Is this worth it?

[Stina3246]

OK...I just got the new price list from Nikon (My comapny has a purchase program through them) and there is a lens I want. Is the price worth it? I REALLY want an 18-200 lens but they are WAY out of my price range so here is the one I CAN afford. What do you think?

AF-S DX VR zoom Nikkor 55-200mm F/4-5.6G IF-ED for $149

Thanks for any advise

[Shokinen]

Actualy, the optical quality of the 55-200 is better than the 18-200.

You will sacrificing image quality (not much, most people talk like you cannot even take nice pictures and it's not true) for convinience with the 18-200 meaning you will change your lens left often (also depending on what your are shooting). It's a popular lens for travelling.

Bottom line, if the 55-200 is in your price range, go with it. For the price you can't go wrong and you will add some reach in your kit.

[OsmosisStudios]

The non-VR version is just as good optically, but VR at those lengths really is a godsend.

[Stina3246]

Yeah, I got to use my friends 18-200 with VR and it saved my butt in some really low light situations. The one I'm looking at is a 55-200 with VR. I just like the 18-200 for convenience but I really need that longer zoom. I want to start shooting horse shows and an my 28-70 won't cut it!!
I think I'm gonna go for it. I'm also getting a Nikon speedlight 600 for $139 and they will deduct it in portions from my check pre-tax.