Nikon Lenses

Anyone have the 18-200mm Nikon VR lense? I was thinking of going with a more versatile lense but not sure how good it is. If anyone has used this, let me know and post some of your pics with it as well!

Mike

 

Outstanding lense - my next purchase. Its not a 1500 lense but a great bang for your buck. Good luck with it. If you don't mind me asking, what were they asking for it?

 

This may help in your decision.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200.htm

 

Not a huge fan of the 18-200, but then again I'm spoiled with the combo of 24-70 and 70-200.

I used to have the 18-135 and was very disappointed. Disgusting chromatic abberation when wide open. I've been told the 18-200 is better at that, but with a stretch that wide you're always sacrificing something. I heard the 18-70 kit lens that came with the D70 is supposed to be one of the best kit lenses out there.

 

+1

I have the 18-200 and the 70-200, and I plan on selling the 18-200 sometime to buy the 24-70.

If you are used to pro-level lenses (like the 70-200), the 18-200 won't make you happy. It feels cheaper, has quite a bit of distortion at 18mm, and the picture quality just isn't too great. If you are OK with those tradeoffs though, I guess it would make a good all-purpose lens.

 

I think for a walk around its a decent lens, used copies have been going for around $500 or so on the various forums out there. If you are going on a trip and do not want to take 2-3-4 different lenses, its a good choice. i find that i dont use the telephoto end of lenses like that often (owning a 28-200mm). And i agree with fenivision, teh 18-70 is a great lens, excellent build quality,a nd the optics are tack.

Good luck

 

great choice if i knew before to buy mines i will take that one. good compromise quality of shoot & size.
and VR version by Nikkor are exellent.

 

Thanks for all of your help!

 

For convenience, it can't get better than the 18-200, but for making great pictures, it is horrible. The 18-200 is quite soft, it has lens creep, distortion, and many others that my fingers would be too tired to type all of.
In my opinion, if you can't afford pro lenses, and believe me most can't, then this is what should be in your camera bag.
If you are limited to _ lenses:
1 lens- 18-200, because it is convenient, not because it is sharp etc....
2 lenses- 18-70 and 70-300 VR
3 lenses- 18-70, 70-300 VR, 50 1.8
4 lenses- 18-70, 70-300 VR, 50 1.8, 10.5 fisheye.
I know I am happy with the $ spent on my 4 lenses listed, it covers all focal lenghts, allows for much creativity, and they are all great lenses. Of course I also respect that these lenses have limitations, and the one with the most will be replaced first- the 70-300 VR. The only (and yes 1 limitation is pretty much the most) limitation I have found with it is speed, which is important for long focal lengths. I am currently saving for the 70-200 f/2.8. Then the 24-70 f/2.8.
Thanks

 

i have the 18-200vr and while i think its a great lens, im no pro....
i find it struggles in low light on anything moving or hand held, but as for versitility its a good lens.
i have just bought a sigma 70-200 f2.8 and will probably look for a fast 18-70 or something similar.
i will keep the 18-200 but it probably wont be used as often as the others....

 

I sold my 18-200VR to help fund my 70-200VR F/2.8

the 70-200VR has already (in the few short months I've owned it) been priceless. Beautiful lens and I love the build quality. The 18-200VR was fun for an everyday walkaround lens, it would never come off the camera.