Nikon 18-200mm AF-S DX f3.5-5.6

[CarrieJ]

Nikon 18-200mm AF-S DX f3.5-5.6
If you just purchased this lens, would you sell:

Nikon 18-55mm VR
and
Nikon 55-200mm VR

Do I have use for these two lenses now?

[OsmosisStudios]

I'd have skipped the 18-200 if I already had the 18-55 and 55-200

[sk66]

Both of those lenses rate a little higher than the 18-200, but in real life application the differences are minimal. The choice is yours....use them for a while and sell what you don't use.....I miss the 18-200 a lot.

[AniV]

Hi guys,

I'm stuck on the same three lenses at the moment, but I don't own any of them yet.
My problem is which to buy:

Should I go for the 18-55 and 55-200 (they're a set) or should I buy an 18-200 straight up? The 18-55 and 55-200 set work out cheaper than the single lens but I don't know if I'm going to hate having to switch between lenses all the time and carrying the extra lens with me. While more versatile and probably the only lens I'll ever need, the 18-200 is apparently much heavier. This is where someone with experience comes in.

I take a large variety of photographs - one might be a telephoto shot of a faraway bird that requires a bit more zoom, the next will be a macro shot of a ladybug on a leaf. I'm a bit put off by the idea that I might have to switch between lenses to take those different shots.

I also worry about the dust and damage risks associated with changing between lenses. The more you switch between lenses, the more opportunities there are for dust to get in, correct?

Any advice would be appreciated!

[dcclark]

I've been in exactly this situation: I started with the 18-55 and 55-200, then I bought the 18-200.

For me, convenience and portability is absolutely key, because I take my camera with me on long hikes. I similarly tend to go between wide and telephoto. So, I prefer the 18-200. I hated changing between lenses, and it was hard to stay with just one lens for the sorts of subjects I prefer.

However, the 18-200 is more expensive, is a bit softer, and definitely has some weird distortion at times. The 18-55 and 55-200 pair will give you better image quality (but not so much better that it's really THAT noticeable).

I'd say: you have to decide on how important convenience is for you. In my case, there was no question. But if you value image quality a bit more, you may want to go with the 2-lens setup -- or even go with something else entirely, like a 50mm prime!

Oops, I forgot -- yes, the more you switch lenses, the more dust can get in. Unless you're in some nasty situations (lots of sand, dust, or smoke for example), it's probably not that big of a deal. Your camera is tougher than you think.

[kirbinster]

None of those lenses are "great" lenses, but they are all good. I opted to replace the two with the 18-200 for the same reason you are talking about. When I have no specific shooting plans I use that lens as I always have the right range on the camera. When I know what I am going to be shooting I use one of my sharper "Pro" lenses. I gave the other two away to my dad along with my D40, which are all getting good use once again.

[dcclark]

On a side not, it is a useful skill to learn how to use a prime. That can lead you to realize that you don't need nearly as much "zoom" as you think you do. Heck, half the time nowadays I only bring my Nikon 10-24 with me, and I usually keep it pegged right at 10mm. It can be a lot of fun to limit yourself in that way, and see what you learn.

[AniV]

Thanks for the advice so far guys.

I know neither of these lenses are the greatest lenses out there, but I'm pretty much just a very enthusiastic amateur at this point and have been saving for four months just to afford my first SLR. I've just today been offered a very good deal on a Nikon D90 kit but I have to choose between the 2-lens kit (currently on a crazy special which means I can get my kit this weekend) or the single lens kit at a price which will have me saving for another 4 months before I can afford it.
The 2 lens kit = R12k = roughly $1600 while the 18-200 kit = R14.5k = roughly $1933.

The 2-lens kit also comes with a bag, extra flash, 2 tripods (I already own a monopod), 3 filters, 2GB memory card, lens cleaning kit, screen protector, 0.45x Wide Angle Lens and a card reader, whereas the 18-200 kit only has a bag, body and that one lens.

I also take my camera with me on long hikes and convenience is quite important, but perhaps having the 2 lenses will be a good learning experience for me? I would have to consider the shot I want to take and decide on the most appropriate lens to use.

I've heard of a lot of people raving about primes, but I have never NOT used a zoom lens before. Every time I think I've made up my mind, I read another review and go back to being undecided. I'd like to think that I can sell the 2 lenses again one day when I decide to upgrade to better, but what sort of market is there really for 2nd hand lenses like those?

Given this extra info, what should I do? The extra accessories are definitely alluring.

[kirbinster]

I'm for instant gratification - get it now!

[dcclark]

Originally Posted by AniV

The 2-lens kit also comes with a bag, extra flash, 2 tripods (I already own a monopod), 3 filters, 2GB memory card, lens cleaning kit, screen protector, 0.45x Wide Angle Lens and a card reader, whereas the 18-200 kit only has a bag, body and that one lens.

OK, quick reality check:

- Will you use the bag? (I never do, mine is too bulky. My camera goes around my neck, side, or in the braincase of my pack.)
- What's the flash? A good external one?
- 2 tripods? Seems unnecessary. I rarely take the ONE I have with me.
- What are the filters? Often one is a UV (doubtful usefulness) and another may be a warming filter (never seen the need of these on digital cameras). Polarizers are good though.
- Screen protectors are a personal choice, but I find them annoying.
- 0.45x wide angle lens adapter -- not a lens itself -- will cause massive distortion, light fall-off, etc. Not for serious photography, but it could be fun to play around with.

Those are my initial thoughts on that! Just because there's a lot of goodies in the bag, doesn't mean it's worth while.

Originally Posted by AniV

I also take my camera with me on long hikes and convenience is quite important, but perhaps having the 2 lenses will be a good learning experience for me? I would have to consider the shot I want to take and decide on the most appropriate lens to use.

If you want a learning experience, a prime is the way to go. A zoom is a zoom, and you'll be tempted to use it as a zoom whether it's 18-200 or 55-200. If convenience matters, go with the 18-200. Or, take the plunge, get a new 35mm f/1.8 (super cheap -- $200 new), and learn the old-fashioned way! It could be very fun.