I never thought I would do it...

**Scream And Fly** · 06-09-2009, 04:59 PM

But I did. I ordered the Nikon 18-200VR - a lens that I always swore I would never buy for any reason. Well, a photo shoot came up and it turns out that Nikon does not make any pro lenses in the focal range I needed, and for this shoot I will not be able to swap lenses or even camera bodies on the fly, so I settled on this jack-of-all-trades lens.

We'll see how it performs...

**ozziffied** · 06-09-2009, 05:08 PM

I had that one and switched to the AF-S VR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 G IF-ED I like that one allot better... the 24-85mm 1.28-4 is still my ultimate favorite though!

**Scream And Fly** · 06-09-2009, 05:47 PM

I would love to take my 70-200 2.8, but I need something wider. The 24-120 is an option, but I understand this lens is not so great. I'm shooting from a helicopter, so I really won't have a chance to swap lenses. I have the 16-85, but it doesn't have the reach I need for this shoot. The 18-200 has the range (and then some), but I have reservations about this lens. I never owned a "superzoom" before.

**Motorcies** · 06-09-2009, 07:24 PM

is good for your pictures
Perfect is 17-55 and 70-200
18-200Vr is good, wat is your camera ?

**Casey** · 06-09-2009, 07:26 PM

Greg I bought one earlier this year and love it. I think once you use it a few times you will think differently as long as you remember it is what it is, a jack of all trade lens.

**hsbob** · 06-09-2009, 08:54 PM

its not the best lens butdoes cover the water front. just remember the vr in low lite does not stop moving objects.

**seahorse** · 06-09-2009, 11:03 PM

Just remember that the 18-200 zoom works best from about 24 to 175 or so and at f5.6, f8, and f11. Your images will be the sharpest within those settings.

**pyro** · 06-10-2009, 05:33 AM

Originally Posted by seahorse

Just remember that the 18-200 zoom works best from about 24 to 175 or so and at f5.6, f8, and f11. Your images will be the sharpest within those settings.

Stay within the middle of its range and it should be fine. I know you've said some bad stuff about this lens, but I was actually thinking of replacing my 18-135 with one in the future. Let us know how it works out...

**jmc** · 06-11-2009, 01:11 PM

Many reviews say its the best superzoom out there.

**cutwater** · 07-01-2009, 05:08 AM

So, Greg, did you try out the 18-200 and if so, what did you think?

**Scream And Fly** · 07-01-2009, 05:20 AM

Originally Posted by cutwater

So, Greg, did you try out the 18-200 and if so, what did you think?

Yes - I used it for that shoot. The 18-200 did well, it was plenty fast, and it gave pretty good results. I won't say I was totally pleased with its resolution, but it did OK. Not a bad lens, but not something I would use unless I really needed it.

Some samples from that shoot are here:

http://forums.screamandfly.com/forum...9&postcount=43

**Motorcies** · 07-01-2009, 05:59 AM

My work D200 and 17-55 Nikon
F1 Portimao 2009

http://www.motorciesracing.com/Galer...ec_albums.html

select album please

**Shaun K** · 07-01-2009, 06:19 AM

Originally Posted by Scream And Fly

I would love to take my 70-200 2.8, but I need something wider. The 24-120 is an option, but I understand this lens is not so great. I'm shooting from a helicopter, so I really won't have a chance to swap lenses. I have the 16-85, but it doesn't have the reach I need for this shoot. The 18-200 has the range (and then some), but I have reservations about this lens. I never owned a "superzoom" before.

Drop the 70-200 on a FF D3 or D700...Youll be at 70mm instead 105mm..Could always bring a 2nd body/lens combo (D200/D300) too right ? If I was in your neck of the woods I would simply lend you D3/24-70

**Dinomite** · 08-18-2009, 01:48 PM

Pictures I posted over the years is with a little pocket Cannon SD800 IS
Digital camera.

Probably should have had another AR15 custom built!! But last weekend
I purchased Nikon D90 SLR Camera with 18-105mm DX VR Lens after talking
with Greg. Taken several pictures this D90 is incredible!!

Now I am looking for a 70-200 or 70-300... What is available? "Used"

Dinomite

**Scream And Fly** · 08-21-2009, 04:07 AM

Dean, I'm glad to see that you're enjoying your D90. That camera body is capable of producing images of the highest professional standard. The rest is up to the lens and you

. Before the 70-300, I would strongly consider the Nikon 80-200 2.8. It doesn't have VR, but honestly I've only used VR 3 times in my life in a professional shoot. It's really not needed in my opinion unless you're shooting a lot of still subjects in low light. The 80-200's optics are on par with the Nikon 70-200 2.8, and although it does not have an internal focus motor (AF-S), it focuses plenty fast for sports, and it will certainly focus faster than the 70-300. Of course, if you can find a great deal on a 70-200, that lens in my favorite.

Call anytime if you need help with it.

Greg

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