AF-S DX Nkr 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

I believe it was Thom Hogan who described this lens as not perfect but really good at everything. Thats the review in a nutshell. This is what I would term a prosumer lens. It certainly is not cheap yet it does not have the build quality of Nikons top-of-the-line. The barrel, for example, is plastic rather than metal. I fear that a drop would be catastrophic and even a hard bang on the edge of a table might do serious damage if the lens was fully extended. On the other hand, this lens is a lot less expensive than those in the Nikon pro line. In addition, the lens is much lighter and easier to carry than it would be were it made entirely of metal. It is my understanding that the only meaningful difference between this lens (the VR II) and its immediate predecessor is the addition of a cam lock to prevent lens creep. My own sample doesnt creep at all, even with the cam unlocked but apparently that has been a significant irritant for a number of buyers. The use of "VR II" in the name is potentially misleading because it may lead shoppers to believe that the VR system has been improved over the original model. This is not the case. Both the original 18-200 and the new version contain Nikons second generation VR system. Some have suggested that Nikons marketing is a bit shady on this point while others counter that the "II" simply designates a new model. Sharpness is less than absolute across the entire range but more than adequate for anything that an amateur, or even most professionals, is likely to need. There is mild to moderate distortion, more marked at the focal length extremes but scarcely visible in the vast majority of images and readily correctable in Photoshop, DxO, or other post-processing software. Contrast is crisp and I find the lens surprisingly free of flaring and ghosting. No one should buy this lens thinking that it will make him/her a better photographer. Good photography is in the mind and the eye, not in camera. What the 18-200 will do, though, is provide a one-lens solution to the great majority of focal length needs, minimizing the need to tote a hefty bag full of lenses. It happens that, as a long time Nikon user, I have such a bag. Despite all the choices at my disposal, my 18-200 probably stays on my camera 85-90% of the time. Folks who are obsessed with numbers, charts, and MTF curves will probably fret over the 18-200, taking delight in pointing out every little defect. For the rest of us, the only significant downside that I see is that the lens is not ideally suited for extended service in rough environments or adverse weather situations. Since most of us seldom shoot in such circumstances, this should not be much of a problem. I heartily recommend the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G AF-S ED VR II (whew! what a mouthful) to any advanced amateur or professional seeking a highly usable wide range zoom.

Show more

I just purchased this lens for the 2nd time as I dropped my camera and destroyed my first 18-200. I have used the 18-200 VR II for several years. Its true its not as sharp as a prime lens but its more than adequate for the work that I do. This lens rarely ever leaves the body. I really like being able to work close while taking in a wide view at the 18mm end of the lens.

Show more

This could become my favorite lens! It focuses fairly quickly, zooms smoothly, and seems very sharp even compared to good quality prime lenses. The VR works well, as on any Nikon VR lens. Also typical of Nikon VR there is an audible click when the VR starts (half press of shutter release) and when it turns off (a second or two after releasing the shutter). The zoom lock exists, but I have not yet seen any hint of "zoom creep" even if the lock is disengaged, so I usually forget to use it. The lens balances very nicely on my D7000. The real strength of this lens is that it can reach from 18-200mm, in a compact package. Bokeh is OK, but I wouldnt want to use it for portraits. Dont plan on using this in low light, unless on a tripod; the VR is most effective for stabilizing handheld shots in full daylight at the higher zoom ranges. For handheld shooting in low light (and for portraits) consider the amazing 35mm f 1.8 prime. The included lens hood is so shallow (presumably to accommodate wide angle without vignetting) that it is basically useless. Instead you should consider buying a step-up ring and using 77mm filters, which will allow you to use one set of filters for this and your 12-24mm or 10-24mm super wide angle lens.

Show more

Ive used this lens for about 9 months. The images are clear, accurate, and focused. If you can only purchase one lens to upgrade to, consider this lens! This was my walkaround lens and it stayed on my camera most of the time during trips. I have since upgraded to a FX camera, and a full-frame lens. I want to point out that there are some areas that you should consider: 1. Low light. This is not a 2.8 lens and be sure you increase your ISO to compensate. 2. Bokeh. Its OK, but sometimes muddy. 3. Distortion. Very manageable and hardly noticeable for the most part, but when you shoot things that are supposed to be straight at less than about 50mm there is some pincushioning. 4. Vignetting. In low-light and long-exposure pictures, you can clearly see some falloff in the corners. 5. Weight. If youre not used to big lenses, this will take some getting used to, especially if youre upgrading from a kit lens. With that said, I carried this lens to Utah and to Seattle and loved the results. Certainly a huge improvement over the kit lenses you probably used with your camera when you first purchased it.

Show more

I give this lens a solid four-stars, but its not a five-star lens. Heres why… the lens is NOT heavy to me as some complain in their reviews. Theres a lot of glass inside and a little weight is to be expected. However, Nikon has not done the best job damping the lens creep that this lens exhibits. In the mid-zoom area of the lens (around 100mm onward), if you hold this lens downward, it will extend on its own. Stopped down this lens is mostly sharp across the image area… mostly. At f5.6 the items on the edges will be soft and a little mushy. At f8 its better and at f11 maybe marginally better. Dont go beyond f11… diffraction sets in and the edges and details across the frame start to artifact. Open wide and you will get a lot of out of focus areas but the item youve focused on will be sharp. However, dont expect lovely Bokeh… this is not that kind of lens. As an all-in-one lens for travel, I recommend this lens. As a project lens, meaning shooting portraits, breathtaking landscapes, sunsets, etc. I would not recommend this lens… instead get a couple of primes (a 28 for landscape and a 90 for head shots or a 50 for full body shots).

Show more