Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR Lens

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR Lens is a versatile all-in-one zoom designed for Nikon’s DX-format (APS-C) DSLR cameras, offering a massive 16.7x zoom range that covers wide-angle scenic landscapes and group photos through super-telephoto close-ups, all in a surprisingly compact, lightweight body. It’s an ideal single-lens solution and a highly versatile second lens for photographers who want maximum versatility without swapping lenses.

Optically, the lens covers an 18-300mm focal range, delivering a 27-450mm full-frame-equivalent field of view on Nikon’s DX-format sensor, with a variable maximum aperture of f/3.5 at the wide end narrowing to f/6.3 at full telephoto. The 16-element, 12-group optical design includes three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements and three aspherical elements, reducing aberrations and distortion throughout the zoom range for notable clarity and sharpness, while Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating minimizes flare and ghosting. A rounded 7-blade diaphragm contributes to beautiful, natural background blur.

Autofocus is handled by Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM, denoted “AF-S”), delivering fast, quiet autofocus performance well suited to both high-resolution stills and Full HD video. Internal Focusing (IF) means the lens’s front element stays stationary during focus, keeping the 67mm filter thread from rotating throughout the zoom range, making the lens well suited to graduated filters and polarizers. Nikon’s Vibration Reduction (VR) system delivers an effect equivalent to a shutter speed 4.0 stops faster (CIPA standard, at maximum telephoto), helping keep photos sharp and videos steady, especially when shooting handheld.

Build quality is compact and lightweight for a 16.7x zoom lens, measuring approximately 78.5 x 99mm and weighing approximately 550g, notably smaller and about 30% lighter than its predecessor lens covering a similar range. The lens has a minimum focusing distance of 0.48m (1.6 ft.) at all zoom positions, yielding a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.29-0.32x, and a petal-shaped hood is included to help shield the front element from flare-inducing light.

As a DX-format-specific lens, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-300mm f/3.5-6.3G ED VR is designed exclusively for Nikon’s APS-C DX-format DSLR cameras.

Key Features
– 18-300mm all-in-one zoom (16.7x) for Nikon DX-format (APS-C) DSLR cameras
– Approximately 27-450mm full-frame-equivalent field of view
– Maximum aperture f/3.5-6.3 (variable)
– 16 elements in 12 groups, including 3 ED elements and 3 aspherical elements
– Super Integrated Coating
– Silent Wave Motor (AF-S) autofocus
– Internal Focusing (IF) — non-rotating front element, stable 67mm filter position
– Vibration Reduction (VR), up to 4.0 stops of correction (CIPA)
– Rounded 7-blade diaphragm
– Minimum focusing distance of 0.48m (1.6 ft.) at all zoom positions
– Maximum reproduction ratio of approximately 0.29-0.32x
– 67mm filter thread
– Included petal-shaped lens hood
– Compact, lightweight design (approximately 550g)
– Designed exclusively for Nikon DX-format DSLR cameras