Nikon Nikkor 55-200mm VR zoom lens astounding!

The Nikon Nikkor 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 G AF-S Lens is no less than a super lens! I'm a photographer and have used many different lenses, and theis one is a winner....plus it's relatively inexpensive at about $250.

The zoom range is perfect for outdoor activities and nature(where it really performs!). I have a few medium range zooms of different brands,including a similar Nikon wothout the VR function. The VR(vibration reduction) setting really works well.

I set up a subject outside and tried each lens handheld at 1/80 second at the 200mm range. When presented enlarged on the computer screen, the non-VR image was OK, while the VR assisted image was tack sharp. There's no digital manipulation here...just a steady-cam balance mechanism that counters your own subtle hand movements built righ into the lens.

After testing it at different settings, I will ALWAYS keep this lens handy. In lowlight situations, it will allow you to use a slower shutter speed than you would normally be able to achieve. 200mm handheld at 30th of a second might sound impossible...but the VR setting makes it work!

You can turn the VR setting off if desired, such as in a setting where you are using a shutter speed of 250th sec+, as the shutter will freeze motion anyway at that setting.

The VR function shines when you are not in a bright setting where you can use a high shutter speed along with an f-stop(aperture setting)that produces sharp images. Wide open aperture settings generally will produce fuzzy images, so you'll want to set the lens to a midrange f-stop. If the total lens range is f4-f16, then an f5.6 would be a good choice.

The lens comes with a soft storage bag, lens caps, and a hardshell custom lens hood(to avoid glare). Always use the hood. It does not reduce the light sensitivity and can eliminate unsightly glares.

Is this Nikon lens equal to all the professional models? No. The fstop range is on the high side(f4-5.6). However, a lens with a wider aperture on the low end would cost in the thousands...not $250. Still, I would not hesitate to use this one on a professional job if the conditions allowed it.

If it's going to be inside in a dimly lit setting, such as a wedding ereception....NO. Outside on a nice day(or a studio setting where the light can be set bright enough to use at least f5.6-8)...YES.

Image quality is superb and tack sharp. If your pictures lack that razor sharp edge...this is certainly a lens to consider. Nikon quality all the way through.

You can even see the difference while looking through the viewfinder as you switch the VR setting "on and off". Compare results in photographs and you will be hooked.

Surprisingly, the VR model Nikon lens is only about $50 higher than the non-VR version. Spend the extra $50...it's well worth it.