RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

I am considering the purchase of the above lens to use as my everyday lens. I currently have a Nikkor 50mm f1.8 prime and a 55-200mm Nikon zoom. This would replace the 55-200mm zoom. As an alternative, I could keep the 55-200mm zoom and add a Nikkor 16-85mm f3.5-5.6 mid range zoom as an alternative. All are DX lenses. My camera is a Nikon D7000. I typically shoot family, grand children, their sports, vacations, and some street scenes. I would appreciate your thoughts.

Frapha Loc: Tulsa, Oklahoma

I have this lens with my D7100. It rarely leaves my camera -- does everything I need it to do. I debated between this lens and the 18-300, but finally settled on the 18-200 and have no regrets.

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

You don't say what your budget is, but I would consider the 18-200mm f3.5-5.6g ed vr II.

UtahBob Loc: Southern NJ

I have the 18-200 vintage 2007 and use it now with the D7000. I wish it had a bit more contrast but as a carry around lens it does just fine. I probably have 40k shots on it. My copy probably needs some AF fine tuning when at 200mm and the very closest range. Actually, I should say it does need fine tuning under those conditions. You could make that happen on the D7000 but I have yet to bother as I just tripod it and use live view and zoom in on the screen to nail the focus - but that only works with static subjects.

When racking from wide to zoom or zoom to wide my copy is tight as I suspect most are and what I will do now instinctively is point the lens up or down to allow gravity to help move the lens. I'm assuming that's putting a lot less stress and wear on the lens. I'll do that before the shot, if I know I want to be wide or narrow but if I'm in the middle of a shot, I'll just move it.

I have a lot of new and old glass but I find this lens on the body most of the time because of the range and anyone else in the family can pick up the camera and use it if is on auto.

Boobarf Loc: Kyle, TX

I have an 18-300mm for sale. Gives you more reach than the 18-200mm and has very little use on it. I'm selling, as I replaced it with a 70-200 2.8 and a 300mm f4 (at considerable cost!!).

Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18-300mm f3.5-5.6 GII ED
$499

Please PM me if you are interested.

RKL349 Loc: Connecticut

My budget is about $600. This lens is on sale right now for about that amount. I have heard some say that the 18-140 mm range is a good choice as well. Too many choices out there, but I think I am leaning towards the 18-200 mm lens.

tommyf Loc: Vero Beach, FL

This was one of my favorite lenses

Pine1 Loc: Midland & Lakeway

I have this lens and I am happy with it as a walk-around lens. I have a D7100 and I also have a Nikon 70-200 f2.8G II, Nikon 105G Macro, 35 f1.8 and a 50 f1.8.

The Villages Loc: The Villages, Florida

I've had the same lens for a year and am happy with the results. Seriously considered the 18-300mm, but it much bigger and heavier......and the need for that little extra zoom was minimal in the shots I take.

Kmgw9v Loc: Miami, Florida

We all know the 18-200 is not a pro lens, but it serves as a great walkabout lens for most serious amateurs.

Ambrose Loc: North America

I'll second Kmgw9v's point above and add that it's not the best in low-light situations.

jethro779 Loc: Tucson, AZ

Have you thought about the Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 Di II VC PZD lens? It's 4 oz. lighter than the Nikon and is almost $100.00 less right now. There are several people here who use this lens and on all cameras. Use the search feature and read the posts. I am considering it for my cameras.

David Denham Loc: Lewiston, ID/Clarkston. WA

I have the 18-200mm VR, and I love it for a travel "one-lens-does-it-all" lens. You might also consider an ultra wide angle to handle the short end. I have the Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 and it is a spectacular lens. That would give you 35mm equivalence of 16.5-24mm, 75mm, and 85-300mm counting your other lenses. Just some ideas. The 16-85mm lens covers an ideal walk around range where at 16mm you have 24mm equivalence in 35mm parlance up to 127mm. I shoot a lot of wide angle so the short end is important for me to cover.

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

I bought this lens, Nikkor 18-200 VR ll with zoom lock, for a ten day trip to Kauai, including a 'doors off' private helicopter charter for my wife and I. You can not have anything loose let alone change lenses with the doors off. Tack sharp much sharper than my 18-105 VR, and sharper than my 70-300 VR. All three have been fine tuned using AF fine tune on my D7000. Been back home for two months and have not taken it off my camera. Took my 70-300 VR and put it on my previous and still good D5000 if I need more reach for birds. Some might argue the sharpness, but I am looking at 16x20" prints right now on my walls from this lens, and I could kick my self for not going to 20x30. You will love it.
Duane

tomcat

Got an older version of the 18-200 and I still love it. It does not leave my camera body. Don't let anyone talk you into a Tokina or Tamron lens. They are just not as fast focusing as NIkon and in time, you will hate them.