Photo answers review
Photo answers rating 
Nikon has put plenty of work into this standard kit lens, adding Vibration Reduction technology (VR), which elevates it above the previous model (the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II). This is a necessary move by Nikon – most entry-level D-SLRs now offer some form of image stabilisation built in to the camera body, so the D40 and D40X were trailing behind in this regard. Image stabilisation is a big issue for consumers – so adding VR to its budget kit lens now brings Nikon up to speed.
While the basic shape and design are the same, the lens is a lot fatter – evidently to accommodate the new VR system – though weight is still low at 265g. Some budget lenses can actually be too light to inspire confidence about overall build quality, but the new finish on this lens helps dispel such nagging doubts.
The focus ring can be hard to locate, but then, most entry-level users do little in the way of manual focusing; the zoom ring falls more easily to hand and has a pleasant, smooth action.
Performance This lens is primarily designed for use on the D40 or D60 which lack an autofocus motor. This means users are committed to investing in the more expensive AF-S (or Sigma HSM) lenses. Financial implications aside, the autofocus is smoother and quieter than many rival lenses, although the end of the lens still extends and rotates during focusing – hopefully the next upgrade will be the addition of Internal Focusing (IF).
Nikon’s VR system claims to help you out with an extra three stops of shutter speed – using a 55mm lens, the slowest shutter speed you can get away with handheld is around 1/60sec. If you drop that three stops you end up at 1/8sec.
There’s a fair amount of barrel distortion at the wider settings when you get up close to your subject, but you can use this to creative effect. At the other end of the zoom range there’s no noticeable pincushion distortion but as the lens only goes up to 55mm you really shouldn’t expect any. Levels of sharpness are good to excellent, with the usual lack of edge sharpness at both the widest and narrowest apertures.
The main problem with budget zooms is chromatic aberration: this model is no exception, with colour-fringing cropping up on areas of high contrast.
Verdict Compared to the previous 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II (which will add around £30 to the D60’s body-only price), this new VR lens will add £60. The trouble is, once you compare the total cost of the kit to other D-SLRs, especially those with shake reduction built-in, the overall value takes a slight nose-dive. It makes sense if you’ve already chosen Nikon – the slight extra outlay is worth it – but there are cheaper options out there if money is tight.
Specification Focal length 18-55mm (effective 27-83mm)
Maximum aperture f/3.5-5.6
Minimum focus 28cm
Filter size 52mm
Dimensions 73x80mm
Weight 265g
Mounts Nikon F (Digital Only)
Contact www.nikon.co.uk