What's the difference between the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED and ED II?

[phnoob]

I need to get a replacement lens for a Nikon D3000 and I think the following are similar to the stock lens:

Amazon.com: Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens: Camera & Photo
Amazon.com: Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens: NIKON: Camera & Photo

The thing is, I'm a noob and can't tell what the difference is. Is the second link, the ED II, a newer version of the lens in the first link? Should I go with the one in the second link?

Thanks!

 

[sleist]

Get the II, but there is likely not much (if any) difference between the two. Just a slight update to the standard kit lens.

 

[KevRev123]

There isn't a huge difference. The ED II version had better ED glass and slight changes to make it "cheaper" and more comfortable to use/hold but overall the optical design hasn't changed.

That being said, skip both and get the VR version. Also you don't need to buy new, a lot of people dump these lenses when they want to get the body only so you can find them for a steal on eBay or photo forums, such as these.

 

[phnoob]

Is there a big difference between the ED and VR versions? Interestingly, Amazon doesn't appear to sell the VR version new for whatever reason.

 

[shadowlands]

With the F3.5-F5.6 type of lenses, get VR!!!