Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX

[unholycow]

I can get a Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX from Cameta Camera via Amazon for $870 right now, but I'm not sure if I should.

What I want is one lens to put on my new D40. I'm not a fine artist, and I don't do much printing, but I do some. The biggest frustration I have is not being able to get the shot I want, not necessarily the quality of the result. So I need something that I can leave on the camera all the time, with lots of flexibility.

I most often photograph birds, plants, and my children, but I also like to take mountain view shots when hiking, some sports shots. That said, the kit lens has been fine except for the lack of zoom.

Any suggestions?

[Rooz]

sounds like just the lens you need. i love the flexibility of this lens. keep in mind that screwing it on aint gonna automatically take great pics. that takes a little more time and more practice. :)

[tcadwall]

Sounds like you are paying a premium, but I will agree that you will like this choice for your needs.

If you are going to shoot moving subjects in low light, then you might want faster glass, but it is great otherwise.

[mugsisme]

Be patient and keep checking B&H photo. I got lucky. One morning I checked and lo and behold, they had it in stock! I paid about $750 for mine. They are closed right now for Passover, but keep checking every few days. Check late at night. If you see one, just grab it.

Leah
Nikon D40
18-55 mm kit lens
SB 600
18-200 VR
50 mm f/1.8

fuji F10

[LR Max]

Indeed. Sounds like the lense you need. I had the same problem, I needed a lense that would allow me to concentrate more on the shot than my equipment.

I paid the premium for the 18-200VR, but it was so worth it. I now only carry this lense (bolted to my D70s 97% of the time), a 50mm f/1.8, and a SB-D80x flash (it was free, I am going to be upgrading soon). I use the 18-200VR for just about all of my work except studio work. But for real life use, its a one stop shop. No more fumbling around with lenses, carrying extra lenses, having a bigger bag, etc. Just one lense that'll get the photo. I work for a truck magazine, and when I am out, I don't have time to fumble with lenses because "the shot" could happen at any moment. I want to be ready there on the trigger instead of having my hands in my camera bag.

The lense has *some* (but so few) *problems*, but all of these (if they actually bug you) can easily be corrected in either photoshop or nikon capture. So this concern is negligible.

The only major problem with the 18-200 is that it is HEAVY. Definately look into getting a wider neck strap to compensate.

This is one of those deals that you get WAY more than what you pay for. You'll save $$ by buying this lense because then you won't buy much anything else.

[wannabe]

This lense is definitely worth it! Very versatile, good image quality, etc. The lense is heavy, but your camera bag will be much lighter because you won't need a bag full of lenses. FWIW, I purchased mine through Ritz for $749. But I did have to wait 6 weeks.

[jcon]

I agree with all that's been said, however, I would like to mention that it's not the best for sports. I know you said "some sports pics", so I don't know how often or in what conditions(outside, inside). It doesn't focus very fast in low light. If it's just casual sports, especially outside in sunlight, it would work fine.

Just wanted to bring that to the OPs attention.

[wannabe]

I agree with all that's been said, however, I would like to mention that it's not the best for sports. I know you said "some sports pics", so I don't know how often or in what conditions(outside, inside). It doesn't focus very fast in low light. If it's just casual sports, especially outside in sunlight, it would work fine.

Just wanted to bring that to the OPs attention.


Good point. I find that it works fine for my kids' soccer games, etc. I did shoot inside a gym a few weeks ago and it was OK. I had to use ISO 1600 and filter the shots with Noiseware. But they are useable. If my kids get into indoor sports when they are older, I will be looking for a faster zoom.