Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 18 mm-105 mm F/3.5-5.6 DX ED G VR AF-S Lens

I am a serious hobbyist who averages 1,000-1,200 clicks a month and most enjoy capturing images of sunrise/sunset, landscapes, flowers and architecture.

I have a Nikon D-60 that originally came with the 18-55vr and I later added the 55-200vr. I received this 18-105vr at Christmas and I am more than satisfied with the results.

There are reviews I have read in many places complaining about the plastic camera mount, most concerning results when the lens has been inadvertently dropped. That is an unfortunate accident but in terms of function, and I have no idea what would happen if one with a steel mount was dropped, I have no qualms with the mount and in the long run plastic on metal will probably be better during the life of the lens.

The auto focus, which is what I majorly use and have done so in all settings (ie, landscape, portrait, close-up, etc), works extremely well. The focus is relatively quick which assists in capturing images of something like an unexpected flock of birds flying overhead, etc.

The close-up captures of flowers from just several inches away creates outstanding bokeh. The attention to detail on my center of focus provided by the lens is, in my opinion, outstanding. What I particularly appreciate is that the quality of the images without the use of a tripod, as I said from just several inches away, is superb. I am able to focus (in closeup mode) at between 4-8 inches from the object without additional filters (like diopters) with the focal point, and the smallest of details in my images, being extremely crisp and clear.

For anyone wanting great quality at a great value I highly recommend this Nikon Nikkor lens.

When I bought this lens I was mainly getting a walk-around lens for a D5000.
I am used to using Nikon and Sigma Fast Glass on my D80 but no motor in D5000 so time for a full featured AF-S Lens from Nikon. First I would like to address the Lens Mount. It's plastic, so big deal, the lens is a featherweight compared to my Sigma 24-60 or my nikkor 50 1.8. This should not be a major concern at this price point.
Shooting around my stomping grounds has been interesting, the colors are less vivid that my other lenses but I shoot Raw anyway and adjust to my liking. The Sharpness is good for the most part and distortion at 18mm is controllable and may require some common sense to avoid strait linear objects at the frame of the photo. 18mm on this lens is a little worse than my 18-35mm Nikkor.
By 35mm every thing comes into place except one thing the aperture.
If there is one thing that annoys me its slow glass. This lens is a 3.5-5.6 not a speed demon by any means but slower than most with the same range. The f-stop degradation is unusually quick on this lens View chart below.
18mm 3.5, 24mm - 4.0, 35mm - 4.5, 50mm - 5.0(are you Kidding me) , 70mm - 5.6, 105mm- 5.6
at 50mm you are shooting @75mm full frame equivalent. this is the start of the portrait range. 70mm is the popular 105mm equivalent. f5.6 is going to make it challenging to get a nice bokeh for indoor Wedding pictures. I not saying the pictures won't be sharp and clear they just won't be extraordinary.

Now that I got my complaint out of the way and shared why pros use fast glass..... Lets focus on what's right with this lens. It handles Bright light very well. If you wanted to take a nice waterfall picture a Circular Polarizer will slow the 50-105 range down to the f7-8 range stop down 2 stops and you can shoot in pretty bright light and get the water motion down to angel hair without ND filters.

Focus is moderate speed for close range sports and kids. Indoor shots without a flash will require maxing out your ISO to get any chance of freezing action. Remember you are shooting f5 and above and you should stop down 1 Stop at least for best results.
Outdoors are not a problem and Pictures of friends and scenery are the strengths of this lens.
If you already have a 18-55 and 55-200 lens this is more of a convenience not a substantial upgrade in quality. If you need fast glass for sports or to create great macro shots look to alternatives for that.

I know everyone says Nikkor is the best but sometimes the pro lenses are just too expensive. I found that Sigma and Tamron make some great f 2.8 alternatives for advanced shooting and even some pros are starting to use them. Find out what you need to great pictures and buy the lens you need.

I am happy with this lens because it works great on the D5000 and has VR for hand-held shots in lower light. As an all purpose walk around lens it does a very good job. Buy for that reason and you will be happy.

PS buy a flash too!
Peace

I have the 200mm and choosing the 105mm over the 200mm counterpart can be a debate with the most experienced photographer. Here, I will offer my reason for the 105mm.

The lens is lighter and therefore not as painful to carry around your neck for long periods of time. With the 200mm, one can expect the additional ounces (19.9 oz 200mm vs 14.8 oz. for 105mm). But the overall length and lens heavy camera may find you always holding the camera against your chest or blocking the direct sun from the viewfinder (note danger of burning the sensors).
The obvious advantage of the 200mm is the ability to be closer to your subject. However, the tighter angle also means a tripod or steadying tool maybe needed for the less lit shots. Granted a trip to the zoo and a long lens will capture some great shots. But, indoors you may find a quicker, lighter to hold camera to catch the birthday party or holiday photo. And with the longer distance, a more powerful flash maybe needed to reach your subject.

The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR makes the choice easier for those of us who shoot pictures for the family, hobby and craft world photos. And when the cost is 200% less. The 18-105mm broad picture angle range approximates the perspective of a 27-157.5mm lens on a 35mm-format film camera or 76º/15.20º angle. The 18-200mm with 76º to 8º angle of view may help make you a better photographer, in my opinion, for a few photos. I'll just crop mine.

As for the lighter plastic over the metal mount, I have found that if your constantly changing lenses, you may find wear on the mount sooner then wanted. But, if your just looking for the overall, wide use, able to catch 90% if anything I wanted to take, well, leave the lens on and leave the camera bag home.

Now if you can sell your pics, well . . go for the 200mm and don't worry about the small stuff.

This Nikon lens is a beauty. It could be the only lens you'd ever use on your camera. The focal range of 18-105mm will cover wide shots in tight areas, potraits and can zoom out to medium telephoto range. It will also focus down to 18" It's very compact and light weight. The Silent Wave Focusing system is extremely fast and quiet. I have been shopping for this lens for a while and am so happy I finally have one. I have noticed that at close range and using my pop up flash on my D70s the lens hood will cause a small half moon shadow in the foreground. My remedy was to remove the hood. Overall I think every Nikon user should own this lens. Changing lenses can cause you to miss the shot. The 18-105 can prevent this!

I bought this lens as my general everyday lens. I did not like the feel and and quality (as rated by others) of the 18-55mm f/3.5 "kit" lens that comes standard with my D5000 camera. The Nikor 18-105mm f3.5 was highly rated by professionals and amatures alike. I like the feel and versatility of this lens. As a mild telephoto lens, it offers almost twice the focal length of the "kit" lens and is better made with superior optical qualities. Unlike the standard "kit" lens the manual focusing ring is further back on the lens body where it is more convenient, comfortable and less likely to interfere with any screw on type filters you may use.