Nikon 18-200MM lens

[photobyfelix]

I am a new owner of the D200 camera and am still learning the controls, taking test images, experimenting with white balance, exposure, etc. I have a 28mm f2.8 lens in hand and will have a 50mm f1.4 lens in 3 days. My plan is to buy the Nikon 18-200MM lens, as it has received great reviews and seems to satisfy my requirements, since I take a lot of travel photography.

These lenses on ebay are selling for more than list - even used lenses without warranty are selling for almost US$900, and the retailers are gouging with prices like US$940 which is US$50 above list. From expereince, lenses rarely sell at list. So, has anyone heard when the shortage will ease up?

Thanks

[AZ4Runner]

Felix,

I have no idea when the "shortage" will stop. However, I do recommend you get on a waiting list with a reputable dealer if you want one of these lenses. Penn Camera, Ace Photo (local to the DC area), and B&H all carry it for list price. I know B&H has problems keeping them in stock and you have to watch their site regularly. I got on the wait list for mine and actually got it before I got my D200.

Jim

[jcromer]

I just received this lens last week. I ordered it from Ritz and took about a month took get. Not too bad compared to the 3 months I was quoted. Set me back about $780 w/tax.

[photobyfelix]

Thanks for the responses. My lens is in transit and I should receive it the middle of this week.

Question: are you using a circular polarizing lens on thie 18-200?

[AZ4Runner]

I have a UV filter and a circular polarizing filter I use on this lens. Just depends on the day and what's going on.

[photobyfelix]

Thanks all for answering. I finally did receive my lens and am enjoying learning the abilities and limitations of this beauty. The 18-200mm lens coupled with the D-200 is a dynamite conbination so far.

[Dennis Fisher]

I was over in the back country of China last fall and wanted to travel as light as possible. I took my D-200, a Sigma 12-24mm, Nikon 18-200 lens and an SB-800 strobe. I never took the 18-200mm lens off the camera. It is probably the best all around lens I have ever used and I have been shooting professionally for over 40 years. I highly recommend it. Back in my photojournalism film days, traveling light meant a 24mm, 50mm, 55macro, 105mm, 180mm and maybe a 300mm if the situation called for it plus several camera bodies many bricks of Kodachrome and B&W film. Now one camera and one lens does it all with a half dozen memory cards and back-up drive.

Dennis

[NaturesPixel]

this lens is on my to get list but over $875.97 CDN it has to wait i am hoping that by the time i can afford it it wont be so much in demand...lol

[dudley doright]

what is up with this lens? Are the people who bought this lens now finding out that it is actually not that good?

[angeleyes216]

i recently had a bad experience with ebay in regards to purchasing my d40. I never realized that you need to check the protection policy regarding any problems with seller. Luckily paypal was holding the money so i got a full refund. I know this has nothing to do with the nikon camera in particular but just wanted to pass this info on. If you pay $500 for a camera and they only cover $200, what happens to the balance...so beware!

[jdepould]

what is up with this lens? Are the people who bought this lens now finding out that it is actually not that good?

No, people realize they can make a pretty darn good profit. It's entirely possible that they bought more than one with the intention of selling the extras. I know for a fact that it's what my eye doctor did.

[uvsub]

The 18-200mm is available here in Calgary through Saneal cameras as of last week. I believe it was 899$ Can. I've heard excellent things about this lens but I believe Thom (by thom) had some concerns about its' perfomance at the longer focal lengths.

I feel this lens is over-priced at the moment and that Nikon is feeding this "shortage" in order to reap huge profits. I'll wait.