looking at a new lens... .thoughts?

[fernandez6153]

So I've been looking at the Nikor 18-200mm VR. What are your thoughts about this lens? Pros and Cons? I've looked at the ken rothwell site and his write up but I'd like to hear from other people that have shot or shoot with this currently.

Thanks in advance

[inkista]

What lenses do you have already? And why does this one look attractive to you?

The common wisdom is that superzooms are great if a) you can afford them, b) you don't need a fast lens, and c) you're wiling to give up some image quality to cover the large zoom range. An 18-55/55-200 twin kit typically gives you the same coverage for about $300 less. And if you already have the 18-105 or 18-135, something like a 70-300 might be a better choice with better image quality for less money.

[fernandez6153]

Originally Posted by inkista

What lenses do you have already? And why does this one look attractive to you?

The common wisdom is that superzooms are great if a) you can afford them, b) you don't need a fast lens, and c) you're wiling to give up some image quality to cover the large zoom range. An 18-55/55-200 twin kit typically gives you the same coverage for about $300 less. And if you already have the 18-105 or 18-135, something like a 70-300 might be a better choice with better image quality for less money.

I currently have an 18-55kit lens. I was looking at a Sigma 70-300 as well as the 18-200mm. I'm new to the photography scene and i guess the 18-200 looked more appealing because of the macro as well as the zoom.
This is kinda the reason I asked... I figured there had to be some people that could explain the differences to me in dummy terms

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by fernandez6153

i guess the 18-200 looked more appealing because of the macro as well as the zoom.

WHich 18-200 are you looking at? most of them are actually terrible at close-up shooting.

[fernandez6153]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

WHich 18-200 are you looking at? most of them are actually terrible at close-up shooting.

Nikon 18-200mm VR, original version.

What would you recommend for macro shooting? That's one aspect of photography that I want to get into.
I'm very interested in learning how to sporting events since my nephew is a baseball fanatic. He wants me to take as many shots of him as I can. I figured if I could invest in a good lens, it'd pay off shooting him as well as shooting some motorcycle racing too

[OsmosisStudios]

The Nikon 18-200 VR is in no way a macro lens. It actually loses focal length at close focusing due to the Internal Focus system breathing.

If you want to get close-ups or macro photos, get a macro lens.

If you want to shoot sports, you'll be looking at a telephoto, and probably a fast (large aperture) one at that. Think the 70-200 f/2.8 VR. The same goes for motorcycle racing, but often you'll need even longer than that: 300 f/4 or f/2.8, or longer.

[fernandez6153]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

The Nikon 18-200 VR is in no way a macro lens. It actually loses focal length at close focusing due to the Internal Focus system breathing.

If you want to get close-ups or macro photos, get a macro lens.

If you want to shoot sports, you'll be looking at a telephoto, and probably a fast (large aperture) one at that. Think the 70-200 f/2.8 VR. The same goes for motorcycle racing, but often you'll need even longer than that: 300 f/4 or f/2.8, or longer.

thanks for the input. I really appreciate it