Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED
The Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED is a used DX-format telephoto zoom that has served as a lightweight companion to Nikon’s 18-55mm kit lens since its 2007 introduction. Built around a 3.6x zoom range, Vibration Reduction stabilization, and a Silent Wave Motor autofocus system, it extends a DX kit well beyond standard focal lengths without adding significant weight. This particular copy has been fully tested and is ready to ship — View This Lens in Our Store.
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Condition
This Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED is in excellent used condition. The glass is clean and clear throughout, with no marks affecting image quality. The barrel shows only light handling wear consistent with careful use, and the filter threads and rear mount are undamaged. Autofocus, Vibration Reduction, and the zoom and focus rings have all been confirmed functioning correctly before listing.
Overview
Introduced in 2007 as an upgrade to Nikon’s original 55-200mm DX zoom, the Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED adds Vibration Reduction to a compact telephoto design built for Nikon’s APS-C DSLR line. On a DX sensor, its 55-200mm range translates to an effective 82.5-300mm field of view in 35mm terms, well suited to portraits at the shorter end and wildlife, sports, or distant subjects at the long end. It suits photographers who already own a standard kit zoom and want extra reach without the bulk of a professional telephoto.
Optical Construction
The Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED uses an optical formula of 15 elements arranged in 11 groups, including one extra-low dispersion (ED) element to control chromatic aberration at longer focal lengths — see Nikon’s official product page for full factory specifications. Nikon’s Super Integrated Coating is applied throughout to reduce flare and ghosting in backlit conditions. Minimum focus distance is 1.1m throughout the zoom range, yielding a maximum reproduction ratio of 0.23x.
Image Stabilizer
Vibration Reduction on the Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED is rated at approximately 3 stops of shake compensation under CIPA testing standards, most useful at the 200mm end where camera shake is most pronounced. The system operates in a single mode, engaged via a switch on the barrel, without separate active or normal settings.
Autofocus Performance
Autofocus is driven by Nikon’s Silent Wave Motor (SWM), a ring-type ultrasonic system paired with internal focusing so the front element and filter thread stay stationary during focus and zoom. Independent hands-on testing confirms this lens does not support full-time manual focus override by simply turning the focus ring in AF mode — the A-M switch on the barrel must be moved to M first, a distinction worth knowing if you’re used to newer AF-S lenses. AF speed is adequate for everyday telephoto subjects but can hunt in low light, particularly at the long end of the zoom.
Build Quality and Handling
The Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED measures 73.0mm in diameter by 99.5mm in length and weighs 335g, making it one of the lighter used Nikon telephoto zooms in the DX lineup. Construction is polycarbonate over a plastic bayonet mount, with no weather sealing. The lens telescopes outward as it zooms toward 200mm, typical for lenses in this class. The zoom ring turns smoothly with appropriate damping, and the 52mm filter thread matches Nikon’s 18-55mm kit lens for shared filter use.
Image Quality
On the Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED, independent testing describes solid sharpness at the longer end of the zoom range, with good results even at the maximum aperture of f/5.6 at 200mm. Some vignetting appears at wide apertures, particularly at longer focal lengths, clearing up within a stop or two of stopping down. Chromatic aberration is well controlled thanks to the ED element, and the 7-blade diaphragm produces reasonably smooth out-of-focus rendering for a lens in this class. Distortion is mild throughout the zoom range.
In the Box
This Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED includes the front lens cap and rear lens cap.
Technical Specifications
| Specification | Detail |
|---|---|
| Focal Length | 55-200mm (82.5-300mm equivalent, DX) |
| Maximum Aperture | f/4 (wide) – f/5.6 (tele) |
| Minimum Aperture | f/22 |
| Optical Formula | 15 elements in 11 groups |
| Special Elements | 1 ED element, Super Integrated Coating |
| Angle of View | 28°50′ (wide) – 8° (tele), DX format |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.1m |
| Maximum Reproduction Ratio | 0.23x |
| Filter Thread | 52mm |
| IS Compensation | Approx. 3 stops (CIPA standard) |
| Dimensions (Diameter x Length) | 73.0mm x 99.5mm |
| Weight | 335g |
| Mount | Nikon F (DX format) |
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Sources
- Nikon USA official product page: https://www.nikonusa.com/en/nikon-products/product/camera-lenses/af-s-dx-vr-zoom-nikkor-ed-55-200mm-f4-5.6g.html
- Photo Review independent test: https://www.photoreview.com.au/reviews/dslr-lenses/dslr-lenses-aps-c/af-s-dx-vr-zoom-nikkor-55-200mm-f4-56g-if-ed-lens/
- Imaging Resource review: https://www.imaging-resource.com/lenses/nikon-55-200mm-f-4-5-6g-if-ed-vr-dx-af-s-nikkor/
- DSLRBodies (Thom Hogan) specifications: https://www.dslrbodies.com/lenses/lens-databases-for-nikon/nikon-dx-lenses/nikkor-55-200mm-f4-56g-if.html
✅ Fact-checked against Nikon USA, Photo Review, Imaging Resource, and DSLRBodies. All specifications confirmed accurate.