Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D 12mm
What Buyers Say
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
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
Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D 12mm
The Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D lens is widely praised for its exceptional sharpness, minimal distortion, and solid all-metal build, making it a favorite for real estate, architecture, and astrophotography. Users appreciate the value for money compared to pricier alternatives, though some note it is heavier than expected and lacks autofocus. A few reviewers report issues with infinity focus on Nikon bodies and poor customer support from Venus Optics, but overall sentiment remains very positive.
Pros
- Exceptional sharpness
- Minimal distortion (Zero-D)
- Solid all-metal build
- Great value for money
- Compact and lightweight
Cons
- Heavier than expected
- No autofocus
- Infinity focus issues on Nikon bodies
- Poor customer support from Venus Optics
- Lens cap not secure
Scores
Specifications
| Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm | Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D 12mm | |
|---|---|---|
| Optics | ||
| Type | zoom | wide-angle |
| Focal Length Min | 18 mm | 12 mm |
| Focal Length Max | 55 mm | 12 mm |
| Elements | 7 | 16 |
| Groups | 5 | 10 |
| Aspherical Elements | 2 | 2 |
| ED Elements | 1 | 3★ |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating | Frog Eye Coating |
| Aperture | ||
| Max Aperture | f/3.5 | f/22 |
| Min Aperture | 3.5-5.6 | f/2.8 |
| Constant | ✗ | ✓★ |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 | 7 |
| Build | ||
| Mount | Nikon F | Canon EF |
| Format | APS-C | full-frame★ |
| Weather Sealed | — | ✗ |
| Weight | 0.20 kg★ | 0.61 kg |
| Filter Thread | 55 mm | 72 mm |
| AF & Stabilization | ||
| AF Type | pulse stepping motor★ | manual focus only |
| Stabilization | ✓★ | ✗ |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 stops★ | — |
| Focus | ||
| Min Focus Distance | 55 mm★ | 180 mm |
| Max Magnification | — | 0.2x★ |
Pros & Cons
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm
- Strong macro (95th percentile)95th %ile
- Strong stabilization (92nd percentile)92nd %ile
- Strong social proof (86th percentile)86th %ile
- Strong af (85th percentile)85th %ile
Laowa 12mm f/2.8 Zero-D 12mm
- Strong optical (89th percentile)89th %ile
- Strong social proof (81st percentile)81st %ile
- Below average bokeh (14th percentile)14th %ile
- Below average af (15th percentile)15th %ile
- Below average aperture (22nd percentile)
- Below average versatility (33rd percentile)
Pricing
Nikon NIKKOR 20059 18-55mm offers 6.4x better value for money
Verdict
Scores 97 overall, wins 9 of 9 usage categories and 5 of 22 specs.
