Nikon's original premium DX standard zoom — the 18-70mm that set the standard for DX kit lenses.
The Nikon AF-S DX Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G ED was released in 2003 as the original premium standard zoom for Nikon's DX-format DSLRs. It was the kit lens for the seminal D70 and quickly earned a reputation as one of the best APS-C standard zooms of its era. The 27-105mm equivalent range with ED element set a quality benchmark for DX zooms.
Optical performance was excellent for its time. Sharpness is very good throughout the range, particularly in the centre. The ED element controls chromatic aberration well. AF-S silent wave motor provides fast, quiet autofocus with full-time manual override. This lens set the standard that later DX zooms would be measured against for over a decade.
Nikon F mount, DX format. Filter thread is 67mm. Weight is approximately 390 grams. Build quality is solid — noticeably better than later cheaper DX kit zooms. No VR stabilisation — VR would not appear in Nikon's DX standard zooms until later. The G designation means no aperture ring. The gold AF-S ring indicates the premium positioning.
Available on the used market at very low prices — often under £30. Check for smooth AF-S motor and zoom operation. Despite its age, the optical quality remains competitive with newer budget DX zooms. An excellent bargain for Nikon DX shooters on a strict budget. The 18-140mm VR or 16-85mm VR are the improvements if budget allows.