Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 G VR AF-P DX
7Artisans 122.8ZBII 12mm
What Buyers Say
Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 G VR AF-P DX
This Nikon 18-55mm lens is widely praised for its sharpness, light weight, and excellent value for money, especially as a kit lens. Users highlight its vivid colors and quiet autofocus, though some note the plastic build feels fragile and the barrel can wobble at extended focal lengths. Overall, it's considered a fantastic starter lens that outperforms its modest price point.
Pros
- Sharp image quality
- Lightweight and portable
- Excellent value for money
- Vivid color reproduction
- Quiet autofocus
Cons
- Plastic build feels fragile
- Barrel wobbles at extended focal lengths
- No image stabilization
- Loose tolerances can affect focus
7Artisans 122.8ZBII 12mm
This manual 12mm f/2.8 lens receives mostly positive reviews for its solid metal build and good image quality at a low price point. While many users love it for product videos and astrophotography, some report sharpness issues, severe flare when pointed near light sources, and the lack of camera recognition on certain bodies. It's best considered a budget specialty lens rather than an everyday general-purpose optic.
Pros
- Solid all-metal build
- Good image quality for the price
- Great value for money
- Smooth focusing rings
- Excellent for astrophotography
Cons
- Not sharp in corners
- Horrible flare near light sources
- Camera may not recognize lens
- Manual focus only
- Short focusing range
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 G VR AF-P DX | 7Artisans 122.8ZBII 12mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 55 mm | 12 mm |
| Elements | 7 | 12 |
| Groups | 5 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2★ | — |
| ED Elements | 1★ | — |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | — |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | 22-38★ | f/16 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7★ | — |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon Z |
| Format | APS-C | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.20 kg★ | 0.30 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 67 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | Pulse Stepping Motor★ | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 55 mm★ | 150 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.15m★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 G VR AF-P DX
- Strong macro (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
- Strong build (84th percentile)84th %ile
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
7Artisans 122.8ZBII 12mm
- Strong stabilization (79th percentile)
- Strong build (74th percentile)
- Strong social proof (66th percentile)
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average user sentiment (22nd percentile)
- Below average bokeh (32nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Nikon 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 G VR AF-P DX offers 1.2x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 70 overall, wins 8 of 9 usage categories and 8 of 21 specs.
