Thanks, I also found it finally in my book. Never saw a family that large before. Going back on thursday to see if I can get closer for better photos of the little ones.

Long distance photo (500mm + 1.4 teleconverter) of two ducks with 25 babies. Taken in S. Florida

I think that MT had a typo. You would use a "Step-down" ring to go from a 82mm lens to a 77mm filter.

Very Pretty !! The photo is nice also.

Your focus is set to AF-C. You are spot metering and then recomposing the picture. The camera is then refocusing to the middle of the subject.

Mine doesn't creep either unless I have attached the Canon 500D close-up lens to it.
But then I want it zoomed out to 200mm anyway.
I think $650 with the two filters, is a fairer price for the lens.

MT,
I'm quite sure that Nikon has never felt the need to justify their prices, especially on their lens. I think the barrel lock prompted the Gold version and gave them the opportunity to charge more for a very popular lens.

MT,
Spoke to Jonathan E., at Nikon Support and gave him the incident number. He is going to have A.S. send you an apology for the wrong information that he sent you regarding the lens.
On a higher note, please access the Nikon site given below. It features an interview with Mr. K Usui, the inventor of Vibration technology. He explains its development from 1994 to the present. Pay particular attention to what he says about my lens.
http://imaging.nikon.com/history/scenes/16/index.htm
Have a good day.

MT,
As I said I would, I contacted Nikon Tech Support - incident # 120424-000749. The tech (Jose) stated that after a full investigtation, involving numerous engineers, it is confirmed that both versions of the lens (Red VR and Gold VR) contain the VR II system. The VR I technology was never put in the 18-200mm lens. He further states that the tech (A.S.) that responded to you was in error. He also requested that if you were willing, he would like the incident # used in your inquiry. They don't want erroneous information given out in the future.
Once again, thanks for your help.

MT,
I appreciate the effort that you have gone to in the search for truth. I don't doubt that you got that response from a tech person. However the questions remain : 1. Why does the original owners manual state that the lens uses the VRII system and offers a 4 stop advantage?? and 2. Why does the official lens product description from the Nikon website and your link to my lens at Adorama state that the VRII system is used within the lens??
All you and I can do is react to what we are told. But..... either the tech is misinformed or Nikon sold the product using erroneous information.
I am going to push the issue at Nikon and see what others have to say. Stay tuned.

Thanks for the question. In speaking to Nikon, they made a mistake in not indicating VRII on the body of the original lens. This resulted in a lot of confusion. One of the two reasons the second version was released was to indicate the VRII system was used. The other was the addition of the barrel lock. Other than the lock and the color of the VR lettering; the two lens are identical. VRII was also ID'd in the original manual. If you do a comparison of the two at NikonUSA. you can verify this.

MT,
Forgot to mention that if you notice the Overview for the lens you reference on the Adorama link, it says that the Reduction system is the VR II.

MT,
Spoke to Nikon, both lens use the VR II system. The original paperwork and Instruction manual also state that the Reduction system is the VR II. The lens you reference included the barrel lock, and the VR II designation in gold color.
Thanks for your input.

Nikkor AF-s DX VRII Zoom 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED.
Great walk-around lens for the DX Cameras. Probably the most popular lens that Nikon has ever produced.
Going to the FX format -want to sell. Includes both a Circular Polarizing filter and a UV filter. $700.00 plus $10.00 shipping.
Take Money Order or PayPal. Check must wait to clear.
Excellent Condition.