Nikon

Nikon 2166 55-200mm VR DX Zoom Lens (Bulk)

4.6 (4280 reviews)

The Nikon 55-200mm VR DX zoom lens brings distant subjects into sharp focus with built-in Vibration Reduction for steady handheld shots.

$239.00*
In Stock on Amazon.com
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*Price sourced from Amazon.com. Last updated:Jul 14, 2026.Price and availability are subject to change.

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Overview

The Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor is a telephoto zoom designed for Nikon's DX-format digital SLR cameras. It covers a versatile focal range that translates to roughly 82.5-300mm in full-frame equivalent terms, making it well suited for wildlife, sports, travel, and portrait photography where additional reach is needed. The lens uses ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass to reduce chromatic aberration, and its IF (Internal Focusing) design means the front element does not rotate during focus — a practical advantage when using polarizing or graduated filters.

The built-in AF-S Silent Wave Motor ensures fast and quiet autofocus on all compatible Nikon DX bodies, including entry-level cameras that lack a body-mounted autofocus motor. Nikon's VR (Vibration Reduction) system is integrated into the lens, compensating for camera shake and allowing sharper results at slower shutter speeds when shooting handheld. Sold in bulk packaging, this lens is a cost-effective way to add telephoto capability to a Nikon DX kit, though users should be aware of the variable f/4-5.6 aperture and plastic mount that reflect its budget-friendly positioning.

Specifications

Brand
Nikon
Model
2166
Focal Length
55-200mm
Maximum Aperture
f/4-5.6
Lens Type
Zoom
Mount
Nikon F Mount (DX Format)
Vibration Reduction
Yes (VR)
Glass Elements
ED (Extra-low Dispersion)
Focus Type
AF-S (Silent Wave Motor)
Internal Focusing
Yes (IF)
35mm Equivalent
82.5-300mm

Pros & Cons

👍 Pros

  • Built-in Vibration Reduction allows sharper handheld shots at slower shutter speeds
  • AF-S Silent Wave Motor provides autofocus on all Nikon DX bodies including entry-level models
  • ED glass elements help reduce chromatic aberration for cleaner images at longer focal lengths
  • Lightweight and compact telephoto reach makes it easy to carry for travel and outdoor shooting

👎 Cons

  • Variable maximum aperture of f/4-5.6 limits low-light performance, especially at the 200mm end
  • DX-format only, restricting full use to Nikon APS-C sensor bodies
  • Bulk packaging means no retail box, printed manual, or bundled accessories
  • Plastic lens mount is less durable than metal mounts found on higher-end Nikon lenses

Frequently Asked Questions

This is a DX-format lens designed for Nikon APS-C sensor cameras. It can physically mount on full-frame Nikon bodies, but it will produce a cropped image with significant vignetting unless the camera is set to DX crop mode.
The VR system compensates for camera shake by shifting optical elements inside the lens, allowing you to shoot at slower shutter speeds — typically two to three stops slower — and still get sharp results when shooting handheld.
Bulk or white-box packaging means the lens is brand new and authentic but comes without the standard retail box. It may lack printed manuals or promotional materials, though the lens itself is identical to the retail version.
Yes. The AF-S designation means it has a built-in Silent Wave Motor for autofocus, so it will autofocus on all Nikon DX bodies including entry-level models that lack a body-mounted focus motor.
On a Nikon DX body with its 1.5x crop factor, the 55-200mm range is equivalent to approximately 82.5-300mm in full-frame terms.