davidb1879

Davidb 1879. I have used the (no longer produced) Nikkor 18-55mm VR lens for many years on my Nikon D40 and Nikon D3300. My images are O.K. but could be improved. I checked the 18-55mm UHH thread, but found no answer to my question. I have also read the lens reviews but they are contradictory and less reliable than the experiences of the experts on UHH. Does anyone have a Nikkor AF-S 18-55mm VR lens and either the Nikkor 18-55mm AF-S VRII or the Nikkor AF-P 18-55 VR lens? I know that the AF-P lens has much faster auto focus. But is the image quality of the latter two lenses superior to the old version of the 18-55mm that I now own.

Another question:

If any hogs have both the AF-P 18-55VR and the Nikkor 17-55mm lenses, is the image quality of the 17-55 substantially better than the latter two 18-55 VR lenses, enough to justify the added weight, expense and lack of VR.

I use my 18-55 AF-S VR lens for shooting flowers and landscapes.

Many thanks for sharing your expertise with an amateur. Davidb1879

CHG_CANON Loc: the Windy City

The Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 will change what you think is possible in photography with a DX lens. It's worth every penny, although as a very old lens, shop for used copies.

Regarding a toss up between various entry-level 18-55 zooms, the AF-P version should be the latest and greatest. But, not all cameras can use this new AF-P, certainly not your D40. Check compatibility for all your cameras before pulling the trigger. Should you consider maybe something more general purpose, like the 18-105 VR or the 18-140 VR at a mid-range price of the various options?

davidb1879

To: CHG Canon: Many thanks for your advice. I do use a Nikkor 55-200mm VR lens and a 70-300mm AF-P VR. But your thoughts on the 17-55 are very impressive. Thanks again. Davidb1879.

mas24 Loc: Southern CA

The Nikon 18-55mm is generally a kit lens that comes on crop sensor cameras, both Canon and Nikon.They are not premium lenses. Great for street photography and baby showers. Unless, you really like that lens, most buy that lens as a replacement broken lens. It is inexpensive, and takes good photos. My cousin owns just one only lens, a Canon kit lens, 18-55mm. He has taken well over 1000+ photos with it on his first DSLR, a used Canon T4i. The early released D3300 had to have a firmware for the AF-P to work. VR on any lens is good. But, for an 18-55mm kit lens. It is not absolutely to have. The later D3xxx and D5xxx series Nikon DSLRs are capable of using AF-P lenses. AF-P lenses are said to be quieter than AF-S lenses. I recommend the 18-140mm over the 18-55mm. Naturally, it is more expensive. Good luck.

tsca Loc: USA

I'm also an amateur, Davidb but I agree with CHG Canon. The Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED is worth every penny! It has the same build quality as my FX lenses. I bought a used copy from Amazon 3 years ago and it's still one of my favorite lenses for the D5300 or D500. I don't miss the VR when using it, and I almost never use my 16-80mm f/2.8 & 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3 DX zooms.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

Regarding the 18-55 AF-P lens, you should read Ken Rockwell’s review for an opinion.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

I have the Nikon 17-55 2.8 but no longer use it. It is very very sharp, but heavy. If you like, private message me if your interested in it.

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

I have never used the 17-55 f2.8 Nikon lens, a professional lens that was tops a few years ago with professionals. I have used the old version of the 18-55 AF lens and I have always been very satisfied with the quality of the images I got from it when I did my part.
I have not used the new version of the 18-55 but I have seen images made by an amateur photographer and to me they had excellent quality. These images were made by me with a D70 and the old 18-55 lens. In the second one I used bounced flash.

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Jim Bianco

I have a 50 mm afs 1.8 nikon lens, like new,I never use it, would you want to trade for your lens,let me know if interested. Thanks Jim Bianco

klaus Loc: Guatemala City, Guatemala

I have had several copies of the older 18-55 mm VR version and also the newer AF-S collapsible VRII. None of these lenses are that great optically have a pretty cheesy built quality and a plastic mount that often breaks at the most inopportune moment.

As a walkaround lens I now use a Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 which I am very happy with. Picture quality is pretty much on par with my 35mm AF-S DX and 50 mm AF-S prime lenses.