The newest addition to Nikon’s world-class Nikkor lens lineup, the DX Nikkor series was developed for professional and advanced amateur digital SLR users who demand high optical performance. This 55-200mm lens offers such features as two extra-low-dispersion (ED) glass elements for minimized chromatic aberration, an exclusive Silent Wave Monitor that allows for accurate and quiet high-speed autofocusing, and a nine-blade rounded diaphragm. And thanks to the 200mm maximum focal length and 3.6x zoom, you can shoot everything from close-up sports shots to national park wildlife without standing right next to your subject. Other details include a super-integrated coating that minimizes ghosting and flare; a nine-blade rounded diaphragm for more natural out-of-focus highlights; and a focus switch that lets you easily switch between autofocus (A) and manual (M) modes. All Nikon lenses carry a five-year warranty.

  • Focal length: 55-200mm
  • Maximum aperture: f/4-5.6
  • Minimum aperture: f/22-32
  • Picture angle (Nikon DX format sensor): 28 degrees (at 55mm) to 8 degrees (at 200mm)
  • Maximum reproduction ratio: 1:3.5
  • Lens construction: 13 elements in 9 groups (with 2 ED glass elements)
  • Lens drive: Silent Wave Monitor
  • Dx type: DX Nikkor (for use with Nikon digital SLR models)
  • Minimum focus distance: 3.1 feet
  • Filter/attachment size: 52mm
  • Included accessories: LC-52 snap-on front lens cap, LF-1 rear lens cap, HB-34 lens hood, CL-0815 lens case
  • Dimensions: 2.7 inches in diameter, 3.1 inches long
  • Weight: 9 ounces

Customer Reviews: Read 116 more reviews…

4 out of 5 stars Better than I thought.
My Nikon ownership goes back over 30 years to the days when cameras were made of metal and carrying one with a few lenses tested your stamina.

Times sure have changed. There’s hardly a metal camera to be found and you can carry a bag full of equipment in one hand. The Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom Nikkor is the latest lightweight from this heavyweight of the camera industry.

Plastic construction right down to its lens mount. This thing looks and feels like the label should say Fisher Price and not Nikon. However, looks can be deceiving as I soon found out.

My only reason for buying this lens was that I needed to fill a void in my kit until I saved up enough for a 70-200mm f2.8. I had no intention of keeping the 55-200 VR once the 70-200 arrived.

After shooting with the 55-200 for a few months I’ve come to appreciate what it can do. It’s limited to use in good light as even VR can’t change the laws of physics. In this case, it’s not even the current VR-II but the original VR that Nikon developed a few years ago.

With sufficient light and good technique, the 55-200 is capable of very good performance. No, it’s not as sharp and contrasty as the 70-200. It’s also not going to survive the bad weather or a few solid knocks that professional use would expose it to.

Where the 55-200 excels is in its portability and above average performance. For travel or just walking around, it would be hard to beat this lens if it’s used within its limits. I use mine on a D80 and have no problem getting excellent 13×19″ prints.

As an added bonus, it works very well with the Nikon CL3T closeup lens and does double duty as a macro zoom. Again, it’s not a substitute for a real macro zoom like the Nikon 70-180, but it’s not intended to be.

Given my original opinion of this lens, I have to admit that I’ve gotten much more than my money’s worth out of it. Instead of selling it, I’m going to keep it and use it when my 70-200 is just to big and heavy to carry around.

If you’re on a budget or just want a nice, lightweight lens in this range, take a look at the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR. Like me, you may be very much surprised at what it can do.

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