Looking for Answers about Nikon Inc. AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR?

I have this lens, the kit lens I got with my Nikon D5000, and I have been wondering about this also, because J.D. Thomas ("Nikon D5000 Digital Field Guide," p. 6), says: "Rotating the focus ring while the lens is set to autofocus can damage your lens." But David Busch ("Nikon D5000", p. 60) refers to the focus ring as used to "fine-tune autofocus adjustment," which would suggest that when you autofocus you can adjust further manually. That is something that is possible with another DSLR I have. The answer from the "Nikon staff" indicates that it is harmful. It seems peculiar that the D5000 manual does not mention this danger.

To recap, the lens wasn't actually focusing at the time. The ring was moved gently with the switch set to "A", but it was in standby. Seems fine, just takes a second to focus (may be normal, don't know)...

To those at Nikon, what would be the symptoms if damage had been done?

You shouldn't try to manual focus while the lense is autofocusing because the lense uses a silent motor that is controlled by the camera. It sounds like you may have damaged the lense.

A straight 50mm is as close to what the human eye sees. I find that I am trying to get more into the picture that the straight 50mm will not let me. The 18-55mm will allow this and still give you the 50mm only if you want it. More versatile.

this one is a general basic zoom that lets you take pictures from the ultrawide (18mm) to the moderate tele (55mm) end. however, its max aperture is varied (gets worse by longer focal length) so it's nowhere near as bright at 50mm (5.6) as the 50/1.8. the latter lens is a fixed focal length lens (a so-called prime) where the zoom is your legs, but due to its brightness and large aperture it's better suited for low-light scenarios and when you need a shallow depth of field - nice subject/background separation.

yes it can.

Yes it is.

Teleconverters interfere with the calibrated engineering of the lens as well as losing your auto-focus ability in most cases. I professionally would not recommend using teleconverters.

You can only adjust the aperture in Aperture Priority or manual modes. It doesn't have an aperture ring like the D series because all changing in done inside of the camera modes. If you are saying that while you are in one of those modes that the aperture is not able to be adjusted and you suspect it is the lens, send it to Nikon so it can be checked.

If the lens wont zoom past 35mm, it needs to be checked by Nikon Tech support. Dont attempt to check it yourself as your warranty will be voided.

are you using the tele end? are you using the VR in the lens? but, most important, ARE YOU USING LIVE VIEW? tips: turn on VR. don't use live view for photos. and choose your focus point wisely, first focus then reframe.

I suppose that you are talking about an AF zoom lens? The lowest f stop will depend on the focal length of the zoom. If you are are the wide angle end, you will get the lowest f-stop for the lighting. If you are the telephoto end, you will get highest, depending on the lighting.

As far as I am awar pretty much all slr lenses made since 1959 should fit the D7000

Sure. You can use this lens on all D Series.

If it's under warranty send it back to Nikon for repairs,if it isn't under warranty eiher send it to a repair shop or chuck it in the trash. Its your call, is it worth repairing ?

Yes, the lens has a built in focus motor.

A/M is auto focus/manual focus.
VR is vibration stabilizer.

Have a look at the 18-105, small but has a bit more reach than your 18-55.