Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR II DX or similar . . . Experiences anyone?

[Matthias099]

I am considering getting a Nikkor AF-S 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G IF-ED VR II DX for my D80 to use on a vacation next year. I don't want to take a lot of equipment but absolutely want great pictures, because it will be one of these once-in-a-lifetime things.

Does anyone have used this lens with their D80's or other Nikon? What is your experience with it? Would you recommend the lens?

I also are considering some alternatives from TAMRON and SIGMA because the lens is kind of expensive. What about these other options? Would you recommend them? Have you tried them?

Any input would be greatly appreciated. I still have some months to go before this trip, so if you have info about upcoming alternatives . . .don't hold back.

[OsmosisStudios]

I had the Nikon 18-200 on a D80 for a trip: I used it, but sold it shortly afterwards. The image quality simply wasn't up to par. By a longshot.

It was convenient, but I'd have had no issue getting the same shots by switching lenses on the fly, as I do now.

[Dave C.]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

I had the Nikon 18-200 on a D80 for a trip: I used it, but sold it shortly afterwards. The image quality simply wasn't up to par. By a longshot.

It was convenient, but I'd have had no issue getting the same shots by switching lenses on the fly, as I do now.

+1

I found it to be quite a soft lens through most of the focal range and especially at the long end... (the 18-105 kit lens was sharper), was very unhappy with the lens. wish i would have saved the $$ and waited a month longer and bought the 70-200 2.8 then....the 70-200 is dead on every time.

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by Dave C.

+1

I found it to be quite a soft lens through most of the focal range and especially at the long end... (the 18-105 kit lens was sharper), was very unhappy with the lens. wish i would have saved the $$ and waited a month longer and bought the 70-200 2.8 then....the 70-200 is dead on every time.

I found this lens to be quite the opposite. It in no way compares to high end glass like you are talking about, but as a walk around lens / vacation lens, I found it quite good. Is it the sharpest? No, but does it suck? Absolutely not.

[kirbinster]

I'm with Scott on this. I used my original 18-200VR for years and found it to be a very capable lens. Sure its no 70-200 f/2.8 but it costs much less, is much lighter, and has a much greater range. You will never take a wide shot with the 70-200

If you don't need 18mm you might also consider the Nikon 28-300 VRII - it is much sharper and gives you 300mm reach - but you lose 10mm off the wide end. I bought the lens when I got my D700 as on the FX body it acts just like the 18-200 on a DX, but I find I use it as my walk around lens on my D5000 these days.

I would avoid the other brands, you pay for what you get. If you need to save money check out Craigslist or other sources to buy Nikon stuff used. You can save a good bundle.

[TheMoons678]

I got the 18-200mm VR I for my parents for $425 on Craigslist, and right now on Craigslist there is a d200+18-200mm VR 1 for $750. 18-200mm VRII sells for around $600 used on Craigslist.

The VRII is nice and solves the lens creep issue. I'll never use a focal length lock button, so for me I'd rather save money for a d80 upgrade and go with the 18-200mm VR1.