This is a so-called “kit lens”, meaning it used to come packaged with Nikon cameras. Kit lenses are usually frowned upon as being nothing special, probably because they come packaged with new cameras and therefore are in no short supply.
I guess the assumption by many is that such a common lens cannot be of a very high quality.
I wrote a while ago about all the different versions there are of the Nikon 18-55mm, at least six that I know of. In a way, I guess it’s good that Nikon has kept developing the lens, presumably improving it along the way.
I can’t really compare the qualities of the AF-P VR with its predecessors in the 18-55mm line of lenses. But I’d say this must be one of the best. It’s small, compact, focuses fast, and seems really sharp.
One little downside is that the filter thread is 55 mm. At least for me, that means getting another diameter of filters and adapters. Not a big thing, but something to keep in mind.
Here is a sample shot with this lens on a D5500. Not a great subject, but it may show off some of what this lens can do. You can click on the photos below to see the larger size.
And here is a 100 percent crop of the same photo. You may not see it here, but it is really sharp.
