I use this lens as a convenience lens on my backup camera: When the main body has a wide lens it gets me some reach with good results. When the main camera has my long lens the 55-200 gets me a bit closer and yet still some reach.

This is a great lens as far as kit lenses go. I really struggled with either buying this or going for a used in great condition on a Nikon 80-200 2.8 lens. I wanted to try out Nikon VR lenses and as far as that goes it's O.K.

Consistent Output; Lightweight; Price

Weak Casing

I purchased this lens to be a companion to my 18-55 and I have been pleasantly surprised by the quality of the glass and the function of the lens. I highly recommend this lens to the beginner or seasoned veteran!

A solid performer that punches above its price point...I own the Tamron 70-300 VC, which has better IQ and markedly better image stabilization, but at the price of heft. When I want a "light kit" and portability is paramount, this lens shines.

light; inexpensive; excellent IQ given its variable aperture

cheaper build; VR a tad less effective than stated

I had a requirement for a good 200mm lens for portraiture, of which I do a lot of high & low contrast 3/4 length shots. The Nikkor 55-200 seemed the likely candidate and the price was right. What I liked most about the lens was ease of use, smooth zoom action and adequate f stops for a 200mm.

Overall a very good choice for the Nikon camera. The lens is easy to zoom while shooting and the auto focus is a nice feature. When shooting multiple fast moving shots, sometimes had to play with the focus sensor to get it right. This was a minor concern compared to the overall ease of use.

great picture quality in low light no flash

sometimes tempermental auto focus

The NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED Lens lets me capture brilliant shots thanks to the inventive Vibration Reduction technology. Its price does not hurt too.

Sharpness is not that bad,nor is contrast or even color at f/8-f/11. But I never liked pictures taken with this lens so after awhile I replaced it. I don't have the money to invest in pro zoom so instead I bought: - Nikon 50mm 1.8 ai-s 50$ - Nikon 105mm 2.5 ai 130$ - Nikon 180mm 2.8 ai-s ED 200$...

Price; moderately sharp and contrasty

Build; pictures lackluster

You don't always need a top-flight telephoto lens. It all depends on what kind of photographer you are and the subjects you prefer. You may find that the vast majority of the shots you take are with the standard ‘kit' zoom and that you only rarely need anything longer.

Great lens! Highly recommended for any serious or hobby photographer!.. Takes awesome pictures and functions very well as it should. It has a compact design that compliments the Nikon digital camera perfectly. Easy to use as well.