Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6 AF-S VR DX

Photo answers review

Photo answers rating

The main reason for the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6 AF-S VR DX is the addition of the VR technology, and the first thing that strikes you about this lens is the light weight. At a meagre 355g, its really some achievement to get all it offers into such a small lens.

The zoom ring takes up around 2/3 of the length of the lens, while the rarely used focus ring has a tiny space on the front. The focusing ring moves incredibly quietly and is in no way similar to the whiny noises that emit from some the older budget lenses.

The lens also locks on to subjects almost as quickly as many more expensive lenses, while the close focus distance of 101cm allows you to get close enough to capture shots that other telephoto users simply couldn’t manage.

The level of sharpness isn’t great throughout all the settings but they are not quite low enough at the most commonly used settings to hinder your photography at entry level. With excellent handling and performance, and features that are more than adequate, this optic is clearly aimed at the entry-level user who wants to add a telephoto to their current standard kit lens.