Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED-IF AF-S DX

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Once mounted on a D-SLR, the Nikon 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 ED-IF AF-S DX basically takes the place of the old 28-200mm in 35mm terms. It offers a basic focal range that the average user may require without the need for two or more lenses, and all for a low cost. This means that you can keep your kit weight down to a minimum when you are travelling about and need to go light.

The silent wave motor (SWM) makes a massive difference to the autofocus performance. It locks on well and quickly. There are none of the whiny noises you’d expect with budget lenses, although it doesn’t have the same quality sound as some of the more expensive lenses. As you zoom in the front of the lens moves forward in a somewhat wobbly manner, leaving you with some doubts as to the longevity of the lens, although the zoom and focus rings are covered in a non-slip rubber grip, which do the job perfectly even in adverse conditions.

The lens mount (the area on the rear of the lens where it attaches to the camera) is made from plastic rather than metal, so it may wear down if you change lenses a lot, but then the point of this lens is that it covers off all the focal lengths you are likely to use so you don’t have to change lenses. Like many modern zoom lenses, the zoom ring is larger and placed in the optimum position at the front of the lens, while the focusing ring is much smaller and relegated to the rear of the lens, where most people can’t accidentally knock it or get it confused with the zoom ring.

The image quality might come in for a little criticism, but when the results are printed at A4 size it’s actually only wide-open or at the narrowest aperture that you can see the lack of edge sharpness. If you are thinking of blowing them up to A3 size results, the lack of edge sharpness becomes clearly apparent. So unless you need the results for professional use or above A4 they will certainly suffice. As a first kit lens with your D-SLR this is a great solution and worthy of your cash, as the extra focal length makes it more flexible than other lenses.