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 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...

Vibration Reduction; handling

Price; optically not as good as non-VR version

I just bought this lens so cheap. Very light and sharp. Nice for walking around. The pictures are amazing for the price. Not 2.8 but VR really helps.

light; sharp

build quality but not a big problem

Handling The review lens was a comfortable fit on the D5000 body we used for our tests and the combined camera-plus-lens felt reasonably well balanced - although we feel a slightly heavier lens would be more stable at focal length settings beyond 100mm.

You want a lightweight telephoto zoom lens for Nikon's entry-level DSLR bodies; You require performance levels to match the standard of Nikon's entry and lower mid-level DSLRs

You require fast autofocusing in low light levels (this isn't a lens for shooting indoor sports); You need close focusing capabilities

I recently purchased this lens and have nothing but praise for it. Sure it won't match up to a $2000 zoom lens if you are pixel peeping but at this price it gives outstanding results and is lightweight and easy to use. Focussing is fast and quiet and the VR feature helps prevent shaky shots.