Nikon 18 - 300 lens: Hello everyone, I'm still searching for a good all around lens. I've been researching the 18 - 300 today. How many of you have it? Tell me what you like or dislike...

dpardue Loc: Nashville, TN

Hello everyone,

I'm still searching for a good all around lens. I've been researching the 18 - 300 today. How many of you have it? Tell me what you like or dislike about it. is it all that? Everything I read today keeps talking about how heavy it is!!
Hmmm, really how heavy can it be. Let me know your thoughts. Appreciate it very much.
Thanks
Debbie

Pierre H.J. Dumais Loc: Mississippi Mills, Ont.

Sandra and I each have one and are extremely happy. But, the lens is heavy to have hanging from your neck for more than a few minutes. If you are in the car shooting or use a tripod or monopod there is is no problem.
You'll get excellent IQ if you expose and focus accurately, and, the convenience of not having to change lenses is so nice as well as allowing the shooter to react quickly to different situations.

Pierre

dpardue Loc: Nashville, TN

Pierre,
Thanks for sharing - very good stuff an that's all I've been hearing about it nothing but good.
Thanks
Debbie

Rongnongno Loc: FL

I had one, had a loose lens element inside. Sent it for warranty repair, purchased a prime lens and now the darn thing seats on a shelf until I need it (if ever).

Not a bad lens otherwise but certainly not a prime.

dpardue Loc: Nashville, TN

Thanks.

MT Shooter Loc: Montana

dpardue wrote:

Hello everyone,

I'm still searching for a good all around lens. I've been researching the 18 - 300 today. How many of you have it? Tell me what you like or dislike about it. is it all that? Everything I read today keeps talking about how heavy it is!!
Hmmm, really how heavy can it be. Let me know your thoughts. Appreciate it very much.
Thanks
Debbie

There are two of these lenses available from Nikon. The original is pretty heavy, and pricey, but very good image quality when you consider the zoom range. There is also a newer version at 2/3 the cost and 2/3 the size, but I have not handled one for comparison as of yet.

MtnMan Loc: ID

dpardue wrote:

Hello everyone,

I'm still searching for a good all around lens. I've been researching the 18 - 300 today. How many of you have it? Tell me what you like or dislike about it. is it all that? Everything I read today keeps talking about how heavy it is!!
Hmmm, really how heavy can it be. Let me know your thoughts. Appreciate it very much.
Thanks
Debbie

My wife has it on her D5100 and loves it. It is lighter than carrying two or three other lenses. She loves almost never having to change lens.

Note that there are now two models. The latest has improved VR...it might have a VRII on it. You can save some money on the earlier version which is optically the same.

Oh, I didn't realize the new one is supposed to weigh less. Although the first one isn't as heavy as some seem to suggest (for me heavy = Sigma 150-500...over four pounds) if the new one really is 1/3 less that could certainly matter when walking around with it.

Check it out on DXOMark.

(PS: If you think you might ever go to an FX camera you might consider the 28-300 instead.)

sliberia Loc: Curacao W I

I have one is a good lens. The weight doesn't bother that much I use a sling strap

tisrjtisrj1 Loc: Kissimmee, FL & Alexandria, VA

dpardue wrote:

Hello everyone,

I'm still searching for a good all around lens. I've been researching the 18 - 300 today. How many of you have it? Tell me what you like or dislike about it. is it all that? Everything I read today keeps talking about how heavy it is!!
Hmmm, really how heavy can it be. Let me know your thoughts. Appreciate it very much.
Thanks
Debbie

Debbie,

This is not a direct answer to your question, but perhaps something to consider. The 18-300 is for camera with a cropped sensor. What camera do you use? Is it full frame? If not, will you purchase a full frame camera in the future? My wife and I have the Nikon 28-300 which we use on our D-300 and D-800. We love this lens. The attached photo was take in BC, Canada with the 28-300.

AZNikon Loc: Mesa, AZ

My camera shop recommended the Sigma 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC Macro OS and I love it. I bought it to shoot on my new Nikon D5200 with great results. When the suggestion was made it was because Sigma was lighter and cheaper than the equivalent Nikon lens. See more detail at:

http://www.sigmaphoto.com/product/18-250mm-f35-63-dc-os-macro-hsm

Looks like it has just been reduced by $200. MSRP: $800.00,
Price: $549.00*(I paid a year or so ago), New Price: $349.00 (shown on the website with a $200 rebate-authorized dealers may vary).

Russ1700

I had the 18-300 on my D7000. Excellent lens and not at all heavy. I now shoot with D610 and FX lens, now they are heavy.

AZNikon Loc: Mesa, AZ

Wow-love the detail and clarity-great shot! I hope you got out safely! :thumbup:

MtnMan Loc: ID

Russ1700 wrote:

I had the 18-300 on my D7000. Excellent lens and not at all heavy. I now shoot with D610 and FX lens, now they are heavy.

Try a D800...

dcampbell52 Loc: Clearwater Fl

dpardue wrote:

Hello everyone,

I'm still searching for a good all around lens. I've been researching the 18 - 300 today. How many of you have it? Tell me what you like or dislike about it. is it all that? Everything I read today keeps talking about how heavy it is!!
Hmmm, really how heavy can it be. Let me know your thoughts. Appreciate it very much.
Thanks
Debbie

I love the Nikon 18-300 and while heavy, it isn't as heavy as carrying a 18-55 (or 70) and a 55 (or 70)-300 mm lens and you don't have to change back and forth. The lens is fast and stable. You can shoot at 18 and if something unexpected happens zoom out to 300 without giving it a thought.

Rodney1234

I travel a lot, this is a great lens. I have never been disappointed with IQ. As to weight, what is the total weight of the lenses that would replace it's range? I use a camera sling and do a lot of walking around. I am 68 years old.