Nikon Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR review

Nikon takes its classic DX-format superzoom DSLR lens and reinvents it for Z-mount mirrorless cameras

Nikon Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR
(Image: © Future)

Digital Camera World Verdict

Bridging the gap between standard zoom and ‘superzoom’, this is the Z DX mirrorless makeover of Nikon’s popular AF-S DX 18-140mm VR lens, originally created for APS-C format DSLRs. As such, it features the same generous zoom range, equating to 27-210mm in full-frame terms, but is physically smaller and only about two-thirds of the weight. Part of the weight-saving is down to the mounting plate being made from plastic rather than metal, and there’s no weather-seal gasket. Even so, it makes a conveniently compact travel lens and is good for everyday shooting with a Nikon Z 50 or Z fc body, with good image quality and nice handling, enhanced by a 5-stop optical stabilizer and customizable control ring. It’s decent value at the price, costing just a little more than a pair of Nikon Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR and Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR lenses.

Pros

  • +

    Useful zoom range

  • +

    5-stop optical stabilization

  • +

    Good overall performance

Cons

  • -

    Plastic mounting plate and no weather-seals

  • -

    No auto/manual focus or VR switches

  • -

    Hood sold separately

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Nikon’s AF-S DX 18-140mm VR zoom was launched back in 2013 and became a popular kit lens option with mid-range DSLRs from the D5300 and D7100 onwards. Still in production, its optical highlights include one aspherical and one ED (Extra-low Dispersion) element, along with 4-stop VR (Vibration Reduction). Unlike its more up-market F-mount siblings, its ‘Silent Wave’ autofocus system lacks a focus distance scale but the lens features VR on/off and auto/manual focus switches, and is solidly built with a weather-sealed metal mounting plate.

By contrast, the new Z DX edition for APS-C format mirrorless cameras like the Z 50 and Z fc is more compact and weighs in at just 315g, compared with 490g for the older lens. It shares the same optical layout of 17 elements in 13 groups but doubles the aspherical and ED count to two of each. Slimmer and shorter, the Z edition has a 62mm rather than 67mm filter attachment thread and a plastic rather than metal mounting plate, with no weather-seal gasket.

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Matthew Richards

Matthew Richards is a photographer and journalist who has spent years using and reviewing all manner of photo gear. He is Digital Camera World's principal lens reviewer – and has tested more primes and zooms than most people have had hot dinners! 

His expertise with equipment doesn’t end there, though. He is also an encyclopedia  when it comes to all manner of cameras, camera holsters and bags, flashguns, tripods and heads, printers, papers and inks, and just about anything imaging-related. 

In an earlier life he was a broadcast engineer at the BBC, as well as a former editor of PC Guide.