Nikon AF Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G Lens

This is not the expert's review you are looking for. I 'm a novice photographer and still experimenting on techniques, appropriate shutter speeds, aperture adjustments etc etc. I own two Nikon D40, after taking under consideration what Ken Rockwell had to say, and I must say it was totally worth it. The D40 is simply amazing. Choosing the lens was hard..

The 18-55 is purely the choice to go if just want to take pictures for family,
occasions and whatever a normal person would photograph but with better equipment. As far as its zooming capabilities is a bit fair though.. this is where the 55-200 takes on and does the business.

You can't simply use the 55-200 as a normal-every day lens, since you cant focus on objects that are close to you. On the zooming perpective its very good, not giving you a binoculars vision but surely doing the trick quite well.

My basic regret is why i didn't combine the money for the two and get one 18-200 but since I own two D40 bodies this was the case for me.

So in conclusion:
- 18-55 is superb and can be used as an every-day lens.
- 55-200 is an excellent telephoto lens but I personally would like a bit more
than that.
Both are quick in auto-focus and VR won't make you leave the tripod at home (as some say) but it would save your delete button ..alot!

If you have the money go buy the 18-200 and be a double happy person! :)

18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G DX VR and 55-200mm f/4-5.6 DX VR I bought these lenses because i have a D40 and a D60 and wanted auto lens for these cameras otherwise i wouldn't have purchased, Now i am glad i did. Having used the non-VR 18-55mmDX i knew i would be getting a nice lens. Having used most all of the Nikon lens {with the exception of the higher priced ones like the 70-200 f/2.8} and have been happy with most of them i feel these two are all most people will need in most situations PRO'S: light weight easy to carry, smooth QUIET fast focusing. CON'S: The light weight has me wondering how well they will hold up to any rough bumping or treatment {we all know this shouldn't happen but accidents will occur} I am writing this not as a professional but as a hobbyist who knows good photos and enjoy trying different lenses and cameras, i do realize there are times when a specific lens is needed but to an average person wanting good results without mortgaging their home, this combo of lens should be great especially for a beginner or someone on a budget. Try them you'll like them.