Nikon Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens Review
Nikon's 10-20mm VR lens offers fantastic stabilization and sharp images for the price, making it a great pick for landscapes. Just don't expect to shoot in low light without a tripod.
Overview
Look, if you're shooting on a Nikon DX body and need a wide-angle zoom, this Nikon 10-20mm is the lens you should probably buy. It's not flashy, but it gets the job done with surprisingly good image stabilization. The one thing to know? It's a sharp, reliable tool for landscapes and architecture, but don't expect any creative magic from the aperture.
Performance
The stabilization is the real star here, landing in the 91st percentile. That means you can handhold shots at slower shutter speeds way more easily than you'd think for a lens in this price range. The autofocus is fine, sitting right in the middle of the pack, so it's not lightning-fast but it's reliable for most situations.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Excellent image stabilization that makes a real difference. 95th
- Sharp optics that are better than the price suggests. 90th
- Lightweight and easy to carry around all day. 87th
- A straightforward, no-fuss wide-angle zoom for Nikon APS-C. 85th
Cons
- The slow, variable aperture (f/4.5-5.6) is a major creative limitation. 19th
- No weather sealing means you're watching the skies. 20th
- Autofocus is just okay, not great for fast action.
- Forget about bokeh or low-light shooting without a tripod.
Specifications
Full Specifications
Optics
| Type | Wide-Angle Zoom |
| Focal Length Min | 20 |
| Focal Length Max | 20 |
| Elements | 14 |
| Groups | 11 |
Aperture
| Max Aperture | f/4.5 |
| Min Aperture | f/29 |
| Constant | Yes |
| Diaphragm Blades | 7 |
Build
| Mount | Nikon F |
| Format | APS-C |
| Weight | 0.2 kg / 0.5 lbs |
| Filter Thread | 72 |
AF & Stabilization
| AF Type | Autofocus |
| Stabilization | Yes |
Focus
| Min Focus Distance | 221 |
| Max Magnification | 1:5.9 |
Value & Pricing
At $439, it's a solid value. You're paying for Nikon's optical consistency and that fantastic VR system. You could find a lens with a wider aperture for similar money, but you'd likely sacrifice sharpness or stabilization.
Price History
vs Competition
Compared to the Viltrox 35mm f/1.7, you're choosing between a specialized, fast prime for portraits and low light (the Viltrox) and this versatile, stabilized zoom for wide scenes. The Panasonic 14-140mm is a superzoom with more reach, but its aperture is even slower and it won't be as sharp. If you're a Nikon shooter who needs wide angles more than anything else, this Nikon is the sharper, more purpose-built tool.
| Spec | Nikon Nikon AF-P DX NIKKOR 10-20mm f/4.5-5.6G VR Lens | Viltrox VILTROX 35mm f1.7 Z, AF 35mm F1.7 Z-Mount for | Tamron Tamron Di III Tamron 17-70mm f/2.8 Di III-A VC RXD Lens for Sony | Meike Meike 55mm F1.4 Standard Aperture APS-C Frame AF | Sony YONGNUO Upgraded YN50MM F1.8S DA DSM II Lens, for | Nikon Nikon NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/2.8 VR Lens (Nikon Z) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focal Length | 20mm | 35mm | 17-70mm | 55mm | 50mm | 16-50mm |
| Max Aperture | f/4.5 | f/1.7 | f/2.8 | f/1.4 | f/1.8 | f/2.8 |
| Mount | Nikon F | Nikon Z | Sony E Mount | Nikon Z | Sony A, Sony E | Nikon Z |
| Stabilization | true | true | true | true | true | true |
| Weather Sealed | false | false | false | false | false | false |
| Weight (g) | 232 | 179 | 544 | 281 | 198 | 329 |
| AF Type | Autofocus | STM | Autofocus | STM | STM | Autofocus |
| Lens Type | Wide-Angle Zoom | — | Zoom | — | — | Zoom |
Verdict
Buy it. For a Nikon DX user looking for a dependable, sharp wide-angle zoom with great stabilization, this is the obvious choice. Just know its limits with the slow aperture and lack of weather sealing, and you'll be happy.