D300 and 18-200mm VR - Pincusion.

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

04/08/2008 12:02:14 PM · #2

I would think it`s normal for a lens with this range. If i get a chance i will do a similar shot with mine on my D200.

Bugzeye

04/08/2008 12:59:33 PM · #3

Are those photos flat against the wall or are they hanging with the top leaning out a little. It almost seems like an illusion that could be caused by the way the photo is hanging. I haven't really had this happen with my 18-200 at any range with my D-200.

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

04/09/2008 10:19:35 AM · #4

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR II

I've been preparing to buy this...is this the same lens you are comparing?
What are the opinions of this lens?(I'm looking for an all-purpose lens...one that I don't have to carry my various lenses just for a family day or a travel day)

Sorry if I seem like I'm hijacking...

ShugPug

Nikon D80

04/09/2008 10:42:57 AM · #5

Originally posted by Arcanist:

This lens does distort a lot! I use it pretty extensively for travelling for which it is superb. However, the sheer range over which you can zoom means distortion will be introduced at most focal lengths. If you want to make record shots with little or no distortion a prime lens would be better as these introduce far less (ie almost none) distortion.

If you do a series of shots of this subject keeping them the same size in the frame, but varying the focal length of the lens, I suspect you will be able to see distortion in all of them...

Is essence - a cracking lens because it's small and light and covers a vast range of focal lengths, but not, unforuntately, because it's optically very good...

Nikon AF Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8 VR DG IF-ED

04/09/2008 11:35:05 AM · #6

thank you....so you would recommend this lens?

hanserik

Nikon D700

04/09/2008 12:48:31 PM · #7

Here's a review of the lens. If you go to page two you'll see a distortion chart. Looks like the pincushioning you're seeing is normal for this and similar lenses (although the reviewer notes 'All in all one of the worst performances here.')

Arcanist

Nikon D810

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 28-300mm f3.5-5.6G ED VR

04/09/2008 01:29:21 PM · #8

I did do some experiments at varying focal ranges and same frame size of the rectangles.

Yuppers, this baby does some serious pincushioning and distortion at all ranges.

I still love it for my main traveling lens, but will be working more with primes when the situation allows me time to switch them out. Thanx for all the posts.

marbo

Nikon D5000

Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX Aspherical DF for Canon

04/09/2008 03:20:51 PM · #9

Yes, i just did some similar test shots as well and got the same results.
However i`ve rarely noticed it in real world photos.

hankk

Canon EOS-5D

04/10/2008 11:07:02 AM · #10

The Sigma 18-200 has similar or worse pincushion, IMO, its the price you pay for a 10x range.

Most of the time its not noticeable unless you are shooting something with straight lines on the edges, and even then its an easy fix in PS.

On the other hand, it might be a nice feature in a full-length portrait lens :)

ShugPug

Nikon D80

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED

04/10/2008 03:55:50 PM · #11

Originally posted by dassilem:

thank you....so you would recommend this lens?

Yes - but with reservations. It's brilliant for travelling light but it's definitely not perfect at all the focal lengths it covers.

When I've used it there have only been a very few shots from the several thousand I've taken with this lens that I've noticed any distortion with at all. I know it's there but usually it's not noticeable.

Aezetyr

Nikon D40

Sigma 18-250 f/3.5 - 6.3 DC OS HSM

04/16/2008 08:46:04 PM · #12

I have been looking at this lens myself for some extra distance. The 70-200 has been awesome, but I was looking for a bit more distance.

I do not seem to have the same problem with my 70-200; as far as I can tell.

04/19/2008 03:04:31 PM · #13

one more question......on my D50 is this 'true' 18-200mm??

figaro

Canon EOS-7D

Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM

04/19/2008 03:16:22 PM · #14

Originally posted by dassilem:

one more question......on my D50 is this 'true' 18-200mm??

The 35mm equivalent would be 27-300mm unless I'm very much mistaken as the Nikon has a crop factor of 1.5.

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED

04/19/2008 03:22:17 PM · #15

thank you

figaro....I don't seem to get my head wrapped around the crop factors.....

Message edited by author 2008-04-19 20:06:35.

Nald

Nikon D700

04/19/2008 04:07:22 PM · #16

Originally posted by dassilem:

thank you....I don't seem to get my head wrapped around the crop factors.....

Your sensor isn't "full frame" or true 35mm format so...

1.5 x 18-200= 27-300.

Which means that you are actually getting in closer than a true 35mm camera would be with the same lens.

togtog

Nikon D300

04/19/2008 07:44:11 PM · #17

This is the only lens I currently own and I love it. It does have some edge softness especially at wider apertures however it is not severe imho. The stabilization works well, takes about 1 second to counter movement, shooting before this point can cause worse blur. Very fast AF. The manual focus ring is just slightly sticky so you might slightly overshoot your mark when turning and need to turn back but again very minor. It does seem to lock the zoom at the longest range and shortest ranges to prevent lens creep.

Mine does not suffer from lens creep when facing down, however it does while aiming up, which again is pretty standard for mega-zoom lenses and can be fixed with a $2 rubber o-ring around it (instructions here pictures here). I have heard there is a newer model of the same lens which does not creep so your mileage may vary and you might get lucky.

If aiming down, it can be difficult to zoom out, the lens fights back a good deal but if you help it by relieving some of the weight with your other hand it isn't a problem, zooming out while aimed up is easier with some increased resistance.

As for chromic aberration I cannot tell you since my D300 removes most/all of it. :)

Over all I love it, it is great for pulling the camera out of the bag and taking some great shots. I do plan to buy other lenses, such as a macro, a dedicated wide lens, f1.8, and dedicated telephoto 300mm or more, however I already know that this lens will spend most of the time on the camera. :)

04/19/2008 08:03:44 PM · #18

Thank you

Nald and

togtog

Very thorough lens description togtog....thank you...

and Nald....thanks for the crop factor explanation....besides not understanding the crop factor I also didn't know if the DX part of the lens changed anything regarding that.

I ordered it...now to just wait for the brown truck!

togtog

Nikon D300