charles brown Loc: Tennesse

In a previous post I discussed the results that I got from testing a Nikon DX AF-S Nikkor 55-300mm 4.5-5.6 G ED VR lens. After completing that series of tests I decided to do the same using the Nikon DX VR AF-S Nikkor 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 GII lens that came with my Nikon D3300 camera. My conclusions for the tests of these two lenses are:

(1) The Nikkor 55-300 is a decent lens that does a fairly good job considering what it cost. Properly used it can produce pictures that while not tack sharp are good enough for enlargements up to 5 X 7. If cost is a factor then this lens is well worth consideration. However, if you can afford the extra cost I would recommend that you opt out for a better quality lens.

(2) The Nikkor 18-55 GII lens may be a kit lens but it sure doesn't act like it. The sharpness of the lens is astounding inasmuch as it came with the camera at little additional cost. It may not achieve the sharpness of a prime lens but it will sure give it a run for its money. I had expected that the results of the test would be similar to what I got with the 55-300mm. But such was not the case. If only the 55-300mm was as sharp as the 18-55mm tested. Note: the lens that I tested was the GII, not the older G model that is still on some of the 3000 and 5000 series cameras being sold today.

Happy shooting and for those just getting into using a DSLR or are on a limited budget the Nikon D3300 combined with the 18-55mm GII lens is one hell of a combination that IMHO can't be beat.

rook2c4 Loc: Philadelphia, PA USA

The shorter the focal length, the easier it is to avoid the effects of camera shake, which will then have an impact on perceived sharpness. So it shouldn't be surprising that the 18-55mm lens on average produces sharper images than the 55-300mm lens.

zigipha Loc: north nj

There was some discussion about this in another thread. If you shoot with a shorter lens, then the subject will be smaller . If you adjust the distance to subject to get same angle of view, then the shake will probably be the same: if the shake is over a given angle of arc, then it would affect both images the same.

zigipha Loc: north nj

I'd chalk it up to the glass quality

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I have no experience with the 55-300 but I have used the 18-55 VR in the past and I have been satisfied with its performance. Today I use more often my 28-105 or the 18-70.
If I had to buy something in that range my choice would go to the 70-300 VR. I have many pictures to prove that it is an excellent choice.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

I'm guessing you had the latest firmware upgrade to your D3300 camera to be able to use the 18-55mm GII lens. The D5500 was included in that firmware upgrade too.

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

Sure do. I make it a habit to check for firmware updates at least once every two weeks, sometimes more often. The 18-55 GII has to be one of the best bargains ever as a kit lens.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Did you shoot both lenses at 55mm? Was there a noticeable difference in sharpness?

charles brown Loc: Tennesse

Bob: think I did. Have to find my notes to be sure. Hopefully I didn't throw them away already.