I made a typing mistake: In my first sentence, above, "18-288mm VR Nikkor lens", should read: "18-200mm VR Nikkor lens" ----- but, we should all know this anyway ..
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BRJR....(My cameras & lenses are listed in my profile)
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Welcome to the new forums! Please read this first. For known issues we are working to resolve, click here.
Are you happy with your 18-200vr ?
- Thread starter Judica
- Start date
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BRJR....(My cameras & lenses are listed in my profile)
Alex McLeod
Forum Enthusiast
Sure, for some - and for others, it still just doesn't meet expectations, which is why a significant number of 18-200s end up returned, sold on Ebay or just shelved indefinitely.
For all its versatility, for me, its real usefulness is limited by its consistently mediocre image quality, in terms of detail & definition.
These days I prefer to leave the 18-200 at home and shoot with primes instead. Sure, I don't get to zoom, and I don't get VR - but I get pictures I actually like from the other lenses.
Many others would agree about the 18-200 - that it's handy, but disappointingly soft. Many others would disagree , and rave about the lens like they were defending their own mothers.
Clearly lack of sharpness is an issue with the 18-200, or it wouldn't keep coming up. Clearly a lot of people really like it nonetheless. I'd say that if image quality is your main concern, or likely to become your main concern in the near future (as your skills improve, or if you get a paid photography job), you'd probably be disappointed by the 18-200.
Gene:I have had one for over a year and I have taken thousands of photos
with it.......some are very sharp some are not......does that kind
of tell you its most likely user error. Its a great lens......if I
were to lose mine I would get another.
How many lenses can you say that about?
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Gene
From Western PA.
Panasonic FZ 20 and FZ30
D50 and lenses.
http://imageevent.com/grc6
Just trying to learn and it's slow going!
1. I agree.
2. And I, too, would try and quickly purchase another 18-200mm VR Nikkor lens.
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BRJR....(My cameras & lenses are listed in my profile)
I would imagine unless you mainly shoot
birds
sports
low light moving objects
most other wildlife
this lens serves its purpose very well
sure the carrying around the 17-55 and the 70 200 will get you "better"
pics ( if you know how to compose pics in the first place )
but no way I'm dragging that weight around all week on vacation
when I go for special pics at sunrise etc I will bring my 12-24 and 80-200
but for walking around...
it works
--
'there is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept'
Ansel Adams
http://www.mood.zenfolio.com
birds
sports
low light moving objects
most other wildlife
this lens serves its purpose very well
sure the carrying around the 17-55 and the 70 200 will get you "better"
pics ( if you know how to compose pics in the first place )
but no way I'm dragging that weight around all week on vacation
when I go for special pics at sunrise etc I will bring my 12-24 and 80-200
but for walking around...
it works
--
'there is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept'
Ansel Adams
http://www.mood.zenfolio.com
Bill McBain
Active member
It isn't the quality of carrying around a trunk of primes, but it isn't meant to be. I can bring it on my d200 and be prepared to take quality pictures just about anywhere.
I have used the 17-55 and 70-200. I love them, and at some point I'll add them to my bag. I will still prob keep this lens as an all-around lens or a travel lens.
The VR is a nice touch and it takes a great picture in good light. In poor light you have to bump the ISO a little and the focus time is not lightning fast. Considering those limitations I still agree that it is one of the best nikon lenses out there.
Just ask ken Rockwell http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200.htm
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http://flickr.com/photos/mcbill
I have used the 17-55 and 70-200. I love them, and at some point I'll add them to my bag. I will still prob keep this lens as an all-around lens or a travel lens.
The VR is a nice touch and it takes a great picture in good light. In poor light you have to bump the ISO a little and the focus time is not lightning fast. Considering those limitations I still agree that it is one of the best nikon lenses out there.
Just ask ken Rockwell http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200.htm
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http://flickr.com/photos/mcbill
Judica
Leading Member
considering that i have very limited skills, because im new to cameras and photography, would these types of pics ive taken so far improve?
http://anthonyc.zenfolio.com/
http://anthonyc.zenfolio.com/
vagari:
1. I agree with you.
2. And, when used as Nikon recommends:
"The Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR II is an all-in-one 11.1x zoom lens, ideal for dedicated amateurs and (semi-) professionals to use for countless situations and occasions, such as landscape, architecture, portrait, wedding, wildlife, holidays, expeditions and general travel photography. It is also ideal for news- and press photographers."
I am finding it more and more a very unique and useful lens; and, yes, it's a great travel lens for photo-journalists, "news- and press photographers"; as well as so many other types of shooters, and people such as you and I, when we are not about to haul a bunch of equipment around.
3. Still seems to be far greater market demand for this lens, than supply; and, far, far more satisfied users of it than unsatisfied users (and even the unsatisfied here, appear to confirm this, as they seem to have had no problem in selling their lens). So, IMHO, Nikon has done something right with this lens; and, I still don't see anything near this market demand for any of the "comparable" third party lenses, as exists for the Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens.... even with their "new" lenses.
Take care and happy shooting.
BRJR....(My cameras & lenses are listed in my profile)
1. I agree with you.
2. And, when used as Nikon recommends:
"The Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR II is an all-in-one 11.1x zoom lens, ideal for dedicated amateurs and (semi-) professionals to use for countless situations and occasions, such as landscape, architecture, portrait, wedding, wildlife, holidays, expeditions and general travel photography. It is also ideal for news- and press photographers."
I am finding it more and more a very unique and useful lens; and, yes, it's a great travel lens for photo-journalists, "news- and press photographers"; as well as so many other types of shooters, and people such as you and I, when we are not about to haul a bunch of equipment around.
3. Still seems to be far greater market demand for this lens, than supply; and, far, far more satisfied users of it than unsatisfied users (and even the unsatisfied here, appear to confirm this, as they seem to have had no problem in selling their lens). So, IMHO, Nikon has done something right with this lens; and, I still don't see anything near this market demand for any of the "comparable" third party lenses, as exists for the Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens.... even with their "new" lenses.
Take care and happy shooting.
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BRJR....(My cameras & lenses are listed in my profile)
What a beautiful family !!! Those pictures are already good.
You will improve as you learn the "ins and outs" of your camera, exposure, lighting, composition......etc. Not by buying any apecific lense! Use this forum, read good books, articles.....and take a lot of pictures. Your already off to a good start!
You will improve as you learn the "ins and outs" of your camera, exposure, lighting, composition......etc. Not by buying any apecific lense! Use this forum, read good books, articles.....and take a lot of pictures. Your already off to a good start!
RJSPhotography
Senior Member
INTERESTING VIEWPOINTS
BRJR
thanks
It also seems to me that the majority of people in ths forum have many lenses..many 5 or more
each lens they use for particular reasons, whether it be portrait, landscape, sports , low light, etc etc
why does everyone have multiple lenses?
because each one has its own merits
the 18-200 biggest merit is versatlity
and the people who would have you think this lens is no good
are terribly mistaken
'there is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept'
Ansel Adams
http://www.mood.zenfolio.com
thanks
It also seems to me that the majority of people in ths forum have many lenses..many 5 or more
each lens they use for particular reasons, whether it be portrait, landscape, sports , low light, etc etc
why does everyone have multiple lenses?
because each one has its own merits
the 18-200 biggest merit is versatlity
and the people who would have you think this lens is no good
are terribly mistaken
'there is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept'
Ansel Adams
http://www.mood.zenfolio.com
RJSPhotography:
I agree.
1. And, that's all they are: View points, even with some of Nikons' marketing info, as much of that would still be their "view points".
2. But, regardless, of our "view points", it's "reality" that the Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens, so far remains in greater market demand than supply, even with it's price that remains considerably higher than any of it's competitors "comparable" lenses.
Best regards
BRJR....(My cameras & lenses are listed in my profile)
I agree.
1. And, that's all they are: View points, even with some of Nikons' marketing info, as much of that would still be their "view points".
2. But, regardless, of our "view points", it's "reality" that the Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens, so far remains in greater market demand than supply, even with it's price that remains considerably higher than any of it's competitors "comparable" lenses.
Best regards
--
BRJR....(My cameras & lenses are listed in my profile)
whoosh1
Senior Member
Similar boat like you (mostly like family pics & no photographer in the world can take better pictures of my kids than me - I am there to capture the right moment). Your family pictures can improve dramatically with a $100 50mm f/1.8 - what the 18-200VR will do is give you flexibility (and capture the moment in decent light) & help you identify your focal length choices. Is it worth it? Yes - as a travel lens where you cannot move around a lot for better framing of the picture - I use it as that. At home indoors I exclusively use either 50mm f/1.8 or 35mm f/2. I also use these primes many times with the SB600 bounce flash - somehow even with flash I get better result with these primes than the 18-200 (may be the bigger aperture helps in metering the scene correctly due to more light collected at the metering sensors?) - with 18-200 & flash my results are inconsistent (usually under exposure).
Mach Schnell
Senior Member
Alex wrote:
Sure, for some - and for others, it still just doesn't meet expectations, which is why a significant number of 18-200s end up returned, sold on Ebay or just shelved indefinitely.
For all its versatility, for me, its real usefulness is limited by its consistently mediocre image quality, in terms of detail & definition.
These days I prefer to leave the 18-200 at home and shoot with primes instead. Sure, I don't get to zoom, and I don't get VR - but I get pictures I actually like from the other lenses.
Many others would agree about the 18-200 - that it's handy, but disappointingly soft. Many others would disagree , and rave about the lens like they were defending their own mothers.
Clearly lack of sharpness is an issue with the 18-200, or it wouldn't keep coming up. Clearly a lot of people really like it nonetheless. I'd say that if image quality is your main concern, or likely to become your main concern in the near future (as your skills improve, or if you get a paid photography job), you'd probably be disappointed by the 18-200.
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Some people comment on the mediocre image quality of the 18-200VR. Perhaps they have a particularly bad copy. Or perhaps I have a particularly good copy. But, frankly, I am just not seeing a huge image quality difference between my 18-200VR and my primes (24mm, 50mm, 85mm, 150mm, 300mm). Yes, the 18-200VR is a little softer around the edges and in the corners. But all of my primes are full frame so that is not really a valid comparison. Put the primes on a full frame camera and the corners soften up.
I shoot a fair number of weddings. Laugh if you liike but I use the 18-200VR for about 90% of my shots. Only when I want to blur the background on portraits do I mount a 50mm or 85mm prime. For everything else the 18-200VR works great. And my clients love the images. I consistently print beautifullly sharp 13" x 19" enlargements from my 18-200VR.
But images speak louder than words. So, you be the judge. Here are 2 full 100% images from a wedding I just shot last Saturday. I have not yet corrected exposure or white balance. These are straight from the camera - just converted from NEF to JPG. The first image is from the 18-200VR. Check the sharpness and detail around the bride's eye (the focus point), her hair, and parts of her dress.
Now compare that with the following image, taken with my 85mm f/1.8. More of this image is in focus because the depth of field was deeper. But I believe the image quality, particularly sharpness, of these two images to be roughly on par. I certainly don't see mediocrity in the 18-200VR compared to the 85mm f/1.8. Nor is it disappointingly soft. In fact, I think it is remarkably sharp. This lens has paid for itself many times over in my wedding work.
Steve
Sure, for some - and for others, it still just doesn't meet expectations, which is why a significant number of 18-200s end up returned, sold on Ebay or just shelved indefinitely.
For all its versatility, for me, its real usefulness is limited by its consistently mediocre image quality, in terms of detail & definition.
These days I prefer to leave the 18-200 at home and shoot with primes instead. Sure, I don't get to zoom, and I don't get VR - but I get pictures I actually like from the other lenses.
Many others would agree about the 18-200 - that it's handy, but disappointingly soft. Many others would disagree , and rave about the lens like they were defending their own mothers.
Clearly lack of sharpness is an issue with the 18-200, or it wouldn't keep coming up. Clearly a lot of people really like it nonetheless. I'd say that if image quality is your main concern, or likely to become your main concern in the near future (as your skills improve, or if you get a paid photography job), you'd probably be disappointed by the 18-200.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Some people comment on the mediocre image quality of the 18-200VR. Perhaps they have a particularly bad copy. Or perhaps I have a particularly good copy. But, frankly, I am just not seeing a huge image quality difference between my 18-200VR and my primes (24mm, 50mm, 85mm, 150mm, 300mm). Yes, the 18-200VR is a little softer around the edges and in the corners. But all of my primes are full frame so that is not really a valid comparison. Put the primes on a full frame camera and the corners soften up.
I shoot a fair number of weddings. Laugh if you liike but I use the 18-200VR for about 90% of my shots. Only when I want to blur the background on portraits do I mount a 50mm or 85mm prime. For everything else the 18-200VR works great. And my clients love the images. I consistently print beautifullly sharp 13" x 19" enlargements from my 18-200VR.
But images speak louder than words. So, you be the judge. Here are 2 full 100% images from a wedding I just shot last Saturday. I have not yet corrected exposure or white balance. These are straight from the camera - just converted from NEF to JPG. The first image is from the 18-200VR. Check the sharpness and detail around the bride's eye (the focus point), her hair, and parts of her dress.
Now compare that with the following image, taken with my 85mm f/1.8. More of this image is in focus because the depth of field was deeper. But I believe the image quality, particularly sharpness, of these two images to be roughly on par. I certainly don't see mediocrity in the 18-200VR compared to the 85mm f/1.8. Nor is it disappointingly soft. In fact, I think it is remarkably sharp. This lens has paid for itself many times over in my wedding work.
Steve
vagari:
Again, I agree, with you.
1. And, possible there are far more "Hobbyists" involved with Photography than "Professional Photographers" that depend on Photography to make a living. All one has to do to own photography equipment is simply go online or to a local outlet and purchase it.
2. I believe that for many hobbyists in photography, as with people that have other types of "hobbies", that there is simply not a "limit" set to how many lenses they should have and the amount they should pay for them ------ as part of the "hobby" itself is playing around with different equipment, whether you use it daily, monthly, only occasionally, or not at all !!
3. Still, with lenses, I like to select from them, depending on what I am going to do; and, I just don't take the "big" stuff when traveling "light" any more than I would take a "hot dog" to a "steak dinner", or beer to a wine tasting event.
4. As a "firearms shooting" hobbyist, too. I see absolutely no difference in having a photography lens collection to select from, for different photography shooting occasions, as I similarly do when I select from my "firearms collection" depending on the type shooting I and my colleagues will be engaged in. In both situations, for me, each item I select is because of it's uniqueness for how I do things, and not necessarily what some other person thinks..
5. I have no experience with or use for a "film" camera, but there are a number of professional, amateur and photography hobbyists, that have a collection of lenses from their "film days", and others just seek them out for purchase anyway; and, yes as seen in these forums, most of these lenses seem to work quite well on our modern DSLRs.
6. Another example (to your question below, as to number of lenses people here tend to have), from what I see: Even a new DSLR user purchases a DSLR with Kit lens. Later gets a lens such as the 35/2, 50 1.8, 30 1.4 (Sigma), 85 1.8 for low, available light shooting; and they now have 2 lenses. They next get a Super-wide lens such as the Sigma 10-20, Tokina 12-24, Nikkor 12-24, Tokina 11-18mm lenses; and, now they have 3 lenses. They next purchase a telephoto lens such as the Nikkor 55-200mm VR or 70-300mm VR lens, and now they have 4 lenses. They decide to get a macro/micro lens for close-up shooting, such as 60/2.8, 105/2.8 VR lens; and, now they have 5 lenses. And, for a lot of even amateur shooters/hobbyists this could still be a minimum of lenses they use, even if just for fun in their shooting activities ------ they could very well want a fish-eye lens, faster zoom as the 80-200 f/2.8 lens; and, now, we are up to 7 lenses (so we start participating in dpreview Nikon SLR Lens Talk Forum, if not already doing so) ------ and depending on the person, this can go on and on.
But, you see we have already easily reached 2 more lenses than the 5 lenses you mentioned in your Post below... (and, still, none of them has the "versatility" as a "single-lens" as does the 18-200mm VR, IMHO)
Best regards
BRJR....(My cameras & lenses are listed in my profile)
Again, I agree, with you.
1. And, possible there are far more "Hobbyists" involved with Photography than "Professional Photographers" that depend on Photography to make a living. All one has to do to own photography equipment is simply go online or to a local outlet and purchase it.
2. I believe that for many hobbyists in photography, as with people that have other types of "hobbies", that there is simply not a "limit" set to how many lenses they should have and the amount they should pay for them ------ as part of the "hobby" itself is playing around with different equipment, whether you use it daily, monthly, only occasionally, or not at all !!
3. Still, with lenses, I like to select from them, depending on what I am going to do; and, I just don't take the "big" stuff when traveling "light" any more than I would take a "hot dog" to a "steak dinner", or beer to a wine tasting event.
4. As a "firearms shooting" hobbyist, too. I see absolutely no difference in having a photography lens collection to select from, for different photography shooting occasions, as I similarly do when I select from my "firearms collection" depending on the type shooting I and my colleagues will be engaged in. In both situations, for me, each item I select is because of it's uniqueness for how I do things, and not necessarily what some other person thinks..
5. I have no experience with or use for a "film" camera, but there are a number of professional, amateur and photography hobbyists, that have a collection of lenses from their "film days", and others just seek them out for purchase anyway; and, yes as seen in these forums, most of these lenses seem to work quite well on our modern DSLRs.
6. Another example (to your question below, as to number of lenses people here tend to have), from what I see: Even a new DSLR user purchases a DSLR with Kit lens. Later gets a lens such as the 35/2, 50 1.8, 30 1.4 (Sigma), 85 1.8 for low, available light shooting; and they now have 2 lenses. They next get a Super-wide lens such as the Sigma 10-20, Tokina 12-24, Nikkor 12-24, Tokina 11-18mm lenses; and, now they have 3 lenses. They next purchase a telephoto lens such as the Nikkor 55-200mm VR or 70-300mm VR lens, and now they have 4 lenses. They decide to get a macro/micro lens for close-up shooting, such as 60/2.8, 105/2.8 VR lens; and, now they have 5 lenses. And, for a lot of even amateur shooters/hobbyists this could still be a minimum of lenses they use, even if just for fun in their shooting activities ------ they could very well want a fish-eye lens, faster zoom as the 80-200 f/2.8 lens; and, now, we are up to 7 lenses (so we start participating in dpreview Nikon SLR Lens Talk Forum, if not already doing so) ------ and depending on the person, this can go on and on.
But, you see we have already easily reached 2 more lenses than the 5 lenses you mentioned in your Post below... (and, still, none of them has the "versatility" as a "single-lens" as does the 18-200mm VR, IMHO)
Best regards
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BRJR....(My cameras & lenses are listed in my profile)
RonHrl
Senior Member
...and you want/need a lens as sharp, you might be disappointed in any consumer zoom. But for an 11x lens, it is terrific and rarely leaves my camera.
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Ron
CP 5700, D70
http://www.pbase.com/ronhrl
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Ron
CP 5700, D70
http://www.pbase.com/ronhrl
Luc De Jaeger
Forum Enthusiast
I adore this lens and it's my main lens that I use 99% of the time. I can't miss it anymore. It has some flaws but it cannot be beaten for what it can do.
Luc
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http://lucdejaeger.smugmug.com/
Luc
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http://lucdejaeger.smugmug.com/
I didn't put it as eloquently as you
but
exactly...
and I have 5 lenses also, each for my own particular goal/ reason/situation
and Im sure i will purchase more
but I will never sell my 18-200
regards....
--
'there is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept'
Ansel Adams
http://www.mood.zenfolio.com
but
exactly...
and I have 5 lenses also, each for my own particular goal/ reason/situation
and Im sure i will purchase more
but I will never sell my 18-200
regards....
--
'there is nothing worse than a sharp image of a fuzzy concept'
Ansel Adams
http://www.mood.zenfolio.com
victor beato
Senior Member
yes, yes, yes! here is why!
last sunday afternoon at my son's graduation, it was so packed in
the gym (it rained so outdoor was cancelled) that it was impossible
to change lenses without disturbing others--and i would have missed
many shots. it came through very well and got all my shots--long,
medium, wide! i came out of the ceremony feeling very priveleged to
have nailed all my shots--my son and most of his friends while they
are getting their diplomas and or sitting in their seats or
marching in the aisle. in the hallway--i used 18mm, raised camera
over my head and fired away bouncing the flash off the ceiling.
it's just beautiful! no more changing lenses. i didn't even had to
move from where i was seated at the bleacher. all indoor shots
taken at 5.6 and 6.3, shutter speed 200, iso 800, manual, spot mode
with sb800 ttl (no bl), no dome/diffuser, no bounce. outdoor shots
are aperture mode, iso 200, shutter speed 400-500, sb800 ttl-bl (no
dome/diffuser). thanks.
18mm
18mm
24mm
46mm
at 95mm
135mm
150mm
170mm
200mm
200mm
200mm
200mm
Judica
Leading Member
thanks everyone for your input.
i am going to pick one up
bestbuy currently has the 18-200vr in stock @ 899.00 free shipping.
however, i think i will try the waiting game and try to get one at 749.00 from b&h maybe.
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http://anthonyc.zenfolio.com/
i am going to pick one up
bestbuy currently has the 18-200vr in stock @ 899.00 free shipping.
however, i think i will try the waiting game and try to get one at 749.00 from b&h maybe.
--
http://anthonyc.zenfolio.com/
Kim Letkeman
Forum Pro
This is dpreview, which means that there will be a few with axes to grind on that lense. They will be here shortly. Meanwhile, the lense is terrific as a travel lense. Unparalleled in my opinion.
My copy is sharp wide open across the board. But sharpest at the long end (lucky me) ... some apparently have it sharpest at the wide end.
Absolutely. If you want to travel with one lense. I stuff the D70s with the 18-200VR in a neoprene case by Zing into my laptop bag (expandable section of course) and carry it everywhere. I took it overseas that way a couple of weeks ago and blew through 3GB and two full batteries. I'll be posting those soon ... so far they look pretty great to me.
Here are some recent albums shot with this lense ... and I shoot wide open and long a lot.
http://letkeman.net/Photos/icesculptures07
http://letkeman.net/Photos/bostonfeb07
http://letkeman.net/Photos/chicagoapr07
http://letkeman.net/Photos/anaheimapril07
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http://letkeman.net/Photos
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