Join Now
Join ePHOTOzine, the friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more for free!
Anyone know of a good alternative to the Nikon 18-200 VR, or is it so good it's worth the wait?
Mainly shooting kids portraits with a D70, although looking to upgrade to a D200. Current lenses are cheap and all need replacing!
Cheers - shan't be around for a couple of hours as we're now off to have a baby scan, will return this afternoon.
Tony
I don't know of an alternative but I can vouch for the quality of this lens. I bought it to use as a general purpose lens to replace the 18-70, I wanted it so I could lighten my bag for day to day use. So far I have been very pleased with the results, I used it at a friend's wedding at the weekend and the image quality is excellent.
Ian
I take it that, range aside, the 18-200 can still be classed as a step up in image quality from the 18-70 ? Or is it fair to say they are compariable and the 200 just has the further reach and VR. I am a D50 user looking to replace the kit 18-55 lens. Was debating either the 18-70 or saving for the 18-200.
The 18-70 is a good kit lens but the 18-200VR is much better in every respect. I know people don't like Ken Rockwell, but if you ignore the hype his review is actually pretty useful. Like him or not, he (claims to) buys all his own kit and seems to say straight out if he doesn't like something.
It depends upon your priorities. I wanted the ability to minimise the kit I need to take at certain times and this lens gives me that. I have no intention of getting rid of my 70-200VR, which I use as a specialist lens for wildlife and motorsport.
Thanks for your replies - I have now returned from the baby scan. Apparently the grey blob in the middle of the screen really is a baby!
My main priority is for portraits, mostly in the studio, occasionally out on location. Don't want to keep chopping and changing lenses during the shoot, so looking for a decent mid-range zoom. Up til now have mainly been using a Nikon 28-100G, but it jumped off the window sill the other day.
Already have a Sigma 18-50, Nikon 50 f1.8, and a Nikon 70-300G (which will be used as a paperweight!).
Looking also to buy Sigma 10-20mm and a Sigma 105 macro, so something to compliment this lot.
Tony
I bought a Nikon 18-200 recently and have mixed feelings about it. It seems to give very good results if you stop it down to at least f8. If it is used at max aperture the results are very disappointing. It is easy in the heat of the moment, especially if you are worrying about other things such as flash setup, to screw up and get poor results. I recently took a load of portraits, the first half of which were at max aperture and they are rubbish, whilst other photos at f8 are very good. I intend to keep it for when I want an all rounder on say a hiking trip but will use better lenses the rest of the time.
Add a Comment
ePHOTOzine, the web's friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more.
Related Content
Nikon Nation
Are you a Nikon owner? Check out Nikon Nation to find the latest Nikon news, reviews, discussion and photos on ePHOTOzine.
Join Our Free Newsletter
Awards
Current Competitions
Olympus 'Portraiture' Competition - Win £1000 Worth Of Gear!
30th April 2013 - 31st May 2013
This month, to celebrate the launch of Olympus' new micro site Olympus Image Space, Olympus are giving you the chance to win £1000 worth of Olympus gear!...
Featured e2 Photo
May's Photo Month
Check out ePHOTOzine's inspirational photo month calendar! Each day click on a window to unveil new photography tips, treats and techniques.
