Nikon’s 18–140mm f/3.5–5.6G DX ED VR AF‑S is a compact, all‑purpose zoom that blends speed, stability, and sharpness into a single, lightweight package.
Released in August 2013, the lens builds on the popular 18–135mm f/3.5–5.6G by adding built‑in Vibration Reduction and an extra 5 mm of reach at the long end. At $597 on the street, it delivers a 7.8× zoom range (27–210 mm equivalent on full‑frame) that feels more agile than Nikon’s 18–200mm or 18–300mm all‑in‑ones, while staying noticeably lighter and more manageable.
Weighing just 1.15 lb (520 g) and using 67 mm filters, the lens balances well on the D5300 test body. Its smooth‑turning zoom and focus rings, combined with Nikon’s ultra‑quiet SWM autofocus motor, provide rapid, accurate, and virtually silent focusing even at wide apertures.
Optically, the lens earns high marks on our bench tests. In the DxO Analyzer 5.3, it achieved excellent Sharpness Quality Factor (SQF) results, placing it in the mid‑90th percentile across all focal lengths—slightly ahead of comparable Canon, Pentax, and Tokina APS‑C zooms.
Distortion remains minimal: 0.70% barrel at 18 mm, 0.35% visible pincushion at 70 mm, and 0.29% slight pincushion at 140 mm, comparable to other tested lenses. Edge vignetting is negligible by f/8 across the range. With VR engaged, the lens delivers 3 stops of stabilization, outperforming the Canon counterpart’s 2.5 stops.
In everyday shooting, the 18–140mm offers a generous field of view—from wide landscape to telephoto portrait—while the integrated VR keeps handheld shots sharp, making it an ideal choice for travel, events, and family photography.
SPECIFICATIONS
Focal length: 18–140 mm (18.44–148.65 mm tested)
Aperture: f/3.5–5.6 (f/3.49–5.66 tested)
Optical construction: 17 elements in 12 groups
Focus ring: 130° turn
Zoom ring: 80° turn
Markings: 18, 24, 35, 50, 70, 140 mm
Diagonal view angle: 76–11°
Weight: 1.15 lb (520 g)
Filter size: 67 mm
Mount: Nikon AF
Street price: $597
Official website: nikonusa.com
TEST RESULTS
Distortion: 0.70% barrel at 18 mm; 0.35% visible pincushion at 70 mm; 0.29% slight pincushion at 140 mm.
Light falloff: Gone by f/8 at all focal lengths.
Close‑focusing distance: 15.99 in (40.6 cm).
Maximum magnification ratio: 1:15 @ 18 mm; 1:5.16 @ 70 mm; 1:3.59 @ 140 mm.
Image stabilization: 3 stops.
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With its superior handling, generous zoom range, and effective stabilization, the Nikon 18–140mm f/3.5–5.6G DX is a reliable, all‑round companion for any photographer who values performance without compromise.