Nikon AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200 mm F4-5.6 G IF-ED

The Nikkor AF-S 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED DX VR delivered a very sound performance with very few weaknesses. The resolution characteristic is generally very good and neither CAs not distortions are something to worry about. The vignetting is a bit more pronounced at 135mm @ f/5 but otherwise not a real problem. The bokeh (out-of-focus blur) is naturally a bit underdeveloped due to the slow max. aperture but apart from this limitation is seems pretty smooth. Fortunately Nikkor resisted the temptation to use super-cheap materials so while far from being as solid as a rock the build quality is actually fine for a lens in this class. A highly desirable new feature is naturally the VR (Vibration Reduction) mechanism. It doesn't help in all situations but it can often safe the day e.g. by enabling you to stick to low ISO settings or with an extra potential in low light situations. However, I'd state that it isn't quite as efficient as specified by Nikon though. The best thing of all is the very low price tag of the lens - by now it sells for less than 300€/US$. So you can get lots of bangs for you bucks if you can live with the comparatively slow max. aperture.