dione961

This is the zoom lock version of the 18-200. I'm thinking of switching to an as new (720 shots) one from the similar 18-140 I have.

I love the 18-140 but if people feel the 18-200 would be a good walk-around, the plan would be to sell the 18-140 & a similar spec'd Nikkor 55-300 I have, leaving me with not so much overlap in a nice set of lenses to grow with for a long time(Tokina 11-16 f/2.8; Sigma 17-70; the 18-200 if I switch; & a Tamron 100-400 I just ordered).

This set would cost more than double (even removing the exchange rate) in OZ so the goal is to get set up before heading home.

Any thoughts much appreciated, especially on the 18-200mm 1:3.5-5.6GII.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

I walk around with anything from an ultrawide to a 150-600 - depending on what I am expecting to see as I am walking around. Putting my pet peeve aside, the 18-200 is a pretty good lens, until you get out to around 150mm, then it is just an "ok" lens. I had the original one that was bundled as a kit lens with the D200, and it was fine for most photography.

PixelStan77 Loc: Vermont/Chicago

The new verion fixed a very important problem of Zoom creep. The combination of an enormously flexible zoom range and respectable performance made the previous DX 18-200mm VR one of the best-selling lenses in the Nikkor catalogue. But one universal complaint regarded zoom creep, where its barrel extended or retracted under its own weight. Nikon’s addressed this in the new version of the lens with a switch on the side of the barrel which locks it in the wide position for transportation. Nikon has also improved the optical coatings to better reduce ghost and flare.I would go for it.

LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

I have the VRI version, which other than the lock is identical to the VRII ... I believe.

In any event, and you can see my primary glass in my sigline.

The 18-200 is not my best lens, it is my favorite lens to use.

Lightweight, fast AF, very sharp, reasonably short.

Slow at 5.6 is my only issue, but less than half the weight of my 80-200/2.8 which I use maybe once every other month.

Bill_de Loc: US

I also have version 1. I originally put rubber bands around the barrel to slow down lens creep. Then I splurged and got a Lens Band. It does the same thing but looks better.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/834030-REG/LENSBAND_628586557901_Lens_Band_Black.html/?ap=y&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInaPaytzf4AIVST0MCh3rJA_SEAQYAyABEgLtnPD_BwE&lsft=BI%3A514&smp=Y

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LWW Loc: Banana Republic of America

Mine has never had the issue.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

Lens creep is not universal with the Ver 1. It's a fine lens, has it's limitations, but for intended use, does a good job. I like mine.

dione961

Hi! Sorry if I peeved you - was it the "walk-around" thing? I'm 140lbs wringing wet in Arctic rig, no teenager & often hiking it up mountain trails & creeks for full days, so I was looking for a lighter solution I guess, that I could fit into a sensible set of lenses for my needs. I was loaned a Sigma 150-600 C for a day - boy did I feel that in the wrist & neck. I envy your ability to lug that all day!!

Thanks for the tip on the 150mm+ issue. The 100-400 could take over if needed at that point so no big issue. Cheers, D.

dione961

Thanks to everyone - a great bunch of comments. I've not found many online used, so hard to know what to pay, but this me shortage suggests it's more loved than others!

Pistnbroke Loc: UK

look at DXO for both lenses , Check sharpness figure and field to see if its just sharp in the middle

sinderone

I have had the 18-200 with the zoom lock for a number of years. It’s been all over the world with me and has done a great job. While on rare occasions I wish it had a bit more reach, it has not been often enough for me to switch to something larger and heavier. To me it’s the perfect walk around. When I travel I also take a 10-20 and a 35 1.8. All together fairly light and covers all my needs.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I used the 18-200mm for years on my DX Nikons, and it served me well. it's a good size at a good price. On the other hand, it's not the best lens ever made, and critics are quick to point out its flaws. If you want a lens in that range, it will get the job done.

https://kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-200mm-ii.htm

camerapapi Loc: Miami, Fl.

"look at DXO for both lenses , Check sharpness figure and field to see if its just sharp in the middle
If you want better photos put something better in front of the lens."

If you ask me I will say that sharpness depends a lot on us and not necessarily on the lens. The sharpest lens is useless with poor technique.
The 18-200 VR is what it is, a very good walk around lens. It is not perfect but it is a very good lens and sharp. Images from mine even at 200mm are sharp.
Once VR locks DO NOT shoot but just wait another second before shooting. Your images will be considerably sharper.

olemikey Loc: 6 mile creek, Spacecoast Florida

18-200/250/270 The Nikon is a good lens, the Sigma HS OSM Macro 18-250 is another good one, Tamron 18-270 also good, all with IS. I picked up all 3 used, Sigma was/is like brand new, bought very reasonable, Tamron zoom was stuck, bought for a song, easy fix = zoom slide bushing/screw had come loose, probably forced, inside the tubes, pulled off the rubber, fished it out of the little hole with magnetic screwdriver, re-installed with thread lock and found the right amount of tension, works like new, and no creep (and I didn't even have to disassemble it)! Nikon also used, looks like new, works like new, no creep, also bought for a song (early VR version) owner had bought the VRII and let the old one go very reasonable, silly reasonable, cause he could, I guess.

They (decent and inexpensive used lenses) are out there, you just have to search, use due diligence, ask questions, and maybe roll the dice now and again. I am able/capable of many repairs, so am a bit more comfortable with purchases like the ones I've made, but often the repair has been so simple/easy (dirty contacts/broken plastic mounts/zoom guides/slides, etc.) anyone could have done it, as could the previous owner, if they had tried.....win-win.

I agree with camerapapi, technique brings out the best with these lenses, as their optical design is a compromise, steadying and letting everything settle (you, camera/lens), let AF and VR do their thing. I also have several of the older 28-300 models (Tamron), and the same can be said for them, to a greater degree. You can still make fine pics with them if you work at it....they won't win the sharpness contest, but for some shots sharpness isn't the biggest concern. Where sharpness is the big concern, I use the fine tuning capability, if that isn't enough, I use something else.

SuperFly48 Loc: NE ILLINOIS

I had an 18-200 DX lens for a long time (I believe almost ten years ?); it worked for me and thought I got lots of nice shots. Had it initially on a D300, then on a D7100. Upgraded from the D7100 to a D850 a year ago; used the 18-200 on the D850 some until I could afford a Nikon pro lens. Focus lock stopped working on my 18-200 last October; have not replaced it and most likely will not because I do not want any more DX lenses. At present I have a 70-200 on the D7100 when I want more reach.