Product Description

The Nikon AF-S DX VR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED 11.1x zoom lens is designed for amateurs and professionals allike. The AF-S DX VR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED adapts easily for use for landscape photography, weddings, wildlife, holidays and expeditions with a focal range of 27-300mm (equivalent to 24x36 mm) to avoid loading yourself with a host of different lenses. 2 glass ED lenses and 3 aspherical lenses minimise colour abberation, astigmatism and general distortion whilst maintaining high levels of contrast in any situation. The "Silent Wave" motor (SWM) makes the AF-S DX VR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED focus quickly and quietly and includes a VR II vibration reduction function, the second generation of Nikon VR technology that will allow you to make the most of exposures that last up to 4 times longer (compared to 3 times for the VR system). Perfect for shooting in low light conditions. Flexible and advanced, the AF-S DX VR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED will help you to make the most of the performance of your Nikon digital camera.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #630 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Nikon
• Model: 2159
• Released on: 2008-02-07
• Dimensions: 9.00" h x 6.00" w x 4.00" l, 1.50 pounds

Manufacturer's Description
Nikon introduces compact and lightweight high-power zoom lens for Nikon digital SLRs, featuring enhanced Vibration Reduction.

Customer Reviews

Good All In One
Outclassed in my opinion by the new Tamron 28-300mm VC ( not as sharp, though autofocus works better ) but still a great all rounder that allows you to go out all day without carrying a bag full of lenses.

Recommended.

Very impressive
I bought the Nikon D80 with a kit lens - could not afford the camera and this lens at the time. The lens is incredible - the VR function means that you can take pictures in low light conditions without a tripod and mated wth the D80, taking shots from boats and cars finally works. The huge focal range means that this lens is likely to remain a fixed item on the camera unless I'm doing specialist work. If you can afford it - buy it.

Believe
When the shutter is open it is lens the does the work. So it is never an idea to skimp on investing in good lenses. It is hard to believe that a 11x zoom could be a good lens. But it is. Let me qualify that - it is a great lens for what it is designed for i.e. an ideal one-size-fits-all travel lens. It takes the place of at least two, possibly three lens in your camera bag.
Optically it is categorically not a top flight Nikon lens - for best results use software such as DXO in your work flow that can correct for the distortion and boost contrast. The long end is a little soft and there is visible chromatic aberration at the edges - all can be corrected in software. At the shortest end there is noticeable distortion - again correctable. It is surprising good for close up work!
Handling and build quality - again not top flight, but good enough. I don't like the flimsy, short hood but I use it - but watch out if you have a DSLR with built-in flash because it will mask some of the flash. It extends a long way out when zoomed out and feels a bit wobbly whilst its there - but the pictures seem okay. It will also creep under the effects of gravity if not locked at either end - again live with it or use a wide elastic band to hold it steady.
Utility - this is where it scores. If you are traveling it is an absolute boon. Just one lens to carry and it stays on the camera - which means no risk of sensor contamination in wild places.
Bonus - VRII - this makes up somewhat for the slow max aperture especially at the long end. My hand holding technique is pretty good (modest eh?) but useable handheld pictures at 1/6th of a second - read the EXIF and believe. Note however that VR is good for keeping the background steady - moving subjects still need fast shutter speeds to freeze motion - I would not recommend this lens for action sports.
Gripes- there will always be some - I would prefer it 0.5 stop faster across the range, I would like a zoom lock, I would like it to use 77mm rather than 72mm filters, I would prefer an internal zooming design. All that and it would probably cost three times what it does.
Conclusion - take into account the limitations, understand what this lens is good for. You will see a lot of hype on the Internet about this lens. How could a 11x zoom be that good? One answer - its a Nikon - believe!