Nikon 55-200mm Zoom Lens
Score: 69/100
Lightdow 85mm Portrait Lens
Score: 66/100Rankings
Nikon's 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR lens provides a versatile telephoto range with effective 4-stop vibration reduction in a compact, retractable design. Softness at the 200 mm end and a plastic build detract from its otherwise strong value. Ideal for budget-conscious DX users needing a lightweight zoom for travel and general photography.
The Lightdow 85mm f/1.8 is an affordable, all-metal manual-focus portrait lens for Canon EF mounts with a bright aperture and smooth 8-blade bokeh. It lacks autofocus and image stabilization, and its corner sharpness is softer at wide apertures. Best suited for manual-focus enthusiasts seeking budget-friendly portrait optics.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
— | 85 mmbest | |
— | 1.8best | |
| ↓ lower better | 1.1 m | 0.85 mbest |
| ↓ lower better | 335 gbest | 430 g |
3.6best | — | |
— | 8best | |
0.3best | — | |
— | 6best |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Compatibility(1) | ||
Lens Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF |
Features(3) | ||
Image Stabilization | true | false |
Autofocus Type | SWM | None |
Focus Type | auto/manual | Manual |
Optics(3) | ||
Focal Length (mm) | 55-200 mm | 85 mm |
Maximum Aperture (f‑stop) | 4.0-5.6 | 1.8 |
Minimum Focus Distance (m) | 1.1 m | 0.85 m |
Build & Design(4) | ||
Weight (g) | 335 g | 430 g |
Length (mm) | 78.7 mm | 110 mm |
Maximum Diameter (mm) | 68.6 mm | 70 mm |
Construction Material | plastic | All-metal |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
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.
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.
“"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."”
“"Noticeable softness and loss of sharpness at the 200mm focal length, especially when shooting wide open."”
Professional reviewers acknowledge the Lightdow 85mm f/1.8's solid metal construction and pleasing bokeh, crediting its aspherical and ED elements for good color fidelity and flare control. However, they point out the lack of autofocus and softer edge performance as significant drawbacks compared with native Canon lenses.
Consumers appreciate the lens's sharp portrait output, creamy bokeh, and lightweight feel for the price, but many struggle with the manual-focus workflow, encounter shutter-lock quirks, and note the limited close-focus capability and corner softness when shooting wide open.
