Nikon Nikkor 2166 55-200mm
The compact 437g body with 4.0-stop Vibration Reduction enables sharp handheld shots at 200mm, while extra-low dispersion glass controls distortion. As a Certified Refurbished lens with a 90-day warranty, it delivers like-new optical quality at a budget-friendly price, with Super Integrated Coating reducing flare. This lens suits Nikon DX DSLR owners needing a portable telephoto for travel, family events, and outdoor action.
Snapshot
The 30-Second Version
The lens delivers solid image quality in a compact package, but recent user feedback has cooled from earlier enthusiasm. Autofocus speed and sharpness at the long end are common sticking points, and the build, while decent, doesn't feel as premium as some newer rivals. It's a capable walkaround option, though the drop in user sentiment from 92 to 82 out of 100 reflects growing competition that offers more range or better stabilization for similar money.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Cons
What owners think
The Word on the Street
How owner sentiment changed over time
ExclusiveBased on when customers actually wrote their reviews — so you can see whether early praise held up.
Based on 15 dated customer reviews, grouped by calendar quarter. Period analysis is in English.
The proof
Performance
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | telephoto |
| Focal Length Min | 55 |
| Focal Length Max | 200 |
| Elements | 13 |
| Groups | 9 |
| ED Elements | 2 |
| Coating | Super Integrated Coating |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/4 |
| Min Aperture | 4-5.6 |
| Constant | No |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.3 kg / 0.6 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 52 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Silent Wave Motor |
| Stabilization | Yes |
| Stabilization Stops | 4 |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 200 |
| Max Magnification | 1:3.5 |
vs Competition
| Spec | Nikon Nikkor 2166 55-200mm | Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 | Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM | Sony E SELP1650 | Meike 50mm F1.8 Full Frame STM Auto Focus Prime | Panasonic LUMIX G Vario H-FS12060 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 55-200mm | 28-75mm | 18-135mm | 16-50mm | 50mm | 12-60mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4 | f/2.8 | f/3.5 | f/3.5 | f/1.8 | 22 |
| Mount | Nikon F | Sony E | Canon EF-S | Sony E | Sony E | Micro Four Thirds |
| Stabilization | true | false | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | true | false | false | false | true |
| Weight (g) | 255 | 550 | 515 | 116 | 369 | 210 |
| AF Type | Silent Wave Motor | VXD | STM | Stepping motor | STM | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | telephoto | zoom | zoom | zoom | Wide-Angle | zoom |
| Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare | Compare |
| Product | Af | Bokeh | Build | Macro | Optical | Aperture | User Sentiment | Versatility | Social Proof | Stabilization |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon Nikkor 2166 55-200mm | 55 | 71.7 | 76.3 | 81.6 | 65.7 | 73.3 | 44.5 | 85.2 | 83 | 92.3 |
| Tamron Di III 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2 Compare | 55 | 87.2 | 62.8 | 85.2 | 91.2 | 85.1 | 81 | 78.4 | 91.8 | 35.8 |
| Canon EF-S 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Compare | 86.2 | 76.8 | 45.9 | 32.9 | 79.5 | 78.8 | 0 | 96 | 77.9 | 92.3 |
| Sony E SELP1650 Compare | 86.2 | 76.8 | 93.5 | 34.9 | 63.5 | 78.8 | 63.8 | 83.5 | 74 | 92.3 |
| Meike 50mm F1.8 Full Frame STM Auto Focus Prime Compare | 86.2 | 96.4 | 62.4 | 95.9 | 37.5 | 93.4 | 86.3 | 34 | 52.8 | 80.8 |
| Panasonic LUMIX G Vario H-FS12060 Compare | 55 | 16 | 89.6 | 81.6 | 72.6 | 25 | 91.6 | 93.3 | 87.9 | 96.3 |
Price
Value & Pricing
Amazon 5 offers From $109
Price History
Read more
Common Questions
Q: Is this lens good for wildlife photography?
It can work for larger or closer wildlife in good light, but the softness beyond 200mm and the audible autofocus motor make it less ideal than the Sigma 16-300mm or Tamron 18-300mm. If you're serious about birds or distant animals, a dedicated telephoto with faster, quieter AF will serve you better.
Q: How does this lens compare to the Tamron 18-300mm?
The Tamron 18-300mm offers a longer reach, faster and quieter VXD autofocus, and better image stabilization. It's also weather-sealed and feels more solid in hand. This lens is smaller and lighter, but the Tamron has pulled ahead in user satisfaction, which is reflected in the recent drop in sentiment for this model.
Q: Is the autofocus quiet enough for video?
Not really. The AF motor produces an audible whir that on-camera microphones will pick up, and it can pulse while trying to lock focus in lower light. For video, the Panasonic Leica 50-200mm or the Canon EF-S 18-135mm with its Nano USM motor are much smoother and quieter choices.
Who Should Skip This
Skip this lens if you need the longest possible reach in a single walkaround solution. The Sigma Contemporary 16-300mm and Tamron 18-300mm both stretch further on the telephoto end and have earned stronger recent reviews. Also look past it if you shoot a lot of video and rely on smooth, silent autofocus, as the AF motor here can be audible and occasionally hunts in low light. Nikon Z and Panasonic L-mount users should check out the NIKKOR Z 28-400mm or the Leica DG Vario-Elmarit 50-200mm for more refined stabilization and build quality.
Verdict
This lens is a good performer for casual shooters who prioritize portability, but it's no longer the standout it once was. With the Sigma 16-300mm and Tamron 18-300mm now in the mix, the superzoom field is more crowded, and those alternatives bring extra reach and faster autofocus. If you already own this lens, it's still a fine tool. If you're buying new, compare it carefully against the Sigma and Tamron options before committing.
