10.2-megapixel effective recording * APS-C-size CCD image sensor (23.6 x 15.8 mm) * AF-S DX Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (vibration reduction) lens (35mm equivalent focal length: 27-82.5mm) * 3X optical zoom (approximate) * 3″ color LCD screen with brightness adjustment * optical SLR viewfinder (with diopter adjustment) * Integrated Dust Reduction System to keep image sensor clean for spotless photos * Nikon EXPEED image processor for responsive shooting and high-accuracy photos * 11-point autofocus system for rapid, precise autofocusing * 3D Color Matrix Metering II for accurate automatic exposure control, plus center-weighted and spot metering modes * Active D-Lighting mode for better shadow and highlight detail in high-contrast shooting conditions * intelligent pop-up flash and flash exposure compensation * Guide mode makes selecting camera settings easy for beginning SLR photographers * in-camera image editing functions, including: D-Lighting, red-eye correction, cropping, image overlay, monochrome settings, filter effects, NEF (RAW) processing, miniture effect, color outline, and stop motion movie *

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars D3K great value
After using the Nikon D3000 for about a month, and over 500 pictures, I can only report that it is worth every nickel of it’s price ($500 on 12/4/09).

1. Easy to use.

2. controls well laid out

3. Kit lens AF quick and silent.

4. Size reasonable for small hands (mine).

5. Ability to take Nikon ‘F’ mount lenses (AF or not).

While there is the occasional ‘oops’ moment, errors are easily corrected, and, of course, being digital, errors deleted with no expense incurred. Can’t say that about film cameras.

In addition to the kit lens, I have bought from a friend his Sigma 70-300 lens. While it is designated as an AF lens, as it does not have it’s own motor, it isn’t on the D3K. Manual focusing is a bit of a pain, as is having to learn how to do it all over again. But when I get it right WOW! Nice crisp image.

The only real criticism is not about the camera itself, a star performer. It is that lack of a REAL manual. The 60 page ‘manual’ merely highlights the cameras’ many controls and menus and does not go into detail about them. The Main manual is a 216 page PDF file loaded onto a PC and called a Reference manual. I call it the Users Manual, and the little 60 page thing a Quick Reference. The ‘Dummys’ book I bought on the D3K has a lot of useful information but having a PRINTED manual would have been better than having to buy my own hard copy.

3 Stars Solid DSLR but the Canon Rebel won me over
This is a solid DSLR and was my first foray into that camera category. In the end, I returned it as I found the Canon Rebel XSi (EOS) to be a better camera. What was better? Image quality was #1, the difference isn’t night and day between them but definitely noticeable. The EOS also offers the Pint and Shoot style function of letting the user utilize the LCD screen as a live view finder. Lastly, Amazon had a great special on the purchase of the zoom lens (55-250) as a package with the camera, and this made the Canon a better deal.

4 Stars Impressed!
I knew I wanted a DSLR and after a few months of debate, I decided to go for the D3000. I was tempted to buy a used D40 but the improvements made to the D3000 were hard to ignore. I ended up buying the D3000 in a bundle on Black Friday which saved me about 150 dollars! As a college students, I was beyond happy to save the money.

The features include almost anything I need (there’s only one feature missing: a color selection tool that my dad’s Canon has but the D3000 doesn’t) and the portability is incredible. I am still in shock about how light the camera is.

For a beginner like me, having the D3000 with an extra telephoto lens is perfect for learning the ropes and hopefully taking a photography class with. I highly recommend this for beginners and perhaps intermediate photographers. Advanced and professionals photographers probably would require more heavy duty equipment.

4 Stars Nikon D3000 A Beginners First Step Towards the Photography World
I am a Beginner Photography with not alot of money and not alot of experience, i chose Nikon of Canon because of a few things.

1. User FRIENDLY, GUIDE MODE IS A MUST! The whole camera is FILLED with tips and EXAMPLES and settings of what to do and how to achieve such and such. Guide mode holds your hand for newbies to give you an idea of whats what, i love how the Nikon D3000 is Half a book and All camera! Thanks Nikon for making such a great quality camera.

2. Takes Great pictures, as an entry level dslr it takes great pictures but i think its the same sensor as the d60 just with 11 points of focus , the 11 point focus is definitely useful, theres more areas for your subject to be in, and Depth of field pictures are definitely easier to do with more focus points.

The Nikon d3000 with the 18-55mm lens is perfect for everyday use but not enough, i suggest it should be complimented with a 55-200mm, because sometimes you cannot get close enough to the subject without getting in the way of the people around you!

The Screen is big and wide and perfect for reviewing images and looking at settings, you dont have to look hard. The settings do get washed out in direct sunlight so try to keep it in your shadow

Also post processing of pictures comes out AWESOME!!! i could not believe the level of detail i saw on my computer, it wasnt blurry and zooming in is really pixel squares.

Nice camera for beginners, if your novice or pro this camera isnt for you, while a newbie like me appreciate the tips it does take a while to get around the settings but you get used to it, there is no quick access to any 1 setting but soon your fingers will be faster than any other photographer, once you get used to all the navigating.

ALSO this is a camera where you can customize the background of your screen! you can have a wallpaper of a picture or change the color.

I hope this is a comprehensive review that will satisfy you into buying the camera

5 Stars A++
We are new to photography and love this camera! Thank you for all of the other very informative reviews, we took your word for it and are grateful!

Buy/More Info

Kit includes:
♦ 1) Nikon D3000 Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm G VR DX AF-S Zoom Lens
♦ 2) Nikon AF-S 55-200mm f/4-5.6G DX Zoom-NIKKOR Lens
♦ 3) Transcend 8GB High-Capacity SecureDigital (SDHC) Card
♦ 4) Spare EN-EL9a High Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
♦ 5) Nikon SLR System Case
♦ 6) Precision Design USB 2.0 High Speed SecureDigital (SD/SDHC) Card Reader
♦ 7) Precision Design Memory Card Storage Wallet
♦ Precision Design Deluxe 6 Piece Lens & Digital SLR Cleaning Kit
♦ 9) Image Recall Digital Image Recovery Software

The 10.2-megapixel Nikon D3000 Digital SLR Camera enables users to capture stunning images with superior performance. Features include a 3.0-inch

monitor, Active D-Lighting, 23 Scene Modes, In-Camera retouch image editing, shooting as fast as 3 FPS, ISO sensitivity from 100 to 1600,

built-in sensor cleaning, 11-point AF System and much more.

The Nikon 18-55mm VR Lens is an ultra compact, lightweight standard zoom lens that has a 3x focal zoom range. The Vibration

Reduction (VR) system allows handheld telephoto zoom shooting even in poorly lit conditions.

The 55-200mm lens is a ultra-compact with a compact rod-type Silent Wave Motor that enables high speed auto focusing and super-quiet operation. The Super Integrated Coating minimizes ghosting and flare, and two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass elements.

Take more high-resolution pictures faster with this 8GB High-Capacity SecureDigital (SDHC) memory card.

Increase your shooting capacity with this powerful EN-EL9a Lithium-ion rechargeable battery.

Made from durable Cordura Nylon, this multi-compartment, Nikon-brand case will easily hold your camera, lenses, flash, and accessories.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Best gift given this year
Bought this for my husband for Christmas. He loves it. I don’t think he has taken any “bad” photos. Love the extras. Came with everything he needed.

5 Stars Great Camera so happy I chose this one
I have been checking around to find an SLR that I could upgrade to from the ordinary cameras they have out there. I have been using the Sony cybershot which I do love and it is great for basic photography but I wanted one that I could do more with and with this camera you can do so much. I would not have thought to pick up all of the items that come with this package and the carry case is much better than I would have expected it to be with this price. I have only used this a few times but the pictures are beautiful, crisp and clear. I would definately recommend this camera.

4 Stars Great camera for the price and easy to use
This is by far the easiest SLR digital camera I have ever used. The manual was easy to understand and I started shooting pictures without any problems. So far, I have only taken pictures indoor with natural day light and with the built-in flash in AUTO setting as well as manual settings. While the pictures taken with the built-in flash were acceptable, they came out a little dark when in AUTO mode. When in manual mode, making adjustments to the f-stops, and other features take some getting used to. While the quality is much better when you can find the correct combinations, but it was trail and error. I borrowed my son-in-law’s Nikon flash unit and the pictures were much better using the AUTO setting. One feature I like is how light the camera is even when fitted with the longer lense. All-in-all, this is a vey good starter SLR digital camera.

5 Stars Great entry level SLR
If you’re an amateur photographer looking for a camera to start shooting, this is your best choice.

Nikon has made this model the easiest to use. I don’t use the guide mode much but if you don’t know anything about SLRs you can learn a lot from this camera.

Pros:

.Rugged feeling

.Lots of shooting tips

.Retouch and review modes very useful

.Very nice photo quality overall

Cons:

.No auto-bracketing

.Custom white balance’s not too easy to set up.

.No live view

Overall this is a great product. It lacks some features that as a professional might make your job easier but except for the auto bracketing that I missed, you can live with the other stuff with no problem.

Buy/More Info

f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX wide-angle to telephoto zoom lens * Vibration Reduction II allows in-focus shots with longer exposure times (up to four stops slower shutter speed) * 35mm equivalent focal length of 27-300mm * contains two ED (extra-low dispersion) and three aspherical lens elements for high resolution and contrast * Silent Wave Motor for fast, quiet focusing *

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Nikon 18-200 VR II, One of Several Very Good, All Purpose, Walkabout Lenses
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and so, I think, is one’s opinion of a camera lens. I’ve learned over the years that lens reviews are helpful, but they are just opinions. Yes, for sure, you generally get better optics with more expensive lenses, but it’s certainly not a guarantee. And for reasons one can only wonder about, oftentimes two copies of the same lens will produce very different results. For example, my friend Sara, who is as nuts about buying (we’re like compulsive buyers) and using Canon lenses as I am about buying and using Nikon ones, has a Canon EF-S 18-55mm kit lens that produces images so tack sharp through its whole range that would make you cry.

And so it goes with super zooms, these wonderful lenses that go from pretty wide to very long. If you look at the reviews of any of them, some people claim horrible results, while others scratch their heads, because they’re just loving them to death.

My first superzoom was a Sigma 18-200 which I got about five years ago and I was blown away with what I could do with just one lens. Plus my shots were pretty darn sharp. The lens was more expensive then, than it is now. It’s still a good lens, it weighs a couple ounces less than a pound and if I only could have been satisfied, I’d have saved a bundle of money. Ah well. Anyway, I had an opportunity to try out the Tamron 18-200 as well back then, but I decided on the Sigma. It was a coin toss. At the time I thought both lenses would be good general, all purpose, walkabout lenses. They wouldn’t be as sharp or fast as primes and wouldn’t be as light as shorter zooms, but heck, one lens which went all the way from 18 to 200mm (okay 27 to 350mm in the real world), such a deal.

Both lenses were five star lenses as far as I was concerned, both still are, because they are what they are, a very good compromise. If you’re expecting a lens that will reach out across a dark night and grab a shot of lovers making out by the beach, then you don’t want these lenses, but if you’re looking for a good general walkabout lens, both will suit you and they won’t break your bank.

But they don’t have image stabilization and when Sigma came out with it, I had to have it. So I shelved the Sigma zoom I had, (thankfully I didn’t sell it) and bought the Sigma 18-200 OS and Sigma’s Optical Stabilizer worked great. I got sharper handheld shots in lower light, but they came at a price, almost half a pound. It doesn’t sound like much, eight ounces (7.6 to be exact), but try carrying it around on your shoulder all day long. I really noticed the difference, especially when I was shooting.

I probably wouldn’t have gone to that auction site with my fairly new lens, if it hadn’t been for Tamron. They came out with their Tamron 18-250 and I had to have it. A bigger reach, the heck with image stabilization. Not only could I go all the way from 27 to 375mm in the real world, but I got back a bit over six ounces, the lens was lighter. So now I had two super zooms, which was good, because I go out people shooting with my sister a lot.

So one would think I’d be satisfied, but when the Nikon 18-200 came out, well Nikon optics in a superzoom. I had to have it, so the Tamron went up for auction (because I just loved the Sigma, even though it didn’t reach as far). The Nikon lens focused faster, but not that much faster then the other two, had image stabilization and was faster at the long end and it took great shots, but it weighed more than the other lenses, coming in at a whopping 20 ounces and it was creepy, creepy, creepy and with no zoom lock. The other lenses had almost no zoom creep and they had a zoom lock, which I never used. Very annoying the zoom creep was, still, great shots from a great lens.

Satisfied, well for awhile, then came 2008 and the Tamron 18-270 with their VC version of image stabilization and up for auction went my expensive Nikkor lens. Yeah, I still hung on the my first super zoom, the Sigma. For sure the Nikkor was a five star lens, but a girl can’t justify more than two super zooms at any one time.

The Tamron lens actually weighed a fraction less than the Nikkor it replaced. It was a bit slower on the long end, was a bit stiff in the zooming, but easy to get used to and almost no, sometimes no, zoom creep and it has a lock. It’s just simply one heck of a lens. Sometimes it’s a bit slow to autofocus in lowlight, but still I think it finds its focus faster than I would, but not as fast as the Nikkor.

I should add here that Nikon has upgraded their 18-200 adding a zoom lock. I’ve played with one and not only have they added that zoom lock, but it doesn’t seem to creep nearly as much, but that could just be the copy I used. I should also mention that Sigma has come out with their Sigma 18-250 OS which I was lucky enough to use for a month. That is just one super fine lens. It focuses fast and I think it finds its focus better in low light than the Tamron 18-270. Also this new Sigma has a super quiet motor, though I’ve never really been bothered by the sound of a focusing lens.

By reading other reviews of these lenses, I’ve learned that they are all subject to zoom creep, so I suppose in the main, I’ve been lucky. All of these lenses are very good, at least all of the copies I’ve used. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend any of them. However, if you go with Nikon, you’re going to be paying an awful lot more. You get a slightly faster lens on the long end and you get Nikon quality, but Sigma and Tamron give quality as well and Tamron warranties their lenses for six years, so they’re pretty confident that they’re building a great product (and now they’re part of Sony).

So through my whole super zoom experience, which one do I wind up using the most? You guessed it, that Sigma I bought five years ago. Like the proverbial Timax, “It takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’.” If the day is bright and I’m going people shooting it’s the one I put on my camera, because it’s light and it’s images are true.

4 Stars Value relates to cost and quality
For the price and the quality given this is a high value lens. So it creeps…big deal. It only creeps when it is pointing down and not being held by your hand. When you’re carrying it over your shoulder just activate the “anti-creep switch.”

I tested the lens at home shooting boxes and other items that contain writing at 15-20 feet. You can read the small writing, enlarged. That’s real-world sharpness.

I bought the lens to take pictures of people in varoius settings. The 18-200mm gives me the flexibility I am looking for…no more changing lenses to get that close-up of a kid laughing.

What finally got me to buy it were the changes made in the VRII and Scott Kelby saying: “Now, you will see some photographers in forums online saying that these lenses (18-200…he had the Nikon lens pictured in the writeup) are basically beneath them, because they’re not as sharp as they could be, or they’re not as rugged as the more expensive lenses, etc. Don’t let that throw you. I don’t know of a single photograper that actually has one of these that doesn’t love it…etc. As for quality, I have a 30×40″ print framed and hanging in my home, Everybody loves it, and it looks perfectly sharp and crisp all the way through.”

Kelby was right.

5 Stars For the most people – the best lense you can get
There are a lot of reviews comparing every feature of the lense. They are long, detailed, but more confusing than helpful. So I’ll try to keep it short.

Let’s say you a typical amature photographer. You take all kinds of pictures in all kinds of conditions. So what lense would be the best?

You can probably live with some minor distortions but nothing gives you as much freedom as a wide range zoom. If you shoot inside a room, you really need 18 m on a low end. The smaller the number the wider the angle and the more people you can squeeze into the frame from the other side of party table. Every mm here makes a big difference. So 18 mm on the low end is pretty much a must have. On the longer end, well, the bigger the better. However, if you that also means heavier and it also means much harder to take good pictures because on a long zoom range the camera gets less light, it’s sensitive to shaking hands and the lense distortion is getting worse. Also it’s more expensive.

So bottom line is – if you can afford the Nikon 18-200 mm lense – go for it. That will be your single all around lense and you won’t feel sorry. If it’s too pricey – check out the 18-105 mm one. Think about it this way – there are a lot of specialized lenses but really only a few all-around ones. So 80% people really need to choose between only 3: 18-55, 18-105 and 18-200 and the biggest factor here is how much you can afford. So it’s actually not that complicated.

I few side notes.

It’s tempting to buy a couple lenses instead of one. It looks like you’re getting more for less, but in reality changing lenses is not something people do often. The extra lense is heavy, it takes time to change, every time you take a lense off, there is a risk you can get dust inside the camera – there are a lot of reasons why having two lenses is not the same as one.

Other vendors. You can get much cheaper lenses from other vendors like Sigma etc. I heard mixed stories. Some people got lucky and got good glass, some were not. If you can try and buy, you may want to take a chance. But Nikon quality control is pretty good, so there is not much risk there.

Protective filter. If you’re planning to spend many hundreds on a lense, please, don’t forget to buy a good protective filter. Something like UV(0) or clear glass. Once you try to wipe out the glass on the lense, the microscratches on surfice will cause all kinds of image defects so you should never ever touch the lense glass. The filter is way more forgiving and it can be replaced easily. A bad filter can ruine the quality, so don’t be cheap, plan to spend somewhere in $50-90 range.

And finally, why would you not buy this lense?

1. Price. Most people say this lense is nice but too expensive. Since there are new better camera bodies for the same price coming out pretty much every year and the lenses hold value very well I’d suggest you to consider buying the best lense you can afford and maybe saving a bit on a cheaper body. The lense will likely outlast the camera.

2. Weight. This camera is heavy. No DSLR will fit in a pocket but this lense on a camera will require fairly large bag to carry and holding it on your shoulder for a day could literally be painful.

There could be some other reasons like if your requirements are very high and you need some specialized or professional grade lenses but if you’re requirements are that high, I don’t think that review will open your eyes anyway.

Hopefully this review will help you.

5 Stars A new improved lense
The main difference I see from the previous version is that this lense has a switch to lock the zoom in its place unlike the older version in which the zoom used to slide out the moment u tilt it downwards.

5 Stars Exceptional All-Around Performer
The 18-200 VR II is an all-around great lens. While it is not “the best” lens available for any single role, it stays mounted on my D90 a large majority of the time. When I don’t want to haul around a bag full of gear, this is the lens I take without a thinking twice. Clearly, Nikon had to make some tough choices in balancing the features of this lens, trying to satisfy a wide range of users and applications. Here is my take on where they ended up.

This lens IS:

- Remarkably versatile with an 11x zoom factor

- Surprisingly sharp at all focal lengths

- Very good for outdoor sports in good light

- Useful for almost-macro close-up work

- Solid enough to not require kid-glove treatment

- Usable in many indoor situations with the VR system

- Reasonably sized, considering the zoom range

This lens IS NOT:

- Very fast, especially racked out

- For low-light sports photography

- A pro-level all-metal “indestructable” lens

- Well-suited for low-light shooting

- Compact or lightweight

As noted by other reviewers, the minor distortion and corner fall-off is easily remedied via post-processing software. While many use Photoshop, I recommend DxO Optics Pro software. It has very effective custom modules for this lens and many Nikon DSLRs that work extremely well.

The most pleasant surprise for me with this lens is how good it works for “almost-macro” photography. I also have the heavy and expensive Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR Micro, which is without a doubt the sharpest lens in my bag. However, some of the best close-up shots of bees, flowers, etc that I have taken came from the 18-200, for two reasons. First, unless I am out on a “macro safari” I don’t generally have the 105 mounted, so it isn’t always “at the ready” for targets of opportunity. Second, with the 18-200 racked out to 200mm, it focuses about 8 inches from the front of the lens (which equates to just over 19 inches from the sensor), which provides a pretty decent close-in range. For lower light or extreme macro situations, the 105 is still the superior lens, but the 18-200 does much better than I had ever hoped for when pressed into macro service.

Buy/More Info

This 5.8x zoom, designed exclusively for use with Nikon’s DX-format, features Nikon’s VR image stabilization and is perfect for portraits and action. The wide-ratio 5.8x zoom
Compact, versatile and ideal for a broad range of shooting situations, ranging from interiors and landscapes to beautiful portraits–a perfect everyday zoom. Vibration Reduction is engineered specifically for each VR NIKKOR lens and enables handheld shooting at up to 3 shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, assuring dramatically sharper images.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Super People Shooting Lens
If I know I’m going to be shooting people, you know, a wedding, bar mitzvah, baptism, birthday party, especially one with children and clowns, then this is the lens I use. If I take both bodies, I’ll have a wide angle on the other one, so I can get good group shots inside. The 16-85mm range of the camera translates to 24-127mm in real world photography and that’ll give you good wide angle shots and allow you some pretty good closeups from across the room or yard, plus the 80 to 120mm range is perfect for portraits.

This lens isn’t all that expensive and you’re buying better than excellent optics, Nikon quality (the build on this lens is as good as you’ll find on any lens made today) and VR that works (it’s almost like going a couple stops lower).

You might wonder why I’d opt for this lens for people shooting events over the very nice Nikon 18-200mm or the Tamron 18-270mm, well this lens weighs less, focuses faster, takes sharper photos and I’ve never ever wished I’d had a longer lens at an event, well once, when I shot a wedding in Huntington Beach. It was a beach side condo and there was some good surf action going on, great waves, but that had nothing to do with the wedding.

If you want a longer range than the kit lens, this could be a good walkabout lens and there have been days when I’ve used it for that, though I prefer the more compact Nikon 18-55mm for everyday use and one of the above mentioned wide to long telephotos for vacations. Still if you shoot a lot of people or are planning to, you’ll find this lens will serve you well.

5 Stars A great upgrade and overall excellent lens
I want to say that when I first got this lens for Christmas I was utterly disappointed, not because it wasn’t a good lens, but I had my heart set on a prime lens. Well, I pushed my sadness aside and mounted it on my D60. The first thing I noticed about it was the size, it was significantly larger in every way possible over the 18-55mm kit lens that came with the D60. The only thing that didn’t change was the f-stop. It was sort of heavy mounted on the D60’s tiny body but that is something that is easily overcome. The picture quality and the overall use of the lens is where it started to win me over.

I was shooting inside all day with f/3.5, ISO 800 and shutter speed of 1/6 of a second. The pictures came out crisp and clear with the aid of the vibration reduction, whereas my 18-55mm would be a hit-or-miss. I found it great that I could go from shooting wide angle shots to mid-range telephoto shots without having to switch between lenses. I began to see a difference between the quality of my old 18-55mm and the 18-105mm. The 18-105 is the older brother of the 18-55mm kit lens, and it is more useful/ The focusing ring on the lens can override the auto focus. If you are someone in my situation with a three point AF D60, then this comes in handy considering that the focus isn’t always where you want it to be. The feel of the lens was different. It felt like it was made of plastic and rubber on the outside, which isn’t bad and doesn’t inhibit the ability of the lens to do its job, it just feels sort of cheap if you are obsessed with having the best built thing possible. The feeling of cheapness, isn’t something to be concerned about, so long as you realize that the lens is meant for picture taking and not groping. The sheer portability of the lens doesn’t seem to be an issue, it is just bulkier then the 18-55mm, especially on the puny D60.

The lens is the kind you want to have if you enjoy having versatility in your range but don’t want to put more money towards the 18-200mm lens. I look forward to using this lens a lot more and seeing what it can do. Like everything else, it’s flaws are just something that the user will have to learn to overcome. But if you are looking at buying D40, D60 or D5000 I strongly suggest buying the bodies only and buying this lens.

5 Stars Bought this for a short vacation
I originally got a 18-55mm lens with my Nikon camera and decided to buy the 55-200 as my second lens but found that changing out the lenses was a hassle. When I decided to take a short vacation that was about 2000 miles away, I didn’t want to deal with carrying the different lenses around so I bought the 18-105mm. It was one of the best things I ever did. I almost feel like it is the only lens needed for general photography. I chose this particular one because the customer reviews were so good. All my photos with this lens are wonderful. They look professional and that is the point when you buy a good lens from Nikon.

5 Stars Great all-purpose at the right price
Seems like everyone recommends the 18-200 mm VR lens, but at a cost of over $600-700!

Instead, this lens for about half the cost will cover most of the useful range of the 18-200. The VR works great on this lens, especially at 105 where the lens performs admirably.

A very good upgrade to a kit lens with more versatility, a more solid feel and VR to make your telephoto shots much better.

5 Stars My perfect lens
I had been looking for the perfect lens for portraits. This lens covers the exact zoom length I need, while retaining the wide angle.

I was nervous about getting a refurbished camera lens. No problems at all. In fact, you would never even know it’s a refurb.

It’s not a “fast” lens. But, you won’t get a fast lens with VR. That’s ok. It’s easy to make up the difference with shutter speed. And for doing photos in a church, where it’s rude to use a flash, it opens up enough. Again, shutter speed helps there. Plus, shooting in RAW makes all the difference in the world.

Lenses are personal. Just do your research, and figure out what you need.

Buy/More Info

The Nikon 2160 105mm f2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor Lens is the world’s first macro lens featuring Nikon’s exclusive Silent Wave Motor and Vibration Reduction. Designed for close-up and macro photography, this camera lens is versatile enough for virtually any photographic situation.

This Nikon 105 millimeter lens features Nikon’s new VR II vibration reduction technology, which allows photographers to shoot hand-held shots at up to four shutter speeds slower than would otherwise be possible, providing sharper images in general and in close-up photography. This lens also features a high-resolution and high optical performance, with a Nano-Crystal coat and ED glass elements that enhance overall image quality by further reducing flare and chromatic aberrations, and contributing to improved color, contrast and clarity. Constructed with an f2.8 lens, this unit includes an internal focus, which provides fast and quiet auto-focusing without changing the length of the lens, retaining the subject’s working distance through the focus range. This lens has a non-rotating front design that is convenient for use with circular polarizing filters and the R1C1 wireless close-up Speedlight system. Specifically engineered for both Nikon digital and 35mm SLR cameras, the Nikon ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor lens helps ensure high quality and high performance for all photographers, from amateurs to professionals, and includes front and rear lens caps, an HB-38 bayonet lens hood, and a CL-1020 flexible lens pouch. The 2160 weighs 27.9 ounces and measures 3.3 x 4.5 inches (diameter x depth).

What’s in the Box
The 105mm f2.8 ED-IF AF-S VR lens, 62mm snap-on front lens cap (LC-62), rear lens cap (LF-1), bayonet hood (HB-38), and flexible lens pouch (CL-1020).

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars The Nikon 105mm Micro-Nikkor
The lens performs as advertised. When used within the suggested parameters the results are great. Not the silver bullet for every situation, but excellent for what it was designed for. The user must become proficient on how to take into account all the attributes of an excellent image. The lens cannot compensate if the lighting,focus, etc. are not optimum. The lens reproduces what it “sees”; no more no less.

5 Stars More than a macro-lens
This is not only a superb macro lens (though the offerings by Zeiss and Leitz are reputed even sharper, and more expensive) but it makes a very good all round 105 mm lens thanks to the vibration reduction. I’ve used this to make many a discreet shot at a wedding with my D300 and I didn’t have to use a tripod, even in dim light. I have also used it to take shots of architectural details in dim light.

The contrast and the bokeh are excellent.

I should add that since its focusing range is so long (from a few centimeters to infinity) this lens is more likely to hunt when autofocusing than a standard 105mm lens, so it might not be the best lens for action shots. You need to be a little patient when using the autofocus.

In many macro situations you should turn the autofocusing off. I’ll let you be the judge.

As for the VR you should definitely turn it off if you are using a tripod: you’ll be wearing the mechanism out less and often the VR makes things worse.

As to sharpness the more formal tests whether on slrgear, popphoto, photozone or the French magazine Chasseur d’Images say it all.

5 Stars Works like a charm
I upgraded from the older Nikon 60mm macro and can see the difference in image quality in the viewfinder. What I didn’t expect was the richness of the colors in the unprocessed frames. This lens shines.

4 Stars Wanted to *love* this lens, but…
I’ll start this review with the following caveats:

1) I rented this lens for a weekend, and probably put 150-200 shots through it. I don’t own it.

2) I don’t spend a lot of time doing macro work, so my lack of skills there (assuming there are some skills specific to macro work) may have gotten in the way of getting full enjoyment out of the lens.

3) I used the lens on a Nikon D300 body, which has its limitations in autofocus (that is, if it gets confused, it sometimes won’t even “hunt”, it will just not do anything when half-pressing the shutter release button).

This isn’t my first experience with fast, pro-quality glass, so my experience won’t be the same as some others here who might be just upgrading from a kit lens (which are nice for the price, but just can’t compare, IMHO). I rented the lens to try it out at a wedding and around the house/yard, and I *really* wanted to fall in love with the lens, but I just didn’t. Yes, it’s got great construction, great image quality, VR, etc.

All that said, I recommend spending $30 to rent this for a weekend and see if it does what you want, before devoting nine hundred bucks to it. I’m happier with my 80-200mm (non-VR) 2.8 lens that I bought for a bit less. It doesn’t do macro, but I’m also not stuck (as I was during the wedding this past weekend) with having a single-focal-length lens on my camera at the wrong time (yes, my mistake). I’m no stranger to prime lenses, and find them to be excellent for image quality (this one being no exception).

What didn’t I like? Two things: 1) focal length is a bit long (for my taste) for use on a DX-sensor camera — I might try the 60mm — at least for what I was using it for; 2) auto-focus was almost unusable in many circumstances — though I understand that many macro/micro photographers use manual focus anyway. Since I already have fast glass that encompasses this focal length, I would only want it for macro work, and I can get a really nice (shorter) manual focus lens for a fraction of the price (only a third to half for a new 60mm AF-D, and less than a tenth for a fully manual older (used) 55mm f/3.5).

So I’m not *not* recommending this lens (I gave it 4 stars, after all), just STRONGLY suggesting you rent one first.

5 Stars Wow!
If you want to go macro, this the lens for nikon and nikon mount cameras.

I do most of my shooting hand held and I have no complaints. I am happy!

Samples here: [...]

Coupled with 2x extender and you enter a word of near micro photography.

Buy/More Info

Kit includes:
♦ 1) Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6G ED AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
♦ 2) Vivitar 52mm UV Glass Filter
♦ 3) Precision Design Deluxe 6 Piece Lens & Digital SLR Cleaning Kit
♦ 4) CapKeeper 2 Lens Cap Strap

This 3.6x zoom features Nikon’s VR image stabilization and is perfect for portraits and action. Vibration Reduction reduces the effects of camera shake, allowing hand-held shooting at up to 3 shutter speeds slower than without VR. An ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element minimizes chromatic aberration, and a compact rod-type Silent Wave Motor (SW) enables ultra-high speed auto focusing with exceptional accuracy and super-quiet operation.

This Vivitar UV Filter is a multi-purpose, fine-weather filter that is designed to optimize your photography experience. UV filters block out unwanted ultraviolet light and prevents the UV “fogging/haze” effect”, which can result in inaccurate color and lower the apparent sharpness. This filter is also ideal for protecting your valuable lens from scratches and dust, and it can be kept on the lens at all times. Perfect for digital, video and photo.

Keep your lens cap securely attached to your lens with the convenient, simple-to-use CapKeeper. Never lose a lens cap again!

This 6-piece cleaning kit contains everything you’ll ever need to properly clean your lenses, including a Hurricane Air Blower, Lens Cleaning Tissues, Lens Cloth, Lens Cleaning Liquid, Brush and Cotton Swabs.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Awesome!
Product was shipped well and rec’d in excellent condition. It was exactly what I wanted. And the price was good.

5 Stars Nikon 55-200 VR Nikkor Zoom Lens
I just got this as a gift yesterday and I am very pleased with it. The pictures are crisp and clear and the closeups from distant shots are impressive. I would like to test it out more but for now I am impressed with it.

4 Stars Love the lens
I bought this item after reviewing previous ratings and a LOT of research as I was concerned about the budget. Initially my plan was to buy the 70-300 mm Non VR lens. It was within my budget and was thinking 300mm would help me to cover more distance.

But after reading reviews and comparisons I chose 55-200mm VR.

Reasons:

1. VR helps me a lot as I am interested in taking Sunset/Sunrise and do not have a dedicated external flash.

2.100mm doesn’t make big difference. Read a quote by Ansel Adams “Best wide-angle lens? ‘Two steps backward’ and ‘look for the ah-ha’” mentioned in Kenrockwell page.

So thought, for 300mm I need to move forward few steps, ha ha.

3. Have Nikon D40 so wanted a lens which works in AF mode. 70-300mm doesn’t.

So bought in Oct, love this and its awesome. Except the add-ons, they are not very good quality materials. But this deal is cheaper than the lens in other sites.

Thanks for people who wrote the reviews….

BTW, the lens makes some noises while auto focusing and (releasing shutter if VR is on), and its normal.

5 Stars G.K.Babu’s Review
As described Lens quality and price is superb. Item is in excellent condition. Recommended Seller. Thanks.

5 Stars No Brainer Sports Action
I bought this lens based on several recommendations about the quality of the images you can get with it. In particular, the lightness of the lens is a major factor. I recently bought the Nikon D90 I use this lens on and the combination is very easy to hold for long periods and to shoot sports with. All the pictures I took with reasonable light levels were super sharp. I used it to shoot pictures of my grandson playing football and even caught a sequence of shots where I zoomed between shots (1 second apart or so) as he scored almost right in front of me. All the shots at 200mm were excellent after discounting my sometimes poor selection of where to point the lens. The VR clearly was working as I was hand-holding for all my shots,

Buy/More Info

Kit includes:
♦ 1) Nikon D3000 Digital SLR Camera & 18-55mm G VR DX AF-S Zoom Lens
♦ 2) Transcend 8GB High-Capacity SecureDigital (SDHC) Card
♦ 3) Spare EN-EL9a High Capacity Lithium-Ion Battery Pack
♦ 4) Nikon SLR System Case
♦ 5) Precision Design USB 2.0 High Speed SecureDigital (SD/SDHC) Card Reader
♦ 6) Precision Design Memory Card Storage Wallet
♦ 7) Precision Design Deluxe 6 Piece Lens & Digital SLR Cleaning Kit
♦ Image Recall Digital Image Recovery Software
♦ 9) Nikon School DVD: Fast, Fun & Easy IV
♦ 10) Nikon School DVD: Understanding Digital Photography

The 10.2-megapixel Nikon D3000 Digital SLR Camera enables users to capture stunning images with superior performance. Features include a 3.0-inch monitor, Active D-Lighting, 23 Scene Modes, In-Camera retouch image editing, shooting as fast as 3 FPS, ISO sensitivity from 100 to 1600, built-in sensor cleaning, 11-point AF System and much more.

The Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR AF-S DX Lens is an ultra compact, lightweight standard zoom lens with a 3x focal zoom range and Vibration Reduction.

Take more high-resolution pictures with this 8GB High-Capacity SecureDigital (SDHC) memory card.

Increase your shooting capacity with this powerful EN-EL9a Lithium-ion rechargeable battery.

This multi-compartment, Nikon-brand case will easily hold your camera, lenses, flash, and accessories.

This 6-piece cleaning kit contains a Hurricane Air Blower, Lens Cleaning Tissues, Lens Cloth, Lens Cleaning Liquid, Brush and Cotton Swabs.

Learn more about photography principles and go beyond the basics of your camera with these easy-to-understand training DVDs featuring Nikon DSLRs.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Super Sweet Camera!
Love this camera, just got it for Christmas and was able to use it right away without any problems. It’s our first SLR camera, and we like it a lot! Great investment!!

5 Stars LOVE my new Nikon D-SLR!!
First, I have to say that I am an amateur photographer – just love taking pics of my kids, family and nice scenes. I don’t need a lot of extras … but have always been disappointed by slow shutter speed and, ultimately, missing “the” moment. (Espcially with kids!!) But I don’t have that problem with this camera! Its fast, accurate, takes GREAT pics and I’m thrilled with the “guide” (very helpful!). As far as the purchase, the price was excellent and came with many extras (carry case, lens cleaner, extra battery, memory card … and much more!) I’m very impressed and couldn’t give this purchase a higher recommendation!

4 Stars Good camera
I did a lot of research before purchasing this camera. I’m not disappointed in it. The photo quality is excellent. The automatic features are very handy and the manual override capability is very good. I have been a little discouraged by two things; one, the ‘info’ button is very close to the shutter-release button and several times I’ve pressed the wrong one and missed a shot, two, although the lens that came with the camera is very nice I will definitely need a more powerful zoom lens.

So, overall, I would recommend this camera. I will purchase the 200mm zoom lens and eventually get used to avoiding the ‘info’ button when I want to press the shutter-release.

5 Stars Good first DSLR
I’ve recently moved from slim digital camera world to DSLRs and the Nikon D3000 is a good first step. I like the battery life, picture quality and ease of use.

5 Stars Nikon D3000 and accessory kit including Nikon Gadget bag
After months of research I finally settled on the D3000 as my first DSLR. Next came the search for the best price.

As for the price the camera, lens and accessories included in the deal offered by Cameta Camera through Amazon can not be beat. With 8GB memory card, lens and gadget bag and extra battery the camera is ready to go right out of the box (after charging the battery, of course).

As for the camera I have been very happy. I have had a number of blurry shots but I truly believe that it is my lack of experience and not the camera. I am sure that the more I use the camera the better I will become.

Delivery time was great, my gadget bag was on back order and it still arrived within a week.

Great Price and speedy delivery who can ask for more

Buy/More Info

The AF-S VR 70-300 f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED is a high-performance super telephoto zoom lens that has been designed to meet the demands of both digital and 35mm format SLR users. It offers a 4.3x zoom with a range of 70-300mm (105-450mm on a DX Nikon D-SLR) and features ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that ensure superior optical performance. This lens incorporates Nikon’s second-generation vibration reduction system (VR II) that allows flexible hand-held shooting by stabilizing the image to the equivalent extent of using a shutter speed that is four stops faster when compared with a conventional lens (as determined by Nikon performance test). The SWM (Silent Wave Motor) and IF (Internal Focusing) ensure fast and quiet focusing action, and the nine-blade rounded diaphragm makes out-of-focus elements blend smoothly to produce natural-looking, harmonious backgrounds.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Fun lens
This is a great lens. Bought it for my wife as an upgrade to her DX 55-200mm f5.6. We have used that lens for about 4 years and love however it was a bit short for shooting our daughters sporting events. The extra 100mm is very nice and the quality is terrific. I would say we are novice photographers and enjoy snapping photos. This lens is fast enough for the casual use we give it and has not let us down at all. The build quality feels very good in your hands. It is heavy relative to the shorter lens but not too heavy that your hands are yearning to put it down. Lens hood is solid as well. I like that it has a metal mount vs. a plastic mount on our other NIKON lenses. Auto focus is smooth and zoom ring is smooth. I would heartily recommend this to any NIKON owner. Enjoy it.

4 Stars Great 300mm lens – hand held
This is a great lens for outdoor sports or wildlife photography. You can make sharp handheld photos at 300mm. I took several photos at Disney on the safari ride (from a bouncy truck) at 150-300mm … and they came out sharp enough to print at 8×10 and frame. (My wife hung them in the living room, so they have to look pretty good). Probably not the best for low light … need $$ fast glass for that.

4 Stars Be aware -this is not a true 300mm lens – fuzzy above 200mm
I’ve used and enjoyed this lens for about ten months and for sports and large animals it’s terrific. Fast and crisp focus from 70 – 200mm, as the previous review stated. But I too notice the drop off in sharpness after 200mm, especially with small birds. The problem is you feel suckered into going to the full zoom, because it appears sharp while photographing, but unfortunately the quality is disappointing when you get home to see what you’ve got. I also put the lens through home testing – at least 1/1000 shutter and tripod, to find it’s the lens at full zoom that’s the problem.

I still love the lens for most applications (big and/or close birds), but it shows you what A LOT of $$$$ you have to spend on high-end optics to get to the professional level.

4 Stars Sharp Zoom Lens
I bought this lens together with my D90 kit in Nov.,2009.

I had no time to use it extensively.

When I tested it at last week end, I found that it was quite sharp, but the auto-focus was not too fast.

I was not sure whether it was due to the D90 or this lens.

4 Stars nikon 70-300mm lens
I love it, takes great pictures.

The only bad thing is the length of the lens, I need to buy a new bag now.

I purchased it from Electronics Expo through Amazon and the whole experience was absolutely wonderful, I received the lens way before the scheduled delivery day.

Buy/More Info

The AF-S VR 70-300 f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED is a high-performance super telephoto zoom lens that has been designed to meet the demands of both digital and 35mm format SLR users. It offers a 4.3x zoom with a range of 70-300mm (105-450mm on a DX Nikon D-SLR) and features ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements that ensure superior optical performance. This lens incorporates Nikon’s second-generation vibration reduction system (VR II) that allows flexible hand-held shooting by stabilizing the image to the equivalent extent of using a shutter speed that is four stops faster when compared with a conventional lens (as determined by Nikon performance test). The SWM (Silent Wave Motor) and IF (Internal Focusing) ensure fast and quiet focusing action, and the nine-blade rounded diaphragm makes out-of-focus elements blend smoothly to produce natural-looking, harmonious backgrounds.

User Ratings and Reviews

4 Stars I would recomend it as low budget lens
This lens has very good value/price ratio and basically it is as good as they wrote everywhere about it. I am also very pleased with amazon service as all the products I ordered so far came as I expected. Just from what I read in other reviews people should be more careful and read product descriptions and not just order based on the image. Also I always buy things flaged as IN STOCK.

5 Stars Wonderful lens
I got the lens for my husband for Christmashe last year, has a Nikon D50. It is a great lens, the zoom is great easy to use. Yes is has alittle weith to it but that comes with good construction and stability. I use if for my nwphew’s may sports and I don’t have to be on the field or against the fence to get close pictures, most I get are from the stands. Mu husband uses it for hunting and brings back some beautiful nature shots. He also takes picures of my butterfly garden and picture of the hummingbirds all come out crip. The zoom is wonderful, no problem with clearity. All in all love the lens.

Pros: great zoom with clear picures

Cons: LITTLE heavy but note enought to cause a problem

5 Stars Great lens for the price
I just sold my 70-200mm 2.8 VR and decided to get this lens, much cheaper and lighter. I shot about 100 pictures with my D300 and the result is pretty impressive: Handheld with relatively low speed (100-250), stopped down to 8-11, pictures came out really nice, even at 300mm. VR works well. It’s no match to the 70-200mm VR on low light but at 1/4 of the price and 1/2 the weight it’s a fantastic deal. I only shoot outdoors and don’t miss the 2.8 from the previous lens. Maybe not great for pros but excellent for an amateur like me. BTW, needless to say, Amazon rocks !

5 Stars VR Is Amazing
I have been very skeptical of Nikon and other brands’ vibration reduction claims, but finally decided to give it a try with the Nikon 70-300 VR. The lens is well-made, with a solid feel for a plastic lens. The weight of the glass in this lens probably also adds to the feel of the build quality.

The optics in my lens are outstanding (I’m using a full-frame D700). Wide open in bright light and 300mm, it gets a little soft in the edges, but in virtually all other conditions it’s sharp and contrasty. I don’t have a high-dollar fixed focal length lens to compare, but I think the vast majority of amateur photographers would be happy with the results from this lens. The zoom range is huge, and I’ve found it works well as a portrait lens in decent lighting. The minimum focus distance is very long, so it’s not great for indoor photography in tight spaces, but it’s not really designed for use in that environment to begin with.

The VR works wonders. The first time I really tested my lens, I had just finished a pot of coffee before we headed for the dog park. Even with my hands shaking from the large amount of caffeine I had just stupidly ingested, the image in the viewfinder was stable and still. I was able to walk with the camera pressed to my face and still get good photos of my dog racing around the park. Active mode is extremely helpful when taking photos from a moving vehicle. If you are planning a Safari or any other activity that requires photography from a moving truck, this lens is a must.

5 Stars Outstanding Photo Optics
Quality built. Great to use on my full frame Nikon D700 DSLR. Images are clear and sharp. Resolution excellent.

Buy/More Info

Nikon Coolpix S620 12.2MP 4X 2.7in. LCD VR Digital Camera in Rich Pearl.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Shipping!!!
I can’t rate the camera yet (I’ll add to this later) because the box just arrived, so this review is just for Amazon. I had it sent Two Day Shipping, and it showed up at my door less than 24 hours later!!! Wow.

5 Stars Was not expecting so much!!
I was looking for a simple camera not too expensive just to have pics of birthday parties and trips. found a deal but this camera is way better thatn i thought for its price. starting with the size…it feels very confortable in the hand and is small.

picture quality is incredible for a point and shot digital camera, in 2 days using it i’ve taken pics that seem like taken with profesional cameras…it works incredibly well in the night with no flash and captures true colors with no flash as well (personaly i dont like using flash)

i works good in auto mode you feel like a pro taking pics. havent tried face detection or smile detection that much bec im not interested in those features so much.

usd cable is not the standar but i can use the sd cards to my laptop if have no cable

the start is not that fast but is compensated with the quickly shootting..

the anti shaking and vibration reduction works fine.

in conclusion my only complaint would be with the start time its about 4 seconds, all other features are just the best!! i would recomend this camera !

5 Stars Great camera and very fast shipping
I put two day shipping on the camera and it arrived in only one day! That alone made me happy. I have only had the camera for about a day and have only had a few hours to play around with it but so far I have no complaints. There are no problems with it and it was secure in the box it was shipped in. The one thing I haven’t done yet is use the Nikon software that came with the camera. I did install it but didn’t transfer the picture I took to my PC yet. It had no problems installing on Windows 7 64-bit though.

5 Stars Typical Nikon Quality
I replaced a Canon ELPH SD700 with this camera. The Nikon does not have the focus and lighting problems associated with Canon. I also like using the date imprint on prints and Nikon allows you to include this option at any resolution. Using maximum resolution at ASA 1600 is beyond most digital cameras.

5 Stars Travel perfect………..
I got my Nikon Coolpix two days before leaving for a two week trip to Thailand. My son-in-law actually advised me to get this camera for it’s simplicity and easy to use qualities. As usual,I am always late in getting organized. I ordered the camera from Amazon and thought there would be no way I’d get the camera before I left. It arrived in plenty of time. I had plenty of time on the plane to ’study’ the instructions. Finally, in Bangkok and ready to shot pictures.

I had a blast on the trip and a ball using my new Nikon. It is so easy to use and takes great pictures. I have a wonderful pictoral history of my Thailand trip. I have clear, beautiful pictures of elephants and a cyrstal clear photos of ants marching one by one on top of a ledge. What fun. I’m not technical genius when it comes to new gadgets, but this Nikon turned me into a Ansel Adams, in my mind.

Come over I’ll show you the big elephants and the tiny ants.

Buy/More Info