating moments. When shooting with the entry-level D5300 body, I often had to opt for manual focus (in-camera setting) while making some panoramas.
First, doing this in the camera menu takes longer (do not underestimate how crucial this might be in some moments). What’s more, I repeatedly forgot to re-set the original setting (getting back to normal autofocus), and hence I ended up with a handful of out-of-focus shots. My fault, obviously, but I just want to highlight that it is easier to forget about this with AF-P lenses. Faster and noise-less focusing also has its drawbacks. One can easily lose the previous habit of controlling focus acquisition through the short yet visible and audible refocusing process. The AF-P lenses are different in this aspect, and you do not notice when they acquire proper focus compared to older lenses. So just pay attention to other indicators (such as the camera beep – which I hate, or the blinking circular control in the viewfinder). Anyway, I wish this lens came with the AF-S / AF-M switch.
Съемка и обработка фотографий
Если говорить о технической стороне, то чаще всего мы фотографируем в режиме приоритета диафрагмы, иногда полностью в ручном режиме, установку баланса белого доверяем автоматике камеры (если что, всегда можно поправить в Lightroom). Как вы уже, наверно, поняли снимаем в RAW-формате, если быть точным, даже JPEG+RAW в максимальном качестве. Кто-то может спросить, зачем в таком случае нужен JPEG? Бывает, снимки носят чисто информативный характер, например, расписание и т.п., тогда RAW-ки можно удалить. А в некоторых случаях внутрикамерный JPEG служит для нас отправной точкой для установки корректного баланса белого.
Для обработки фотографий используем связку Adobe Lightroom + Adobe Photoshop. Сначала в Lightroom работаем с RAW. Проводим тоновую коррекцию, настраиваем баланс белого, давим шумы, боремся с хроматическими аберрациями и виньетированием. Если надо, кадрируем и исправляем геометрические искажения. После, файлы в TIFF-формате экспортируем в Photoshop и проводим окончательную обработку, расставляем акценты, увеличиваем резкость фотографии. Иногда используем дополнительные плагины для обработки. ImageNomic Noiseware Professional борется с шумами, ImageNomic Portraiture помогает в обработке портретов, Alien Skin Exposure позволяет придать цифровому снимку особенности, характерные для пленок известных производителей: Velvia, Kodac и т.д. Примеры работы плагина Exposure – фотографии, размещенные в статье «Балаклава и лодки Или как научиться фотографировать».
Панорамы склеиваем в программе Kolor Autopano Giga. Она гораздо лучше справляется с этим, чем штатные средства Adobe Phostoshop.
Панорама Тепе-Кермена. Склеена в Kolor Autopano Giga (по клику открывается в большом размере)
Вход в Балаклавскую бухту. Панорама склеена в Kolor Autopano Giga (по клику открывается в большом размере)
Обработка фотографий довольно обширная тема, так что, скорее всего, этому будет посвящена отдельная статья и, возможно, не одна.
Если после прочтения статьи, у вас, уважаемые читатели, еще остались вопросы, спрашивайте, постараемся ответить. Желаем всем любителям фотографии удачных кадров и безотказной техники.
Comparison to Older 18-55mm Lenses
There is a big mess in all the names and types of the small and inexpensive 18-55mm Nikkor zooms that Nikon produced since 2005. The orientation is difficult since there are eight different versions of this lens (in five generations, the last three of which are either stabilized or non-stabilized). Nikon currently ships two types of 18-55mm zoom, either with or without optical stabilization. While “only” 4 different versions are sold at the time being, you may still easily encounter older versions on the grey market. The first three generations were notorious for poor build quality and low optical performance, so I do not recommend buying them at any price. If considering the 18-55mm focal range, I recommend buying either of the last two generations (depending on your DSLR body type – see the compatibility chart below).
| Type | Released | Purchase |
|---|---|---|
| AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED | 2006 | Not Recommended |
| AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II | 2007 | Not Recommended |
| AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR | 2014 | Not Recommended |
| AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II | 2014 | Recommended |
| AF-P DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR | 2016 | Recommended |
In this review, I will focus on comparing the latest AF-P version with the older AF-S VR II version. Just for the sake of highlighting the progress of the last two generations, I also include the 2007 generation in the following comparison table:
| Feature | AF-P 18-55mm VR | AF-S 18-55mm VR II | AF-S 18-55mm ED |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 18-55mm | 18-55mm | 18-55mm |
| Maximum Aperture | f/3.5-5.6 | f/3.5-5.6 | f/3.5-5.6 |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22-38 | f/22-36 | f/22 |
| Lens Elements | 12 | 11 | 11 |
| Lens Groups | 9 | 8 | 8 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 | 1 | 1 |
| Angle of View | 76° – 28°50′ | 76° – 28°50′ | 76° – 28°50′ |
| Focus Motor | Pulsing (AF-P) | Silent Wave (AF-S) | Silent Wave (AF-S) |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 0.25m | 0.28m | 0.28m |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 0.38x | 0.30x | 0.31x |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 (rounded) | 7 (rounded) | 7 (rounded) |
| Design | Collapsible | Collapsible | Standard |
| Sharpness | Good Center, Solid Corners | Good Center, Average Corners | Average Center, Poor Corners |
| Chromatic Aberration | Well Controlled | Poorly Controlled | Poorly Controlled |
| Rotating Front Element | No | No | Yes |
| Instant Focus Override | Yes | No | No |
| Filter Size | 55mm | 52mm | 52mm |
| Size | 64.5mm x 62.5mm | 66mm x 59.5mm | 79mm x 73mm |
| Weight | 205g | 195g | 265g |
| Released | 2016 | 2014 | 2007 |
| VR Version Available | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| In Production | Yes | Yes | No |
| VR Version Price | $246 | $246 | $50-70 |
So how to discern those which I recommend from those that I would not (not even for total beginners)? As a rule of thumb, you can use the following rule: the latest two generations of 18-55mm lenses that offer much better performance, have a button on the side of the lens barrel – this button is pushed to get the lens into the ready position.
NIKON D750 + 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 @ 55mm, ISO 100, 1/80, f/8.0
Recommendations
This is the best basic kit lens ever offered. It offers faster focus than most other Nikon lenses, as well as great sharpness, stabilizer and close-focus performance. Add the fact that it’s small, light and inexpensive, and we have a winner.
The very best protective filter is the Hoya multicoated HD3 55mm UV which uses hardened glass and repels dirt and fingerprints, and is also multicoated.
For less money, the B+W 55mm 010 is an excellent filter, as are the multicoated version and the basic multicoated Hoya filters, but the Hoya HD3 is the toughest and the best.
For a $200 lens, an $11 basic multicoated Hoya filter is all you need, although filters last a lifetime, so you may as well get the best and consider the Hoya HD3 which stays cleaner than the others since it repels oil and dirt.
I got mine at Ritz with my D3300, gray market, and you can get them at Amazon, at Adorama and at B&H.
This all-content, junk-free website’s biggest source of support is when you use that or any of when you get anything, regardless of the country in which you live. Nikon does not seal its boxes in any way, so never buy at retail or any other source not on since you’ll have no way of knowing if you’re missing accessories, getting a defective, damaged, returned, store demo or used camera. I use the stores I do because they ship from secure remote warehouses where no one gets to touch your new camera before you do. Buy only from the for the best prices, service, return policies and selection.
Thanks for helping me help you!
Ken, Mrs. Rockwell, Ryan and Katie.
Дополнительные аксессуары для фотосъемки
Штатив. В качестве штатива мы используем Benro A-350EX с ногами из магниево-алюминиевого сплава. Он выдерживает до 4 кг нагрузки, при собственном весе 1.4 кг. Качественная шаровая головка и удобный чехол идут в комплекте. В сложенном состоянии его длина всего 50 см, он прекрасно помещается в дорожную сумку или чемодан. Наш предыдущий штатив, будучи сложенным, достигал 65 см. В аэропорту приходилось определять его как ручную кладь и каждый раз беспокоиться, пустят с ним в салон самолета или посчитают, что это холодное оружие.
Ночной Краков. Снято с помощью штатива Benro A-350EX
За два года использования Benro отлично себя зарекомендовал. Легкий, компактный, удобный в использовании. Владельцам зеркальных камер, выбирающим штатив, есть смысл присмотреться к этой модели.
Пульт. Чтобы делать модные сейчас селфи, несколько лет назад на Ebay за 3$ был приобретен пульт дистанционного управления камерой. До селфи руки пока не дошли, зато во всех остальных случаях, когда использовался штатив, пульт отрабатывал на отлично.
Светофильтры. Все наши объективы одеты в UV (ультрафиолетовые) – фильтры. Они прекрасно защищают переднюю линзу объектива от грязи и механических повреждений, а также помогают избавиться от синеватой дымки на фотографиях (матрица фотоаппарата более чувствительна к ультрафиолету, чем человеческий глаз). Помимо этого, для Nikon 18-105mm есть дополнительные одежки – поляризационный и нейтрально-серый фильтры. Первый успешно борется с бликами и отражениями на стеклянных и водных поверхностях, повышает насыщенность неба, зелени и фактуру облаков. Второй мы используем для съемки текущей воды на длинной выдержке, получаются молочные реки.
Чистящие средства. В нашем случае, это карандаш для очистки оптики Lenspen и стандартный набор, в который входят: груша для сдувания пыли, тряпочка из микрофибры и жидкость для чистки линз (такой можно купить в любом фотомагазине или супермаркете, торгующем цифровой техникой). Матрицу камеры мы не трогаем, хватает ультразвуковой системы очистки, встроенной в фотоаппарат. В основном, загрязняется внешняя сторона UV – фильтров.
Еще у нас есть дополнительный аккумулятор, купленный на том же Ebay три года назад за смешные деньги (сейчас уже не разобрать, который из двух аккумуляторов оригинальный, обоих хватает на одинаковое количество снимков). Фотосумка Tamrac для каждодневного использования, если не берем дополнительный объектив, и фоторюкзак Lowepro Hatchback для длительных путешествий.
Фотоаппарат – Nikon D5000
Все фотографии, выложенные на страницах этого блога сделаны с помощью зеркального фотоаппарата Nikon D5000. Уже четвертый год он служит нам верой и правдой и еще ни разу не подводил. Безусловно, на сегодняшний день, это не самая современная камера, ведь фирма Nikon успела выпустить целый ряд моделей – преемников D5000 – D5100, D5200, D5300 и даже D5500. Но 12-мегапиксельной матрицы нашего фотоаппарата с максимальным разрешением 4288×2848 пикселей вполне достаточно для текущих задач. С одной стороны, при желании, можно печатать качественные фотографии довольно большого формата, с другой – размеры файла, выдаваемого Nikon D5000, таковы, что, во-первых, занимают не так много места на жестком диске, во-вторых, не требуют мощного компьютера для обработки. Дело в том, что мы снимаем в RAW-формате, а, практически, все конверторы RAW-файлов довольны требовательны к компьютерному железу.
Еще один плюс матрицы Nikon D5000 – небольшой уровень шумов и хорошая детализация на высоких значениях ISO. До ISO 1000 можно вообще не волноваться о шуме. Значение 1600 вполне рабочее, хотя, возможно, на некоторых участках фотографии будет заметен яркостный шум, который, при надобности, легко устраняется в Adobe Lightroom. И даже на ISO 3200 можно снимать. Фотографии больших размеров при таком значении ISO лучше не печатать, но для web-публикаций вполне можно использовать.
Краков. Собор Петра и Павла. ISO 1600. Шума практически нет, мелкие детали отлично различимы
Никитский ботанический сад. ISO 3200. Вполне можно использовать для блога
У пятитысячной серии есть еще одно отличие от остальных моделей Nikon – наличие поворотного экрана. Это сильно упрощает съемку с низких или высоких ракурсов. Нет необходимости ложиться на землю, чтобы снять красивый цветок или городской пейзаж с низкой точки. Можно поднять фотоаппарат на вытянутых руках, например, в толпе и сделать удачный кадр. Достаточно лишь перейти в режим живого вида (LiveView) и отрегулировать угол наклона экрана так, чтобы было удобно фокусироваться. (Надо отметить, что в 2014 году Nikon выпустила еще одну камеру с поворотным дисплеем – D750. Это профессиональный фотоаппарат с полнокадровой матрицей стоимостью выше 2000 долларов.)
Крымские тюльпаны. Снято в режиме LiveView с помощью поворотного экрана
В целом, фотоаппарат нас вполне устраивает. Хотя наличие некоторых дополнительных функций и управляющих элементов было бы весьма кстати. Во-первых, не хватает отдельной кнопки переключения зон фокусировки (автоматический выбор точек фокусировки или фокусировка по выбранной точке), нужно лезть в меню, и дополнительного колесика для более оперативного изменения параметров съемки (выдержки, диафрагмы, ISO), особенно в ручном режиме. Во-вторых, в корпусе фотоаппарата отсутствует встроенный мотор, так называемая «отвертка», что ограничивает использование объективов, не имеющих мотора фокусировки. Приходится наводиться на резкость вручную. Хотя, на настоящий момент, все объективы, которые мы используем – автофокусные, со встроенным ультразвуковым мотором. Все вышеперечисленные элементы присутствуют у камер более дорогого ценового диапазона – Nikon D7000 и выше, а фотоаппараты серий D3xxx и D5xxx их лишены.
Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II DX AF-S Nikkor User Reviews
8.7/10
average of 3 review(s)
Build Quality
7.7/10
Image Quality
8.7/10
-
9 out of 10 points
and recommendedSharp, light-weighed, cheap
Could do w/o the focus lockI recently took this kit lens on a trip to London and Edinburgh and was quite taken by the fact that I came away with hundreds of sharp, lovely colored photos. I never once felt the need to switch to another lens, because this focal range, on a cropped sensor camera, covers all the bases when walking city streets, taking shots of people and buildings. I did not notice the reported weakness at 35mm, probably because I mostly used the low and high ends of the focal range (something I suspect most users will do with this lens). Anybody looking to buy a Nikon DX camera that comes with this lens: You are getting a great little lens for practically nothing.
reviewed June 23rd, 2017
-
9 out of 10 points
and recommendedHandy size and weight, good focal length range, sharp enough for normal use, good value.
None of any significanceI bought this lens as a walkabout companion for my 55-300. I have sharper…and heavier…lenses for better resolution at all ranges, but this one is nice for grab-and-go on my D7100 and D3300.
First the pros. It’s light and the focal range is handy, dovetailing perfectly with the 55-300. Resolution color rendition and dynamic range are quite good, and the latest-generation VR is very impressive. The price is right, particularly if you buy a refurbished one, as I did, and I like the collapsing button to carry it comfortably in my pocket. It’s a better lens than I expected, and I’ll use it more than I thought I would.
The cons are mostly nitpicking. It’s an entry level lens and can’t be expected to perform at the level of my more expensive zooms. The difference is noticeable, but the results are plenty good enough for what it is. Focus is noticeably slow. But it does focus accurately, which is a lot more important.reviewed May 26th, 2016
(purchased for $100) -
8 out of 10 points
and recommendedsmall and light, reasonable price, very good image quality
nothing importantI have owned a number of aps-c cameras and lenses at this point and have concluded that size and weight are an important factor in the kind of photography I like to do, which is travelling and walking around. I find that this lens fits the bill very nicely. Of course the lens must also take very good quality photos, and this lens doesn’t disappoint as long as you stop it down to f/5.6 or f/8, depending on the focal length. This is not a «bright» lens of course, but Nikon’s new image stabilization is so much better than the old one that you can actually see it in the viewfinder; the viewfinder seems to be almost locked on the image so that even a good jiggle doesn’t move the scene very much. This compensates quite a bit for the smaller aperture. I own the other two popular Nikon kit zoom lenses, the 18-140 and the 18-105 and am impressed with both. This lens offers similar image quality (with a much smaller zoom range) but with far less weight, and I expect that it will be the one I use the most for casual shooting. Please be aware that on my d7100 I had to set the AF fine tune to +6 or +9 for best results, similar to what I found with the 18-140 lens. C’mon Nikon, get it together with this focus thing!
reviewed February 1st, 2015
(purchased for $246)
Specifications
Name
Nikon calls this the Nikon DX VR AF-P NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5~5.6 G ∅55.
DX: Won’t work well on film or FX cameras.
VR: Vibration Reduction.
AF-PStepper Autofocus Motor.
NIKKOR: Nikon’s brand name for all their lenses.
for cost-reduction and removing compatibility with older cameras.
∅55: 55mm filter thread.
12 elements in 9 groups.
2 aspherical elements.
It moves in and out as you zoom.
Diaphragm
Nikon 18-55mmAF-P. bigger.
7 rounded blades.
Stops down to f/22~38.
Focal length
18~55mm.
When used on DX cameras, it sees the same angle of view as a 28~85mm lens sees when used on a or FX full-frame camera.
See also Crop Factor.
Angle of view
28.8º ~ 76º
Autofocus
Silent stepper motor, super-fast. If you’re in a silent environment and hold your ear to the lens, you will hear a slight hum as it focuses.
Internal focus.
No external movement as focussed, so no air or dust is sucked in.
Bayonet mount.
No hood included.
Size
2.54″ diameter x 2.46″ extension from flange.
64.5mm diameter x 62.5 mm extension from flange.
Weight
7.070 oz. (200.5g) actual measured weight.
Rated 7.3 oz. (205g).
Worldwide: January 2016.
USA: Kept secret until USA announcement 17 August 2016.
Price, USA
August 2019
$247 at Amazon, at Adorama and at B&H, or $447 included with the D3500.
February 2017
$247, full USA waranty.
$448 as a kit with the D3300, imported as gray-market.
August 2016
$247, full USA waranty.
$95, imported as gray-market.
$410 as a kit with the D3300, imported as gray-market.
Compatibility
It has a traditional mechanical diaphragm actuator, not an E diaphragm, so its diaphragm works on all Nikons.
It works great on my D3300, D500 and D810.
Nikon says forget it on any of the D1, D2, D3 or D4 series, the D800, D700, D610, D600, D300 series, D200, D100, D90, D80, D70 series, D60, D50, D40 series, D7000, D5100, D5000, D3200, D3100 or D3000. It also won’t work on any .
Nikon cautions that you need to have the latest firmware installed for it to work on the D5500, D5300 or D3300.
The problem is that the new AF-P autofocus motor system only works on camera models originally introduced since about 2013. If your camera is too old, the focus system, even in manual mode, won’t work at all, making the lens completely useless with no workaround.
Help Me Help You
I support my growing family through this website, as crazy as it might seem.
The biggest help is when you use any of when you get anything. It costs you nothing, and is this site’s, and thus my family’s, biggest source of support. eBay is always a gamble (see How to Win at eBay), but all the other places always have the best prices and service, which is why I’ve used them since before this website existed. I recommend them all personally.
If you find this
page as helpful as a book you might have had to buy or a workshop you may
have had to take, feel free to help me continue helping everyone.
If you’ve gotten your gear through one of my or helped otherwise, you’re family. It’s great people like you who allow me to keep adding to this site full-time. Thanks!
If you haven’t helped yet, please do, and consider helping me with a gift of $5.00.
As this page is copyrighted and formally registered, it is unlawful to make copies, especially in the form of printouts for personal use. If you wish to make a printout for personal use, you are granted one-time permission only if you PayPal me $5.00 per printout or part thereof. Thank you!
Thanks for reading!
Mr. & Mrs. Ken Rockwell, Ryan and Katie.
Home
Donate
New
Search
Gallery
Reviews
How-To
Books
Links
Workshops
About
Contact