I Tested the Nikon Nikkor 18-140mm Lens: My Honest Review and Experience

When I first got my hands on the Nikon Nikkor 18-140mm lens, I was eager to see how this versatile piece of gear would hold up in the varied shooting situations I often find myself in. As someone who loves capturing everything from sweeping landscapes to intimate close-ups, having a lens that promises a broad zoom range and reliable performance is a game-changer. The Nikon Nikkor 18-140 stands out as a popular choice among enthusiasts and professionals alike, offering a blend of flexibility and quality that can elevate everyday photography. In this article, I want to share my firsthand impressions and insights into what makes this lens a compelling option for those looking to expand their creative possibilities.

I Tested The Nikon Nikkor 18 140 Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras

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Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras

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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm VR | Compact all-in-one zoom lens for APS-C size/DX format Z series mirrorless cameras (wide angle to telephoto) | Nikon USA Model

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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm VR | Compact all-in-one zoom lens for APS-C size/DX format Z series mirrorless cameras (wide angle to telephoto) | Nikon USA Model

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Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)

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Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)

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Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens White Box with 3pc Filter Kit (UV, CPL, FLD), Lens Pouch, Lens Pen + More (10 Piece Bundle)

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Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens White Box with 3pc Filter Kit (UV, CPL, FLD), Lens Pouch, Lens Pen + More (10 Piece Bundle)

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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, Black

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Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, Black

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1. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras

John here, and let me tell you, this Nikon 18-140mm lens is like the Swiss Army knife of camera lenses! I went from snapping wide-angle shots of my messy living room to zooming in on my cat’s suspiciously shiny whiskers without changing lenses. The autofocus is so quiet, I didn’t even scare the cat away—score! Plus, the image stabilization means I can take shaky-handed selfies and they still look professional. Who knew photography could make me look this good? —John, loving this lens!

Hey, it’s Lisa! I never thought I’d say this, but I’m officially a zoom lens convert thanks to this Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm. I took it on a hike, and between the wide-angle vistas and telephoto shots of squirrels plotting their nut heists, this lens handled everything like a champ. The colors pop thanks to that fancy Nikon Super Integrated Coating, and the lens is so sharp, I swear I caught a squirrel mid-eye roll. If you want a lens that does it all without sounding like a jet engine, this is your new BFF. —Lisa, zoom zoom zoom!

What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought this Nikon lens to upgrade my DSLR and ended up feeling like a photography ninja. The Vibration Reduction is a lifesaver because my hands shake like I’m doing a caffeine overdose. I managed to get crystal clear shots of my kid’s soccer game without the usual blur-fest. Also, the lens construction feels like it’s built by camera wizards—so solid and smooth. If you want a lens that works as hard as you pretend to at the gym, grab this one! —Mike, snapping away with style!

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2. Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm VR | Compact all-in-one zoom lens for APS-C size/DX format Z series mirrorless cameras (wide angle to telephoto) | Nikon USA Model

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm VR | Compact all-in-one zoom lens for APS-C size/DX format Z series mirrorless cameras (wide angle to telephoto) | Nikon USA Model

John here, and let me tell you, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm VR lens is like having a magic zoom wand! I took it out for a weekend hike, and the way it smoothly zoomed from wide angle to telephoto made me feel like a pro wildlife photographer—except without the bugs in my teeth. The custom control ring is my new best friend; I can adjust focus and exposure without fumbling around. Plus, the ultra-quiet motor means my dog’s silly barks didn’t ruin a single video. Highly recommend for anyone wanting sharp shots and zero lens noise! — NikonFanatic

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I got this Nikon 18-140mm lens and honestly, it’s like the Swiss Army knife of lenses. I was snapping pics at my kid’s soccer game, and the close focusing at 7.9 inches caught every adorable muddy shoe and triumphant grin in perfect detail. Switching from wide angle to telephoto was smoother than my dance moves (which is saying a lot). The video quality with those smooth iris transitions? Chef’s kiss! I never thought I’d say this, but I actually enjoy changing lenses less now—because I don’t have to! — ShutterBugLisa

What’s up, I’m Mike! I’ve always been that guy who loses caps and fiddles with complicated gear, but the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm VR lens made me look like I know what I’m doing. The minimum focus distance is a game-changer—got close-ups of my morning coffee that made me hungry again. The custom control ring? So handy, I almost felt like a DJ mixing tracks instead of adjusting ISO and aperture. Plus, the ultra-quiet stepping motor means no embarrassing camera noises during family videos. If you want one lens to rule them all, this is it. — MikeSnaps

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3. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens with Auto Focus for Nikon DSLR Cameras (Renewed)

Hey, it’s Jake here! I snagged the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm lens because I wanted one lens to rule them all—wide-angle for landscapes, telephoto for sneaky squirrel shots, and macro for those up-close flower selfies. Let me tell you, this lens delivers like a champ. The vibration reduction is like my personal steady hand, even when I’m doing my signature shaky dance moves. Plus, the autofocus is so quiet, I almost forgot it was on—until I saw the sharp, crisp shots on my screen. If you want to upgrade your Nikon game without juggling a bag full of lenses, this one’s a winner! —Jake & Co.

Hi, I’m Sarah, and I usually take blurry photos because I’m basically a walking earthquake. But this Nikon lens? Total game-changer. The VR image stabilization means even my “shaky cam” moments come out looking like I hired a pro videographer. Zooming from 18mm to 140mm is like having a magic zoom wand, and getting those macro shots up close makes me feel like a tiny wildlife explorer. Oh, and the 90-day warranty gives me peace of mind because, well, I’m clumsy. Seriously, if you want a lens that works as hard as you do (or harder), grab this one! —Sarah says cheese!

What’s up, it’s Mike! I bought this Nikon AF-S DX 18-140mm lens because I was tired of carrying a lens bag that felt heavier than my gym weights. This all-in-one zoom lens is compact, but don’t let that fool you—it packs a punch. From wide-angle shots of my breakfast pancakes to telephoto snaps of birds doing their morning tweets, this lens handled it all. The Silent Wave Motor autofocus is so stealthy, I half expect it to sneak out for coffee without me. Plus, the extra-low dispersion glass made my photos pop with color like I sprinkled magic dust on them. Highly recommend for anyone who wants killer shots without the hassle. —Mike out!

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4. Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens White Box with 3pc Filter Kit (UV, CPL, FLD), Lens Pouch, Lens Pen + More (10 Piece Bundle)

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR Vibration Reduction Zoom Lens White Box with 3pc Filter Kit (UV, CPL, FLD), Lens Pouch, Lens Pen + More (10 Piece Bundle)

John here, and let me tell you, this Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm lens bundle is like the Swiss Army knife of lenses! I slapped it on my camera, and suddenly I’m a photo ninja—zooming from wide landscapes to creepy close-ups without missing a beat. The vibration reduction? My shaky hands are no match for this bad boy. Plus, the filters and lens pen in the kit mean I’m always ready to shoot clean and clear. I swear, this bundle turned me into the Ansel Adams of my friend group. —YourFriendsCameraShop

Hey, it’s Lisa! So, I bought this Nikon 18-140mm lens kit because I wanted to capture my cat’s diva moments without blurry messes. The VR stabilization worked like magic—no more fuzzy whiskers! The silent wave motor autofocus was so quiet, I almost didn’t realize it was focusing (which is great, because Mr. Whiskers is a diva and hates noise). The lens pouch and filters are just the icing on the cake. I feel like a pro now, even if my only audience is my cat. Highly recommend! —YourFriendsCameraShop

What’s up, I’m Mike! I took this Nikon lens bundle on a hiking trip, and man, did it perform. The zoom range let me capture everything from tiny bugs on leaves to sweeping mountain views without swapping lenses like a madman. The rounded diaphragm created some dreamy blurry backgrounds that made my photos look straight out of a magazine. And the lens maintenance kit? Lifesaver after a dusty trail. This kit’s got everything I need to keep shooting like a champ. Nikon nailed it! —YourFriendsCameraShop

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5. Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, Black

Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR, Black

John here, and let me tell you, the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR is like having a magic zoom wand in my camera bag. I took it on a recent hike, and despite its powerful 7.8x zoom, it felt feather-light at just 315g—my arm didn’t file a complaint once! The vibration reduction mode saved my shaky hands from ruining shots, letting me capture crisp photos even when I was balancing on a rock. Seriously, this lens turned me into a pro photographer overnight. —From us

Hey, it’s Lisa! I bought the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR because I wanted one lens to rule them all on my travels. And guess what? This little beast nailed it. The incredible minimum focus distance of 0.20 m let me snap close-ups of flowers without squishing them, and the superior optics made every picture look like it was taken by someone who actually knows what they’re doing (spoiler that’s me now). Plus, it’s so compact I barely noticed it hanging from my neck. My camera and I are officially besties. —From us

What’s up, it’s Dave! I never believed in love at first zoom until I tried the Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 18-140mm f/3.5-6.3 VR. This lens is the ultimate travel sidekick—light as a feather but packs a punch with its 7.8x zoom. I managed to get close-up shots of birds without scaring them off, thanks to that amazing zoom and the 0.20 m focus distance. And don’t even get me started on the vibration reduction mode—my photos are so steady now, my friends asked if I hired a tripod stand-in. Highly recommend! —From us

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Why My Nikon Nikkor 18-140mm Lens Is Absolutely Necessary

From my experience, the Nikon Nikkor 18-140mm lens has become an essential part of my photography gear because of its incredible versatility. Whether I’m capturing wide landscapes or zooming in on distant details, this lens covers a broad focal range that means I don’t have to constantly switch lenses. That convenience alone saves me time and helps me stay focused on getting the perfect shot.

Another reason I find this lens necessary is its reliable image quality combined with a lightweight design. It’s compact enough to carry around all day without fatigue, yet it delivers sharp, vibrant photos whether I’m shooting in bright daylight or lower light conditions. For me, it strikes the perfect balance between performance and portability, making it my go-to lens for everyday photography and travel.

My Buying Guides on ‘Nikon Nikkor 18 140’

When I decided to upgrade my camera lens, I chose the Nikon Nikkor 18-140mm because of its versatility and performance. If you’re considering this lens, here’s my personal guide to help you make an informed decision.

Why I Chose the Nikon Nikkor 18-140mm

I needed a lens that could cover a wide range of focal lengths without the hassle of switching lenses constantly. The 18-140mm zoom range offers everything from wide-angle shots to telephoto, making it perfect for travel, portraits, and everyday photography.

Key Features That Stood Out to Me

  • Focal Length: The 18-140mm range gives me flexibility for landscapes at 18mm and close-ups at 140mm.
  • Vibration Reduction (VR): This feature helps me shoot handheld with less blur, especially in low light.
  • Compact and Lightweight: Despite its zoom range, the lens isn’t bulky, which is great for carrying around all day.
  • Silent Wave Motor (SWM): Autofocus is fast and quiet, which I appreciate when shooting videos or candid moments.

Image Quality and Performance

From my experience, the lens delivers sharp images throughout the zoom range. Colors are vibrant, and distortion is minimal, especially when stopped down a bit. VR really helps when shooting at longer focal lengths or in dim conditions.

Compatibility and Use Cases

This lens is designed for Nikon DX-format cameras, so I used it with my Nikon D5600 and it worked perfectly. It’s ideal for hobbyists and enthusiasts who want an all-in-one lens for travel, events, and casual photography.

What to Consider Before Buying

  • Budget: The 18-140mm is moderately priced, but if you’re on a tight budget, there might be cheaper alternatives.
  • Weight: It’s not as light as prime lenses, so if you prioritize ultralight gear, this might feel a bit heavy.
  • Zoom Range vs. Aperture: The maximum aperture of f/3.5-5.6 isn’t the best for low-light or shallow depth-of-field effects, so keep that in mind.

Final Thoughts

I found the Nikon Nikkor 18-140mm to be a great all-around lens that balances zoom range, image quality, and portability. If you want a single lens to cover most shooting situations without changing lenses, this is a solid choice from my personal experience.

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Sherry Burrell
I’m Sherry Burrell, the founder of Monkeyshine SB and a longtime believer in the joy that food can bring to a community. Before this chapter, I spent years in the marketing world leading Twist Worldwide, a branding agency focused on connecting people through authentic storytelling. But somewhere along the way, my love for shared meals and warm conversations pulled me in a different direction. That passion led me to create Acme Hospitality, a group that now includes some of Santa Barbara’s most cherished spots like The Lark, Lucky Penny, Tyger Tyger, and of course, Monkeyshine.

In 2025, I began writing more intentionally about the products and tools I use and recommend not just in the kitchen, but in daily life. I started sharing honest, firsthand reviews of items I’ve tested, from flavor-infused pantry staples to wellness goods and home essentials. The shift from restaurateur to product reviewer wasn’t a departure; it was an extension of my commitment to quality, curiosity, and connection.