What's this? This is based almost entirely on the lens¿s image quality, based on tests of sharpness (modulation transfer function), geometric distortion, reflexes within the lens (flare), veiling glare index, vignetting, and macro performance. Ease of use was also considered.
Price range:
$846.95 - $849.99
Summary:This model has been tested by our experts.
About - Nikon AF-S DX VR 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 G IF ED
The Nikon AF-S DX VR 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 G IF ED is part of the SLR lens
test program at Consumer Reports. In our lab tests, SLR lens
models like the AF-S DX VR 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 G IF ED are rated on multiple criteria, such as those listed below.
Image quality:
Image quality is based on tests of sharpness (modulation transfer function), geometric distortion, reflexes within the lens (flare), veiling glare index, vignetting, and macro performance.
Modulation transfer function:
This is a measure of lens performance and shows how well a lens reproduces object detail in the image it produces.
Geometric distortion:
All lenses have degrees of geometric distortion, which will depict straight lines as slightly curved. Two most common types are barrel distortion and pin-cushion distortion. These types of distortions are often seen in zoom lenses at both ends of the zoom range.
About This Brand
Nikon is also a world leader in cameras and lenses. The company currently sells about dozens of auto-focus lenses and several manual focus lenses under the Nikkor brand. It splits its lenses between a standard F-Mount category and a smaller DX format class designed specifically for its small size sensor DX-format digital SLRs but can be used on full-size sensor bodies using the camera’s sensor crop settings. Nikkor auto-focus and manual-focus lenses cover a variety of focal lengths and price points and are divided into seven main categories: zoom, micro (aka macro), fisheye, wide angle, normal, telephoto, and PC, which is Nikon's tilt-shift category.
Features & Specs - Nikon AF-S DX VR 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 G IF ED
Kit bodies The SLR camera bodies that are sold with specific lenses.
Kit bodies
Data not available
Zoom ratio The zoom ratio is expressed by a value such as 2x or 3x, and describes the relationship between the longest and shortest focal lengths. For example, a 3x optical zoom with a minimum focal length of 18mm would have a maximum focal length of 54mm.
Zoom ratio
11X
Bayonet This describes which SLR or SLRs a particular lens is compatible with. It's also referred to as a lens mount.
Bayonet
Nikon
Weight (oz.) Weight of the lens (without case, pouch or filters).
I've traveled extensively with the 18-200 and almost never use my other lenses anymore when on the road - it's that versatile. VR function is surprisingly sharp, even when handheld below 1/30 sec, sometimes even down to 1/10 sec. Lens creep is a constant nuisance.
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
By
Emily
from
Austin, TX
(1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)
5.0
A Very Good Superzoom
10/28/2010
Pros
Consistent Output
Does bulk of shots
Easily Interchangeable
Fast / accurate auto-focus
Good Optics
Cons
Build Quality
Best Uses
Indoors/Low Light
Landscape/Scenery
Macro Photography
Sports/Action
Wildlife Photos
Comment:
I also have the AF-S VR nikkor 70-200mm 1:2.8 G lens which is built stronger. But, I use this 18-200mm lens ten to one over it with my Nikon D-300 camera. It is a do-it-all lens except for extreme closeup, big telephoto or really wide angle shots. Astounding lens with vibration reduction. Perfect match for the D-300. Small, sharp, fun and practical. No more toting a camera bag or tripod for casual trips. Excellent portrait lens and for animal (pet) shots I love it! For a very high optical performance, vibration reduction lens packed in such a small package at $700-$750, this lens is a deal.
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
By
Great buy!!
from
Anniston, AL
5.0
Awesome
10/19/2010
Pros
Consistent Output
Durable
Easily Interchangeable
Fast / accurate auto-focus
Lightweight
Rugged
Strong Construction
Cons
Lens Creep
Best Uses
All Purpose Lens
Sports/Action
Weddings/Events
Wildlife Photos
Comment:
Best all purpose lens I have ever owned!
How long have you owned it:
More than six months
Bottom Line
Yes, I would recommend this to a friend.
Other User Reviews
4.0
(based on 2 reviews)
By
erneststrauss
User has 2 Months of experience with this product
4.0
Possibly the only lens you will need
02/15/2010
Strength
Nice wide range zoom - It covers 90% of the shots I takeFast auto focus and simple to switch to manual .focusThe VR works good for slow shutter speeds - produces very sharp images
Weakness
The lens still suffers from zoom creep. At f3.5 it is somewhat slow but about what one would expect for the price range
I purchased this lens to replace two zooms - an 18 - 55mm and a 55 - 200mm. I used it in a dusty environment in West Africa and it let me cover a wide range of shots without swapping lenses and exposing the interior of my D90. It also let me walk around the villages without lugging a bulky bag.The lens performed great in all but a few dimly lit conditions. If you are looking for one all around lens, this is one you should consider. Add a fast normal lens for low light and its all you need fo 99.9% of your shots.
no creeping, as good as 1st version in everything else
Weakness
not found yet
What I want to say about 42nd st photo is that they would do everything to satisfy you! Before I purchased my gears online, I did have some research on the reputation of several online dealers, among them, 42nd st photo definitely have the best unbeatable price. Like everyone who would like the best deal, I went for the best price. But I have to admit it that I was a bit concerned that the lowest price might come along with the compromise of quality and service. Right after my gears (a camera body of D90 and a Nikon 18-200mm DX lens VRII) arrived, I asked my friend, who is a semi-professional to check the quality of the arrived gears. He gave me positive feedback after taking several pics and playing around with the aperture ring of my lens. In fact, we even tested the typical creeping problem commonly found in the first version of this Nikon 18-200mm DX lens, which fortunately is no longer present in the 2nd version I purchased. My friend didn`t believe how much I paid for my gears, and since I was very satisfied with the price and quality I got from 42nd st photo that I turned on my laptop and show him the website. He was surprised and I was surprised as well. The reason was that the price for the lens I just purchased shown on the website just went down for a further $30 dollars. Well, I felt a bit unlucky at that moment just like everyone would. I then wrote an email to the custom service of 42nd st photo and didn`t quite expect it that a representative named Junior would reply so fast. In fact, he even called me before his email but I missed it since I was travelling overseas and forwarded all my incoming call to my friend`s cell phone. He requested a contact number that he could reach me in the email and said that he would call me the next day. That was exactly what he did. He made an international call! He asked me if I was satisfied with purchase and if all my gears arrived safe and sound. You know, those questions you would get from a well-trained professional and at the same time feeling their care about you. He told me that he would be more than happy to credit me back the $30 dollars!!! I was so happy to hear that. This is what I believe every customer is looking for in a great service. Needless to say, I would recommend 42nd st photo to all my friends who want to get good price as well as trustable service. Their price is unbeatable and their service is beyond expectation! The reason I am spending my time to write this long review is that I was touched by Junior, the awesome representative from 42nd st photo. He made me feel that I wasn`t just doing business with them, but as he described,'You take care of me, I take care of you'. I`ll write another review and let those still doubt about their service be convinced once I get the $30 back on my credit card.