18 55mm nikon lens the working professional.

18 55mm nikon lens the working professional.

Does not have that red stripe. Sad to say, some will never buy this sharp, handy little lens because in is not an "L" and/or doesn't cost.

Yes, it does look a little "plastic," probably doesn't have the build quality for heavy, everyday use by a real working pro,

and does not look massive mounted on your camera body,

like a "fast" pro lens that's squeezing out that last F stop.

But IMO, it looks very similar to Nikon's newer lenses, so there is no scarlet letter immediately identifying you as "cheap." In other words, "Get over it."

So, why did Nikon Lense produce such a good lens at such a bargain price?

I'd say that it's because Nikon announced their intention to do the same a little while ago.

Also, Digital SLR Lens old non 18 55mm nikon lens had the rep of being something of a dog. Finally, several competing cameras now have IS built into the body.

Nikon lense had to respond with a sharp lens that they could put on the Digital SLR Camera.

In terms of sales, the low end of the Digital SLR Lens market is both hot and very competitive. We're the beneficiaries.