Buy Low Price From Here Now
An ideal one-lens solution for DX-format D-SLRs, features 11x zoom versatility, ED glass superiority and VR II image stabilization for incredible performance.
Readmore
Technical Details
- One-lens solution adept in a wide variety of situations- Nikon VR II (Vibration Reduction) image stabilization
- Two Extra-low Dispersion (ED) elements; three aspherical lens elements
- Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC); exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM)
- Focus to 20 inches for extended versatility
See more technical details
By Dr. Norge
The 18-200 VR II is an all-around great lens. While it is not "the best" lens available for any single role, it stays mounted on my D90 a large majority of the time. When I don't want to haul around a bag full of gear, this is the lens I take without a thinking twice. Clearly, Nikon had to make some tough choices in balancing the features of this lens, trying to satisfy a wide range of users and applications. Here is my take on where they ended up.
This lens IS:
- Remarkably versatile with an 11x zoom factor
- Surprisingly sharp at all focal lengths
- Very good for outdoor sports in good light
- Useful for almost-macro close-up work
- Solid enough to not require kid-glove treatment
- Usable in many indoor situations with the VR system
- Reasonably sized, considering the zoom range
This lens IS NOT:
- Very fast, especially racked out
- For low-light sports photography
- A pro-level all-metal "indestructable" lens
- Well-suited for low-light shooting
- Compact or lightweight
As noted by other reviewers, the minor distortion and corner fall-off is easily remedied via post-processing software. While many use Photoshop, I recommend DxO Optics Pro software. It has very effective custom modules for this lens and many Nikon DSLRs that work extremely well.
The most pleasant surprise for me with this lens is how good it works for "almost-macro" photography. I also have the heavy and expensive Nikon 105mm f/2.8 VR Micro, which is without a doubt the sharpest lens in my bag. However, some of the best close-up shots of bees, flowers, etc that I have taken came from the 18-200, for two reasons. First, unless I am out on a "macro safari" I don't generally have the 105 mounted, so it isn't always "at the ready" for targets of opportunity. Second, with the 18-200 racked out to 200mm, it focuses about 8 inches from the front of the lens (which equates to just over 19 inches from the sensor), which provides a pretty decent close-in range. For lower light or extreme macro situations, the 105 is still the superior lens, but the 18-200 does much better than I had ever hoped for when pressed into macro service.
By Anthony Loh (NY, USA)
I also own the previous version together with this one. Why two? I have a D90 and a D300S and often go out and take photos together with my wife. We both love the flexibility and versatility of this lense.
This VRII version has the same optical quality as the previous version with the exception of a creep-lock, and it cost a couple hundreds dollar more. Not worth the extra money.
This is a good lens (fast focus, nice build, quiet), but not optically superior (ok in sharpness but not great), and still expensive. However, this is the one I almost always take with me wherever I go, although I will pair it with other lenses (e.g., a Nikkor 35mm f1.8g, Tokina 11-16mm f2.8, Nikkor 60mm f2.8g micro, Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 VC, etc.) depending on what I shoot that day.
If you have the $$$ and need a versatile and flexible super zoom lense, go for this one. Otherwise, a used previous version of this lens is equally good.
By Teunis D. Baas
I have had the earlier version on my D200 but due to a problem with the focus motor sent it in for repair. At the same time decided to change the D200 for a D300s. Since I could not wait for 6 weeks for the orignal 18-200mm to come back I decided to buy another Nikon 18-200mm lens. I believe this lens to be the most versitile for Nikon DSLR - if I could only have one lens this would be it.
By lemonhedo (philadelphia, PA)
This is probably the so called "lens to rule them all" lens from nikon, well not that great, but it could very well substitute for many lens one may potentially have. For starters, this phat barrel can go from 18mm all the way to 200mm (duh*). Though it isn't that much of a fast lens, the aperture is sufficient for almost all daylight activity in the focal range. For people who just got into the dslr system, this is the lens to get.
In my pouch, I have this lens and the 35mm f1.8 prime lens for my portrait shots and night shots. I had not need to switch out the 18-200mm when I go out to take pictures, and that shows how awesome this lens is. Definitely recommended!
By J. Montgomery (Colorado, USA)
I've used this lens and its predecessor extensively and I've been happy with both. They are clear, accurate, and focused. You can find a zillion reviews talking about how awesome this lens. I'm going to highlight the lens' shortcomings. This is not a be all, end all lens. Don't get me wrong, this is my walkaround lens and it stays on my camera 75% of the time. But it's important to know what this lens won't do.
1. Low light. This is a problem that plagues any reasonably priced long-range zoom. If you're going to be doing much shooting indoors, at night, or twilight with this lens, invest in a good quality flash.
2. Bokeh. The majority of the out-of-focus fields look great. However, if you're shooting wide open (low f stop) and there's a lot going on in the background (long grass, trees, etc) some of the finer details can be blurred or occasionally have a weird halo look to them. It's not that big of an issue, but it does happen from time to time.
3. Distortion. Very manageable and hardly noticeable for the most part, but when you shoot things that are obviously supposed to be very straight (buildings, roads, etc)at less than about 50mm there is some pincushioning. This is easily correctable in photoshop.
4. Light falloff. In low-light and long-exposure pictures, you can clearly see some falloff in the corners. Again, hardly a big deal for most photography.
5. Weight. If you're not used to big lenses, this will take some getting used to, especially if you're upgrading from a kit lens.
6. Filters. The 72mm size is getting more popular, but there still aren't nearly as many filters available as some other sizes. There are resizing rings to compensate if you already have some larger rings, or are eyeballing something in particular.
Ok, this was not meant to turn you off of this lens, only to give you a grounded sense of what this lens has to offer. It is a great walkaround lens for everyday use. It is also a great lens for people looking to get their foot in the door with high quality lenses without having spend too much. This won't replace prime lenses, fast lenses, and superzooms. This is a perfect lens to buy if can only afford, or only want one lens. I would still hate to be without this lens. Highly recommended.
Images Product
Buy Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR II Telephoto Zoom Lens for Nikon DX-Format Digital SLR Cameras Now
0 comments:
Post a Comment