Nikon announced the introduction of the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR, a new DX-NIKKOR zoom lens with built-in Silent Wave Motor (SWM) and Vibration Reduction (VR). This is the update to the original non-VR version. This lens is for people just getting started with Nikon digital SLR camera. It may get bundled as a “kit lens” with Nikon digital SLR cameras in the future.
Certainly this is a welcome update to the consumer grade lens. For people not familiar with vibration reduction (VR) or image stabilization (IS) in Canon’s term, the VR function helps to minimizes the chance of getting blurry images caused by camera shake, providing the ability to shoot at shutter speeds much slower (up to three stops, or 8 times, with this lens) than would otherwise be possible. This is especially helpful for handhold shooting in low light situations such as dusk or at night, or poorly lit interiors. It is also helpful when shooting from a vibrating platform such as a moving boat or vehicle. Unlike in-camera VR available in many other DSLRs, in-lens VR like this also produces a stable viewfinder image. This makes framing and composition much more comfortable and accurate. Read More…
