Nikon Zoom-Nikkor 2166 55-200mm F/4.0-5.6 AF-S VR DX IF ED G Lens (2166)

My original purchase (Nikon D40 body only) needed a lens so after some research I chose to go with a mid-range lens for my all around regular photography as well as sports/action pictures. What a great choice too. The lens was much cheaper on EBay than the standard retail price and I had enough money leftover to splurge on some more camera accessories. The lens is great for all but the close-up (0'-38') range. For that range I would recommend an 18-55mm lens. This lens however has proven it's worth many times over. And although I do use smaller and larger lenses, this is always my 'go to' lens especially for nature and action shots. The recovery time for lens focus is nothing short of amazing and allows you to do multiple quick shots with ease and be in perfect focus without delay. The weight of the lens is also much less than a standard SLR lens and compliments the camera's body weight keeping it light but well balanced. In automatic mode using the "A" setting it does all the work for you. Simply set your frame, then press halfway down on the button and it sets your focus perfectly with all compositions included, press all the way down and you have your photo, it's really that simple! The white dot on the body and the lens also make it much easier for quick and proper lens alignment and makes switching lenses a breeze. To have some more control over your subject use the "M" for manual mode and you set all of your camera guidelines. For those who are just starting off I would recommend getting this particular lens size for great all around photography with professional results everytime. If I had to leave all of my lenses home and choose only one to take with me, this would be the one! Cost was less than $150 on EBay and retail at our local camera store for the exact same lens was over $350. If you can afford an 18-200mm lens I would recommend that but you're looking at more than doubling your cost over this lens yet covering a wider range of focal points. For my dollar this was by far the absolute best choice!

Pros: This is a real find!
1) For me, first of all - the focal lengths, suitable for fine portraiture.
2) Built-in motor, fast autofocus on all cameras Nikon.
3) rendition. After the 18-55 VR lens 55-200 removed from the camera does not want to. Photos get better contrast, more expressive than it actually is (the fact that we see with our eyes). Contrast and sharpness are not falling on the entire zoom range.
4) Sharpen. It is! I always use focusing on one point, the portrait is, of course - the eye. Usually, all the pictures sharp. But the sharp ringing appears in one frame of 3-5 (if you are involved focal lengths 135-200 mm, and the aperture is opened).
5) The Boke! Nice background blur. I like it.
6) Excellent keeps the backlight, there is no contrast and sharpness of the fall! Here is an example of comparison with the 18-55 VR (Camera Nikon d3000):
http://fotki.yandex.ru/us​ers/ksene4ka1990/view/383904?p​age=6
7) Image Stabilizer, from which there is an advantage!
8) Easy round lens hood (not the blade). For some, this may be a disadvantage, but for me - when taking advantage of the snow, rain.
9) Less noise than in the pictures with the lens Nikkor 18-55. On the Nikon d3000 when shooting with the lens 55-200 under normal lighting conditions without any problems can be raised up to ISO 800, noise is almost imperceptible, easily straightened shumodavom, while with the Nikkor 18-55 is the noise appearing at ISO 400.
10) The size and weight.
11) Filter Diameter - 52 mm. You can take some interesting filters, which immediately come to 55-200, and many of the existing 18-55.
12) Price!

Disadvantages: 1) too dark? Yes. But the dream of a high-aperture lens with similar focal lengths for the money is just silly. In addition there is a benefit: the aperture f/4-5.6 DOF larger than f/2.8, so the probability of getting into it more! Especially true when the frame is not the same person.
2) The plastic lens mount. But this little thing, in my opinion. In addition, plastic is easier :)

This lens is a bargain. Although not considered to be a heavy-duty lens it is not priced up there with pro gear. It provides the average and semi-pro photographer with great results without emptying the pocketbook. The lens' mechanism is smooth and the Image Stabilization (VR) and Auto Focus are excellent. I am using it on a Nikon D100 and a Nikon D80 and I am getting really sharp photos and excellent color rendition. The ED glass element allows this lens to give its excellent image quality. Manual focus is smooth but the focusing ring could be a little larger. I always use AF anyway. The lens' light weight is a bonus.

Great lens for the price. Not pro quality but very good. The size and weight makes it easy to handle. Auto focus is very fast. Great for outdoor shots, good for sporting events. A refurbished lens with a warranty was about the same price as a used lens. I didn't have any problems with getting a manufacture refurbished lens because of the warranty. The lens was like a brand new item only without the original packaging.

Great affordable lens. Nice and sharp images and decent enough Vibration Reduction. At this price there are a few cons, but they can easily be over looked. There is no manual focus ring, plastic build, and it makes this weird electric crunching sound when auto focusing. Those minor niggles aside, this is a lightweight lens that gives you that extra reach, without breaking the bank or your back. Yes, it is a budget lens, but it yields very good results.