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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Nikon 18-200 VR owner in here please.
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 07/03/2007 05:57:15 PM · #1
Do you like this lens? Any draw backs? What do you tend to use it for mostly?

I'm toying with the idea of getting one, I'm just not sure if I want to go ahead now, or wait and save up for a 70-200 f/2.8 VR. I have pros and cons either way, but I have no real experience using either lens which is making the decision harder for me I think.

Anyways, I just wanted to get people's thought on the 18-200 if they own one. Thanks.
 07/03/2007 06:00:26 PM · #2
Here is a good review I found helpful: //www.bythom.com/18200lens.htm

Also, a couple of threads on what lens to buy for nikon have been going around the last two weeks. Do a search (I even started one, so you can start there) and some people who own the 18-200 shared their thoughts.
 07/03/2007 06:02:51 PM · #3
18-200 has auto focus that fluctuates and flutters and cant decide what to focus on. 70-200 vr is worth every penny.
 07/03/2007 06:04:27 PM · #4
Sold mine because most of the images produced were soft. It is overhyped in my humble opinion. I am a non-technical person so I cannot give you as to what mm-range that happens.

It is a good-all-around lens. The one that you can carry with you if you do not have anything specific to shoot and will just capture something on a moment's notice.

However, if you have something specific like portrait, or landscapes or macros, I do not think this is the best lens to go.

BTW, based on your profile, you are covered already. ^_^
07/03/2007 06:06:16 PM · #5
I've had the 18-200 now for a few weeks, and I love it. I have had no trouble with focusing, but I shoot almost exclusively outdoors or in natural light. It's quickly becoming my all-around lens for the D200. I like it a lot.
 07/03/2007 06:07:17 PM · #6
I really, really, really want that 70-200 f/2.8, but right now I just sit and drool at the ads for it. :)

In the meantime, I have the 18-200, and absolutely love it! This is my walking around lens as I can get some pretty good wide angles at 18mm, but still have the ability to close in for the candid with the 200mm end. The images are pretty sharp and this is just an overall fantastic lens. Now, the drawbacks. . . it's a 3.5 to 5.6 lens, so the action shots are much harder to get. I used yakatme's 70-200 while on the GTG in St Augustine, and it's works great for these type of shots.

If you are looking for a great walking around lens, I don't think you can beat the 18-200, but if you're looking more for the fast lens, wait and get the 70-200.

Just my $0.02 :)

(I haven't seen the autofocus hunting issue)
 07/03/2007 06:35:24 PM · #7
I owned this lens long enough to discover that the auto focus didn't work. (Factory Defect). Was told that it would take at minimum 6 weeks to get a replacement. I didn't want that and they didn't want to lose the sale, so the salesmen gave me a sweet trade in deal for the 80-200 2.8 and a couple of filters for the same price. I ended up coming out ahead about 80 dollars. And I believe I got a better build lens.

I will still probably buy the 18-200 VR again one day but not until they are stacked up in the stores. I won't be waiting over 2 months for one again thats for sure.
07/03/2007 06:38:22 PM · #8
It's a great lens, but not a lens I use with confidence because I am not always guarenteed the sharpest shots. I find myself using other lenses more and only use it when I want a carry around lens. The bokeh in other wider lenses I have is so much better, but I wouldn't be without it because of the situations I have needed it in. The VR works very well. I find it focuses well.

But if I want to shoot mainly wide, I will use my Sigma 10-20mm. If I want to shoot around 200 I will ise my 70-200 2.8. If I want to do some portraits - a 50mm 1.8 or a 100 2.8...you get the drift. I only use it when I lack space, or can't carry a bag. Sad really...I thought it would be on my camera for everything.

I probably use it 15% of the time...but that's because I have a lot of lenses. If you only have one, this is a great lens to go for.
 07/03/2007 06:41:19 PM · #9
Oh BTW...it kills the standard 18-70mm
 07/03/2007 06:47:40 PM · #10
All images in my portfolio were shot with the 18 - 200VR if that helps any. If you can afford the 2.8 VR Im sure the quality is well worth it though.
 07/03/2007 06:51:19 PM · #11
Hmm....interesting.

I think I will talk with more people, mull it over until the weekend, then head back up to the Camera store. If it's still there, I might just get it. The re-sale value on Ebay and other places seems to be pretty good so I could probably get my money back or at least most of it. Thanks for the thoughts, and anyone else can feel free to throw in their two cents as well.
 05/02/2008 04:57:02 PM · #12
everything that I shot, that is on this sight was done with the 18-200vr. See what you think
05/02/2008 05:11:54 PM · #13
I have both these lenses. You can not really compare them as they are for two totlaly different purposes.

The 18-200 is a general purpose lens and has the copmpromises you might expect form an 11x+ zoom. I use it for when I want to travel light only. It is great for a vacation lens where your purpose is to document your vacation but phoptography is not the mail purpose.

The 70-200 is one of the best lenses that Nikon has made and is of profeesional quality. Very fast, focus is spot on, built like a tank and has the weight to match. Not exactly the lens you want to carry around all day. And obviously it costs much more.

Don't buy one over the other. Buy the one that fits your photography needs.

Good luck.
 05/02/2008 05:15:32 PM · #14
I'd also look at the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR. With simular build & construction, it is amazingly sharp and has less funky distortion than the 18-200. The extra 7-8 degrees on the wide end makes a larger difference than the 2mm suggests. Later on it would also compliment something like the 70-300VR or the Sigma 100-300.

05/02/2008 05:19:05 PM · #15
I think jbsmithana had great advice. I have the 18-200, and it is commonly described as a great "walking around lens" for a reason. It's flexible, and I love the 18mm wide angle, but as others have said it is not perfect. The lens has a tendency to move on its own, especially when I'm pointing straight up or straight down (I think that's what people mean when they referr to a "lens creep" problem).
 05/02/2008 08:07:45 PM · #16
Originally posted by hyperfocal:
I'd also look at the Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85 f/3.5-5.6G ED VR. With simular build & construction, it is amazingly sharp and has less funky distortion than the 18-200. The extra 7-8 degrees on the wide end makes a larger difference than the 2mm suggests. Later on it would also compliment something like the 70-300VR or the Sigma 100-300.


And if you decide on the 18-200 I would reconsider and look at the 16-85 as Steven suggests. I do not own it but may trade my 18-200 for it as I think it would make a better range with what should be better qulaity for a walk around / travel lens.
 05/02/2008 08:48:24 PM · #17
Hmmm the OP was last July, and suddenly the thread is reawakened. I don't think there's a current question to be answered. (Perhaps someone mixed this up with the more recent thread asking about it?
 05/02/2008 11:32:11 PM · #18
Damn! I need to pay closer attention.
 05/02/2008 11:41:34 PM · #19
Originally posted by grigrigirl:
18-200 has auto focus that fluctuates and flutters and cant decide what to focus on. 70-200 vr is worth every penny.


Sure I would love one.
But, I looked everywhere.
Not enough pennies.
 05/03/2008 08:57:47 AM · #20
I am really happpy with my 80-200 2.8. I use it as my main walking around lens. I debated between the 18-200 and the 80-200 & bought the 80-200 used for nearly the same price. The quality of it is second to none. VR would be nice, but I have learned better technique for hand holding to the 80-200. When I need a wide angle I throw on my 20mm 2.8. I have found that my 18-70 & 70-300G are just taking up space in my backpack. The primary reason is the quality of the the pictures. You get what you pay for in lens.
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