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12/17/2006 11:07:24 PM · #1 |
I'm getting a Nikon D80 very soon and need advice on a lense. I had it all figured out and now I'm realizing the Nikon 18-200mm VR is damn near impossible to get without spending a grand or waiting 6 months...
Any ideas on other reasonable alternative options? I'd like to not have to be changing lenses all the time, but I guess if I'm going to be sacraficing quality and range then I guess I will.
Why.. why can't they make more!?
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12/17/2006 11:34:22 PM · #2 |
Yeah I agree, Why doesn't Nikon stop making new camera models for a few months and get some back order production out of the way first.
I have been wanting this lens for 6 months now but refuse to pay nearly double retail value for it.
As far as your question goes. I would hold out for the VR but if you need a decent lens for a fair price until you get it, have a look at the Tamron line.
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12/17/2006 11:36:01 PM · #3 |
B&H photo is your best bet at getting one without waiting months.
They don't have waiting lists so when they get their stock in, it's first come first served.
Steps for success:
1. Call them up and ask them when they expect to get their next shipment.
2. Check EVERY MORNING at around 8am EST to see if they are in stock.
3. Using the info from step one you have a pretty decent chance of getting one when they come in.
If you want to wait months get on a waiting list. If you want one in a reasonable amount of time, pay big bucks or be diligent using the method above. I got mine in about 3 weeks using the above steps.
Good Luck! It an amazing lens! |
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12/17/2006 11:41:35 PM · #4 |
When did you get your lense from B&H? Right now their website says:
Important Notice!
This item is temporarily not available. We have no estimated arrival date at this time.
Are you saying to check their website every morning or call?
Message edited by author 2006-12-17 23:43:07. |
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12/17/2006 11:47:31 PM · #5 |
About 3 months ago. I believe it always says that....until they have stock in hand :) I could be wrong...I haven't been tracking it since I got mine.
The expected date I was given ended up being correct to within a couple days. |
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12/17/2006 11:59:00 PM · #6 |
Hello, I had purchased the VR 6 months ago for $730. I sold it last week on ebay for $853. They are still in short supply.
I sold it because although it is a great lens, I didn't use the VR at all. It just didn't need to be used in my shooting situations. I thought I would use it at school plays (indoor no flash) but the VR didn't help. While I could use the VR handheld at down to 1/30 sec, the "motion" on the stage would blur. So the VR helped with handshake but it is not useful for "motion".
I am currenlty searching for a mid range zoom at 2.8 or 3.5 F without VR. IMO I think one should spend the money on better glass and not on VR unless you are sure you will use it !
Kenskid
Originally posted by aliqui:
I'm getting a Nikon D80 very soon and need advice on a lense. I had it all figured out and now I'm realizing the Nikon 18-200mm VR is damn near impossible to get without spending a grand or waiting 6 months...
Any ideas on other reasonable alternative options? I'd like to not have to be changing lenses all the time, but I guess if I'm going to be sacraficing quality and range then I guess I will.
Why.. why can't they make more!? |
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12/18/2006 12:21:44 AM · #7 |
I'm still really overwhelmed by lenses, so hypothetically help me narrow this down.
Assume I can't get the 18-200mm and that VR isn't a requirement. What lense or lenses should I get? I don't leave the house much so I do a lot of macro shots. When I do get leave the house I head to the hills or the ocean would like some range. My boyfriend isn't rich so I'd like to keep it under a 1000.
(We were watching a diamond necklace commercial and he said he'd rather put a Nikon around my neck, so I'm taking him up on the deal, heh)
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12/18/2006 02:15:44 AM · #8 |
I bought mine from B&H a few months ago mostly as a travel lens. I just checked almost evryday, sometimes multiple times during the day, and ordered the minute it showed in stock. If I remember right it took me a couple of weeks but finally got lucky.
The lens makes a great travel lens and is pretty impressive considering it is an 11x. If your looking for a one lens solution this is it. However, be aware that these type (big range zooms, over 3x) lenses are always a compromise.
If interested you can see shots I took in China and in Thailand during October here:
My Smugmug page
Most of the shots are from the 18-200 but a few are from a Canon SD300 P&S. |
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12/18/2006 02:21:44 AM · #9 |
To answer your question concerning an alternative I would look at starting with the Tamorn 28-75 2.8
it is a highly rated lens that will serve you well for general photography.
You can save your pennies to purchase the Nikon 70-200 2.8 VR (one of the best lenses they have ever made) in the future. Those two lenses will give you lots of range and the highest quality.
Good luck. |
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12/18/2006 03:19:11 AM · #10 |
I got the Tamron 18-200 when I got my D80 as a "stand in" lens until I figured what set of lenses I really needed. I must admit, however, that it is making a good case for itself to remain in the lens set as it is easy to use, produces pretty good images (I am the problem there, not the lens) and feels "right" on the camera.
Downside is that I sometimes need more aperture and would second the suggestion earlier in the thread to get faster glass. My ideal lens would open out to f/2.8 or f/4 and be constant throughout the zoom range. VR would probably help, too, but I think I would fall on the side of speed rather than VR at this stage.
Now a 10-500 mm f/1.8 for under a $1000 would really be interesting, although probably a little heavy! |
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12/18/2006 04:41:43 AM · #11 |
I just got one from EBay... it's an amazing lens and the hype is justified!
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12/18/2006 05:21:19 AM · #12 |
Originally posted by kenskid:
Hello, I had purchased the VR 6 months ago for $730. I sold it last week on ebay for $853. They are still in short supply.
I sold it because although it is a great lens, I didn't use the VR at all. It just didn't need to be used in my shooting situations. I thought I would use it at school plays (indoor no flash) but the VR didn't help. While I could use the VR handheld at down to 1/30 sec, the "motion" on the stage would blur. So the VR helped with handshake but it is not useful for "motion".
I am currenlty searching for a mid range zoom at 2.8 or 3.5 F without VR. IMO I think one should spend the money on better glass and not on VR unless you are sure you will use it !
Kenskid
Originally posted by aliqui:
I'm getting a Nikon D80 very soon and need advice on a lense. I had it all figured out and now I'm realizing the Nikon 18-200mm VR is damn near impossible to get without spending a grand or waiting 6 months...
Any ideas on other reasonable alternative options? I'd like to not have to be changing lenses all the time, but I guess if I'm going to be sacraficing quality and range then I guess I will.
Why.. why can't they make more!? |
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I bought a second hand Nikon 80-200mm f2.8 for half the price I spent on my 18-200mm VR. For stuff like School Plays, you need an 80-200mm.
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