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

Product Rating
4.53 of 5
15 reviews

Price Range
$660 - $900

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Product Description

Summary

I have been using several digital Nikon lenses for some time now. For my indoor sports photography, I use several f/1.8 and f/2.8 lenses. I was assigned to our Jersey island office for several months and I wanted a better lens.

First of all, the lens has an incredible range. Of all the photographs I have taken on the island, except for a few cases, 18-200mm has been very suitable. There are some incredible landscapes in Jersey, so something even wider could have worked but only in a few cases.

Second, I have had no need to bring my macro lens. This lens will focus at 40cm for the entire 18-200mm! And, 40cm (from the back of the lens) at 200mm is macro enough for nearly any circumstance.

Third, (the one I was most concerned about) is the aperature. I shoot a great deal of indoor sports. It requires an f/1.8 lens in most cases. I knew I would not be taking indoor sports photos with this. I have my lenses for that. But, for macro, f/5.6 at 200mm is even a little too fast at 40cm to capture an entire flower. Sometimes the depth of focus is a little too sharp, so f/8 or f/11 is better.

I saved the best for last!! The VR. It's my first and I LIKE IT. I could not say more. Some reviews of VR are confusing. They say that you can stop down three steps more or something like that. I understand that what they are saying: it acts like you are shooting at a faster shutter speed to compensate for camera shake.

To be clear the VR simply "locks you in" on focus when you shoot. Whether you are shooting at 1/8 or 1/1250, it locks you in. Press the shutter release half way and images just lock in place.

I used to have to use tripods, monopods and higher shutter speeds at even 85mm. Now, at 200mm with VR, I get clear shots everytime anywhere from 1/10, 1/50 and faster.

The lens cost me, but after this trip, I won't ever look back on my decision and question.

Except for sports, I have no need to take this lens off my camera.

Strength

VR, incredible
Awesome 18-200mm zoom range
"Macro" capable, (200mm at 40cm)
Good size, very small

Outdoor photography
Indoor photography (with flash or high ISO)
Flowers, bugs, portrait photography

Weakness

Sports photography (except for stationary sports: golf, baseball, etc.)
Plastic

Summary

I bought this lens as a general all purpose "walking around" and travel lens, and for that purpose I'm not sure there is a better lens on the market. However, if you're looking to take professional quality photographs (sharpness, color, contrast), then this lens may leave you wanting more depending on your standards.

This lens has tremendous zoom range, so it enables you to shoot everything from wide to telephoto without the hassle of changing lenses. This was attractive to me initially because i was concerned about getting dust on my sensor. The colors and sharpness are very close to what I'd describe as "pro" (the 2.8 zoom lenses, etc.). For a "consumer" lens, it's really impressive and I can't really knock the quality of the images it takes. I also used the Tamron 18-200mm and there is no comparison.

I eventually realized thought that I didn't just want to take snapshots, I wanted to take the best photographs I could with the time I have alloted for photography. The problem with this lens is that it's slow. Sure, it has VR, but that doesn't help you when your subject is moving. Also, it's not quite as sharp as the pro lenses, something that bugs me. I just bought a 2.8 zoom lens as a result, but i find myself having trouble parting with this great all-around package.

Strength

- Pretty sharp at most focal lengths
- VR
- Terrific focal range

Weakness

- Slow
- Not quite as sharp, colorful, or contrasty as the "pro" lenses (but darn close!)
- Hard to get, out of stock everywhere

Summary

I have had this lens for just over a year now, used on a D200. Lets get one thing straight, this is not the wonder lens some would have you believe. I think its non- availability over the last year has created legend where legend really ought not to be. Yes it is a better lens than either the Tamron or Sigma equivalents, technology has moved up a notch with this lens, but a decent two lens combination covering the same focal lengths will give superior results. I use a Canon EOS 30D with a 17-40L and a 70-200F4L. These were both bought seconhand for a total of 750 pounds. On the 30D they give superior contrast, colour and I have to say sharpness, JPEG or RAW. They also allow the 8mp sensor to resolve more detail than the 10mp sensor in the D200. No surprise really as there has never been any substitute for good lenses if you want top notch results.I hsd cosidered looking out for a Nikon 17-55 lens, but I have yet to see one even secondhand for any less than I paid for the two Canon lenses together. As lenses have a far longer shelf life than any Digital camera body I have decided to move the Nikon kit on, even though I do find the D200 nicer to use and it is undeniably more nicely built. My Canon lenses will still be good lenses ten yesrs on DX or full frame, when I suppose Nikon D200"s will be museum pieces. Simple economics I"m afraid. That said the lens is a very useful walk round llens, the VR does what it should and it is very nice not having to change lenses or leave shots if you are feeling lazy. Should you buy one? It does have a lot going for it but sadly top drawer performance isnt what you are going to get. As a travel lens great. For quality work no.

Strength

Well built, VR works well, very convenient.

Weakness

Expensive , resolution okay rather than great, contrast and colour not up to say Canon L levels. Some distortion, but show me a zoom that hasn"t

Summary

First of all, this is the lens that everybody is waiting for. I bought it last July, together with my D200 and after just a few shots I clearly realized I've got a lemon.
Good sharpness within the range 18-60, soft from 60 onwards, ugly ghosting at night...well, I was disappointed not to say something else...I sent it back to Nikon 2 times asking for a replacement and they always shipped the lemon back with some nice make-up. Yes, there was some improvement, as lens was re-aligned, ghost disappeard, but softness was so evident that I thought I could sell it on ebay and switch to Canon.
After sending it back a 3rd time (Yes, I am a very demanding customer) I finally got a replacement, so my review can start...
Great. This lens is great. Increadible sharpness at all, I repeat, all focal lenghts. It really seems that the new sample compensated with interest the pain I suffered with the lemon. No ghosting at night, no flaring, no creeping.
The only remark is that this is not a fast lens. AF works well but it is clearly targeting everything but sport professionals. VR works discretely well, nothing 'terrific' but a good help in low lighting.
In conlusion, if you feel that you got a lemon, send it to nikon service immediately asking for a replacement. For all the money you pay, you deserve the best of their production.

Strength

Sharp, at all focal lenghts, well balanced, neutral colors, limited distortion.
Very good bokeh. Combined with a Tokina 12-24, an excellent set for a 360 use.
No need of additional and expensive lenses.

Weakness

AF not so fast, but, again, this is not a prof lens.

Summary

Great all-around lens that is perfect for 90% of all situations you willl shoot.

Strength

Great Images and Sharp!! Feels right on a D80! Best all-around lends made!

Weakness

Too Slow for sports shots. Not wide wnough for landscapes. You will need a wider zoom and a longer zoom is you shoot landscapes or sports. LONG WAIT TO GET IT!!!