How long did you wait to get your Nikkor 18-200mm?

Pentax DA 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF

08/07/2006 01:36:21 PM · #1

Hi,

I am starting to panic about getting a Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens before I leave for Europe in a month. I ordered one from two seperate vendors about 2 months ago and still have not been notified of it being shipped. I have since ordered it from 3 more vendors hoping that one of them will come through before I leave. I am starting to get concerned I might have to live with my 18-70mm for my trip.

How long after you ordered yours did it arrive? Anyone know of a good place to buy one that is in stock? I've seen them on ebay, but I don't really feel like paying $1000 for one.

Thanks,
-Jeremy

faidoi

Pentax K10D

08/07/2006 01:38:08 PM · #2

Just in case.

Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-140mm f/3.5-5.6G VR

08/07/2006 04:29:35 PM · #3

Originally posted by faidoi:

Just in case.

Thanks Welland. I'll keep my fingers crossed that it shows up, but if not I might be renting some glass.

Baxter

Nikon D500

08/07/2006 04:38:59 PM · #4

Hope I don't scare you, but I ordered mine in Feb. and got it in July. That was from a very large Canadian dealer that has a store locally.

robpom

Nikon D200

08/07/2006 04:49:24 PM · #5

45 minutes. I decided I wanted one, called the local camera store and they had one. I drove to the store and picked it up.

08/08/2006 05:25:14 PM · #6

Well Baxter, based on that time frame I should be getting mine just in time to take pictures of the inside of my house because it's going to be cold outside this winter. Bummer. I guess I won't be taking it on my trip to Europe in a month.

I tried robpom's method, but all the local camera shops were out of them too.

TonyT

Fujifilm X-T5

08/08/2006 05:37:12 PM · #7

Does rentglass.com ever have anything "in stock"? I think they have 1 lens of each type.

DigitalVita

Nikon AF-S Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8 VR

08/08/2006 05:45:21 PM · #8

Your patience will be rewarded. This lens IS worth the wait.

08/10/2006 11:34:02 AM · #9

Thanks for the boost of confidence DigitalVita. It sounds like a great lens. Now if I could just get my hands on it before Sept 9th. Arrgggghhh.

Originally posted by DigitalVita:

Your patience will be rewarded. This lens IS worth the wait.

swankFoto

Fujifilm X-E1

08/10/2006 11:59:43 AM · #10

I ordered mine May 29th and got it July 27th.
I just happened to check out Midwest Photo's website Mpex and behold they had it advertised as in stock.
I called them (they are located in Columbus, where I live) and they said we just received three out of the blue today.
I asked them to hold one and after work bought all three - $749.
I tested all three and kept the best one and sold the others.
I then got the one I originally ordered a few days later and sold that one as well.
I think they are starting to ramp up and are trickling in more and more.

It is a great lens, I'd even dare to say it's worth what they are going for on eBay.
My copy is sharp at every lenght and aperture combo I've shot so far (barring subject movement of course).
Good luck on getting it before you leave.

[edited to say, "damn I said 'I' a lot!]

Message edited by author 2006-08-10 12:00:22.

Fisher Price Kid-Tough Digital

08/21/2006 01:40:36 PM · #11

I caved in and just ordered one for $1000 on ebay! Ouch! I will just wait for the camera shop to get mine in and then sell that one on ebay for $1000 and that way it's like I only paid $800.

Bugzeye

08/21/2006 01:50:02 PM · #12

i was just going to suggest, If you didn't find one before you left. Take the money with you, Perhaps you would stumble across one in a camrea shop in Europe.

zardoz

Nikon D200

08/21/2006 02:27:53 PM · #13

Here in the UK my local camera shop has orders for several dozen and he gets about two delivered per month :-( I also have it on order from a large UK chain and have been waiting for months. They still have back orders from Febuary!

kenskid

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

08/21/2006 03:15:12 PM · #14

I got very lucky. Got one on ebay for about $75 over retail !

Good luck...hope you get it in time.

Skid

2Shay

Nikon Z7 FX

08/21/2006 03:15:42 PM · #15

My wife called and put my name on the list in mid July. She was told the lens was $650.00 and she would need to pick it up in the store the day they called. They called last week and said the lens was in, come pick it up. Unfortunately, I was out of town and was unable to get it. They sold it to the next guy on the waiting list. I have put my name back on the list and am waiting for another call. I was curious about the price, $650.00 is about $100 less than B&H sells it for. This is a reputable store in the area, not a chain store, and they only sell US Gear. They are an authorized Nikon dealer, and I bought my camera and lenses from them even though I paid a bit more than on-line. Is there any other Nikon lens with this focal range that they might be selling? (Is there a VRI version as opposed to the VRII?) Has anyone else found the lens for this price?

For those that have the lens, how do you like it? I have the kit lens with my D70, as well as the Nikkor 80-200D ED F2.8. I love this lens, but it is not the best lens for using indoors to shoot moving subjects. I take a lot of pictures at dog shows and need something I can handhold and shoot pictures of moving subjects. I also found I needed to switch between my lenses quite a bit depending on the type of shot I wanted. This seems like the perfect lens, small, light, huge focal range, and of course VRII and fast focusing. How does the picture quality compare to that of the 80-200?

Thanks!

Ken

commendatori

Nikon D3

08/21/2006 03:24:52 PM · #16

I bought one in mid DECEMBER from Adorama and I'm STILL WAITING for it!! I got it there for about $650 and I already had a $300 credit with them, so I was reluctant to give up and buy it elsewhere...now it seems that it's too late. Every place I've checked, they just chuckle when I ask if they have it stock.

swankFoto

Fujifilm X-E1

08/21/2006 04:22:23 PM · #17

I love it for outdoors.
Way to slow for most indoor available shots for the most part.
The VR just helps with camera shake and does nothing for moving subjects.

$650 was the original MSRP and I think it has since been changed to $699 or $749.
Since I prepaid for one of the ones I got there was no problem even though the price went up before it came in.
As far as asking around... you never know.
MPEX just happened to get some in one day and another shop in town got one with a shipment by surprise so doesn't hurt to keep calling every week or so.

kenskid

08/22/2006 09:37:34 PM · #18

When you say moving subjects I'm not sure if you mean "motion pan". I shot this for the motion challenge. 1/20 sec...handheld motion pan. Lens was set to "active". IMO those kids moving at 25mph are SHARP!! There is almost no way I could have done this with my 105mm NON VR !

Great Lens!

[quote=rswank] I love it for outdoors.

The VR just helps with camera shake and does nothing for moving subjects.

swankFoto

Fujifilm X-E1