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Nikon 55-200mm Zoom Lens — Review & Specs | Pricepect | Pricepect

Home Camera LensesNikon 55-200mm Zoom Lens

Nikon 55-200mm Zoom Lens — image 1

Nikon

Nikon 55-200mm Zoom Lens

Expert Review Analysis

The Nikon AF‑S DX 55‑200mm f/4‑5.6G ED VR II is a lightweight, retractable telephoto zoom lens for DX‑format DSLRs, offering 4‑stop vibration reduction and solid sharpness through most of its range at an affordable price.

✓ Best for: Budget‑conscious Nikon DX shooters who need an affordable telephoto complement to their kit lens, travelers seeking a lightweight and compact zoom, and photographers focusing on stationary or slow‑moving subjects such as landscapes, portraits, and birds at rest. The lens also works well for close‑focus work at 1.1 m with a 1:3.45 reproduction ratio.✗ Not ideal for: Wildlife photographers and anyone needing fast autofocus for rapid action, as well as users demanding premium build quality or advanced VR modes for challenging shooting conditions.

Pros

✓4‑stop Vibration Reduction system enables handheld shooting at slow shutter speeds, improving low‑light performance.
✓Compact, retractable design reduces storage size and keeps lens weight at only 300 g for easy portability.
✓

Price History

Current

$149.00

Average

$141.83

Lowest

$71.00

Highest

$240.74

Price trend (90d):+2.8%

Best Seller Rank History

Now#70Best#13Worst#492 +157

Lower = better sales rank

Specifications

Camera

Focal Length55-200 mm

Maximum Aperturef/4.0-5.6

Lens TypeTelephoto zoom

Close Focus Distance1,100 mm mm

Reproduction Ratio1:3.45

Design

Height73 mm mm

Width73 mm mm

Length100 mm mm

Diameter68.6 mm mm

Overall Length78.7 mm mm

Features

Vibration Reduction4-stop

Focus ModesAuto/Manual

Silent Wave MotorYes

DesignCompact, retractable

Plastic Mounting PlateYes

General

BrandNikon

Model55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR

Release Date2007-03-29

Warranty1 year

ColorBlack

Dimensions & Weight

Height2.87401 inches

Width2.87401 inches

Depth3.937 inches

Weight0.7385485777 pounds

Research Sources

digitalcameraworld.com

photoartfromscience.com

shutter.lewiscollard.com

photolisticlife.com

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User Reviews

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4.6

(4,477 reviews)

$149.00

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2166blackNikon Import 1 YEAR

Very good sharpness across most of the frame from 55mm to 135mm, especially when stopped down to f/8.

✓Affordable price provides excellent value compared to other telephoto zoom lenses in the same class.

✓Manual focus ring with dedicated A/M switch allows quick switching without navigating camera menus.

Cons

✗Noticeable softness and loss of sharpness at the 200mm focal length, especially when shooting wide open.
✗Chromatic aberration appears at the extreme ends of the zoom range, causing color fringing in corners that may need correction.
✗Autofocus can be slower than ideal for fast‑moving subjects such as wildlife, limiting action capability.
✗Plastic mounting plate and zoom ring feel cheap, reducing perceived build quality and durability.
✗Limited VR modes, offering only standard VR without active or sport settings for demanding situations.

From Expert Reviews

Praised by Experts

✓Exceptional value for its low price, praised as “no lens this cheap has a right to be this good”.
✓Compact lightweight construction (300 g) makes it an ideal telephoto companion to kit lenses.
✓VR performance described as “wonderful” and provides up to 4‑stop stabilization for handheld shooting.
✓Sharpness is very good across most of the frame, with peak performance at f/8‑f/11.
✓Minimal distortion and easily correctable vignetting enhance overall image quality.

Criticized by Experts

✗Sharpness drops noticeably at the longest 200mm focal length, even when stopped down.
✗Chromatic aberration at 55mm and 200mm edges requires correction in post‑processing.
✗Autofocus speed is slower, making it unsuitable for fast‑moving wildlife subjects.
✗Plastic lens mount and small manual focus ring are considered low‑quality by reviewers.
✗Lack of advanced VR modes (no “Active” or “Sport”) limits versatility in challenging conditions.

From User Reviews

Users Love

✓Users love the outstanding value and sharp performance for the budget price.
✓The lightweight, retractable design is praised for portability during travel and everyday shooting.
✓VR effectiveness exceeds expectations, allowing handheld shots at very slow shutter speeds.
✓Center sharpness remains consistently good, providing pleasing bokeh and detail in images.
✓Close‑focus capability at 1.1 m with 1:3.45 reproduction ratio is useful for near‑subject photography.

Users Complain About

✗Multiple users complain about the cheap‑feeling plastic construction of the mount and zoom ring.
✗Softness at 200mm is frequently noted, reducing image quality at the longest reach.
✗Autofocus is considered too slow for fast‑moving subjects, limiting action photography.
✗Manual focus ring is described as small, stiff, and poorly damped for precise focusing.
✗Absence of additional VR modes is a recurring disappointment among users.

Expert Opinion

Professional reviewers consistently highlight the lens’s exceptional value, compact build, and effective 4‑stop VR, noting very good sharpness through most of the zoom range. However, they point out a clear weakness at 200mm where sharpness falls off, as well as chromatic aberration at the extremes, slower autofocus, and a plastic construction that feels cheap. The lack of advanced VR modes is also mentioned as a limitation for demanding shooting scenarios.

What Users Say

Everyday users echo the professional praise for value, lightweight design, and VR performance, often calling the lens a great addition to kit setups for travel and general photography. Common praise centers on sharp center performance and portability. Recurring complaints mirror the expert critiques, focusing on softness at 200mm, plastic build quality, and sluggish autofocus, with several users noting the limited VR mode options.

Common Complaints

Softness at the 200mm end, noticeable chromatic aberration at focal extremes, slower autofocus performance, cheap‑feeling plastic mount and zoom ring, and the absence of active or sport VR modes.

How It Compares

While direct competitor data is not provided, reviewers position this lens as the natural, low‑cost telephoto counterpart to Nikon’s 18‑55mm kit zoom, emphasizing its superior value over higher‑priced alternatives. Its performance and features are generally considered adequate for its price tier, though higher‑end telephoto zooms offer better sharpness at 200mm, faster autofocus, and more robust construction.

Rating Trend

Rating4.6/ 5Reviews4,477+135 reviews

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