Nikon were one of the first camera manufacturers to design digital-specific lenses matched to the DX sensor size, but then seemed somewhat reluctant to produce a true budget standard 'kit' zoom, finally succumbing with their original 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 to accompany the launch of the D50 in April 2005. This lens was updated to a mark II version with the release of the D40 in November 2006, featuring a new external design and smoother zoom operation. Then barely a year later, they announced a wholly new version, this time equipped with a vibration reduction (VR) unit to combat camera shake; a lens which has now been confirmed as the standard companion to the D60 SLR. This lens is clearly Nikon's response to the widespread adoption of in-body stabilization systems by most other manufacturers (with the notable exception of Canon, whose own stabilized 18-55mm preceded Nikon's by just a few months), and allows them to offer stabilized dSLR kits at budget prices.
The incorporation of VR technology allows photographers to take substantially sharper pictures at slower shutter speeds than previously possible, and according to Nikon's own specifications, speeds up to three stops slower can be used before the image-degrading blur of camera shake becomes apparent. This should allow shooting in a wide range of low-light situations which would previously be impossible.
Andy Westlake
more : dpreview
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