Nikon 18-55 VR build quality

paddy · 6 Dec 2013 at 21:13

As the title really...

I'm thinking of buying this lens but a friend of mine said the build quality wasn't that great - compared to say the old 18-70mm kit lens.

He has issues with the front assembly of the lens (the parts that moves in and out as you zoom) being very wobbly.
He got rid of his in the end as he said it affected the focus.

Wondered if this was normal or if his was just duff?

Columbo · 6 Dec 2013 at 21:56

The build quality is fine for the price point, it sounds like your friend had a duffer which can happen to any lens at any price.

paddy · 6 Dec 2013 at 22:05

I certainly wouldn't expect bombproof construction for the price but from what he was describing it sounded like a friday afternoon model.
He was saying the wobble was ~1mm in the good direction and ~5mm in the bad direction.

Which wasn't something I've read about in any of the reviews (which have all been very positive) I would have thought it would be mentioned.

I'll try and get to a camera shop tomorrow an try one out.

Griffo · 6 Dec 2013 at 22:14

Received mine today (with a D3200) and there's no play that I can feel.

paddy · 6 Dec 2013 at 22:57

Griffo said:
Received mine today (with a D3200) and there's no play that I can feel.

Thanks. Good to know they should feel solid when new.

Enjoy the D3200

beefybarn · 7 Dec 2013 at 00:21

Got a 18-105 for sale in the MM, far better lens than the 18-55

K.C. Leblanc · 7 Dec 2013 at 14:05

It's not for everyone, but the 35 f1.8 is fairly nicely made.

The build quality of the 18-55 is fine, but the 18-70 is nicer.

englishpremier · 7 Dec 2013 at 17:59

I've got a problem with my 18-55vr.

The part of lens that sticks out and adjusts depending on focal length has a lot of free play in it. E.g I can focus on a subject then I can actually wobble that part of the lens around.

bcjames · 9 Dec 2013 at 08:47

My old one had a little bit of play, but nothing to the point of disrupting the workings of the lens. I used the hood to manually focus, for the easier control, but the longer lever would have shown it up more, and it only went up and down a little.