Lao2's reviews

Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED DX AF-S Nikkor

This lens delivers sharp pictures all over, with very good contrast to match. Unless you're a pro, you don't need another standard zoom; this will do very well. Most reviewers say this lens is "nice tot start out with", admitting that is delivers good results, but referring to the Nikkor AF-S 18-70 as the "better lens". This is misleading as the Nikkor AF-S 18-70 does NOT give you better pictures. The differences between these lenses are:

1) When used full open at 18 mm and F3,5, the 18-70 has the edge of sharpness in the corners. The resolution of the 18-55 at 18mm and F3,5 in the corners is still good though, and improves to excellent when stopping down.
2) The 18-70 feels more solid. However, just because it is very light doesn't mean the 18-55 isn't well built.
3) Statistics show that the 18-55 has more chromatic aberration (CA) than the 18-70. However, I've taken approx. 1000 pictures with the 18-55 and haven't seen any CA.
4) The 18-55 has less distortion at 18mm.
5) The 18-55 has far less vignetting all over.

I make a lot of pictures at 18 mm and I'd much rather have the 18-55 than the 18-70, because the 18-55 has less distortion and vignetting. (I don't like having to correct a lot of pictures in Photoshop.)

As far as resolution is concerned, if you don't use F3,5 at 18mm, the 18-55 equals or even beats the 18-70 and does a lot better in the corners than the much praised Nikkor VR 18-200! If you don't believe me, go to www.photozone.de and look at the statistics of all three lenses. If you compare the charts you can see for yourself. Fortunately there are also some reviewers that are not prejudiced and recognise the qualities of the Nikkor 18-55 (have a look at: www.kenrockwell.com).

So the bottom-line is: Highly recommended (you can not go wrong with this lens; it offers very high image-quality for a bargain-price).