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

My D7000 which I love almost as much as my dog (and keep it under my pillow) with the 16-88 zoom (NOT the give-away lens) is 90% of the time 100% satisfactory. What's 10% wrong? Just a LITTLE bit short for when I can't walk closer or blow up the amazing resolution.

Compact

It was definitely a good product. No doubt about that. Only problem was that Snapdeal faltered in the timely delivery bit. The delivery was rescheduled and the item landed well after the original deadline.

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

This Nikon lens features 15 elements in 11 groups, including one ED element. The main difference from the non-VR lens lies in the way the VR works, requiring a compensatory lens group to be shifted by the VR motors.

Vibration Reduction; handling

Price; optically not as good as non-VR version

This lens is sharp even at wide apertures, the Vibration Reduction (image stabilization) works great, autofocus speed is more than acceptable, and it is very light and compact. No other company offers a lens with these features at this price.

This lens is sharp even at wide apertures, the Vibration Reduction (image stabilization) works great, autofocus speed is more than acceptable, and it is very light and compact. No other company offers a lens with these features at this price.

The build quality is actually pretty good and a clear step up from the older AF-S 55-200mm non-VR. That said it is still a consumer grade lens with a plastic body (down to the lens mount). The very broad rubberized zoom ring feels reasonably smooth.

Wouldn't it be great to get some serious telephoto zoom reach without filling up most of your gadget bag with a big clunky lens? The Nikon Nikkor AF-S DX VR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED fits the bill with a remarkably compact design, and it's less than half the weight of its big brother, the Nikon...