AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II

Great all-round lens, which covers with 18-200mm a great range for on the fly shooting. The loss of light and crispness due to the wide angle to tele range is more than acceptable and is outweighed by versatility.
Even though some pro collegues will frown at this, but it would be nice to have full-frame version of this lens, so it can be used with D3x/s and D700.

I purchased the first version, with the ´´VR´´ in red on the lens. At certain focal lengths is tack sharp, no problem with 16x20 prints. At other focal lengths in decent enough for a ´´tourist´´ lens, when one does not want to tote around a slew of heavier lens and risk getting dirt on a camera body´s digital sensor when changing lenses.

Unfortunately the lens will not survive even normal
use in the camera bag without slipping an 0-ring or something. I have sent mine back to Nikon twice when the lens totally becomes undone and the barrels slide apart without resistance. Both times the repair was a reasonable $100 but not covered under warranty. I was told the lens had received abuse to the front element causing the damage. The camera is always kept in a bag and received average use. The second time it came back, a year later, the lens will creep completely to it´s maximum zoom just from it´s own weight hanging from a shoulder strap, and I mean within a minute of binging out of the camera bag. I called Nikon and was told ´´that is normal for that lens´´. Unbelievable, and it did not do that when new.

Nikon redid this lens, the latest version (black ´´V R´´ on the lens) has a lock button to protect the lens while not being used, and I would hope some other enhancements as well. Too bad the first series lens did not get more attention.

The focal length range on this lens is great, eliminating the need to carry multiple lenses around when you´re on vacation or at special events.

However, there are several issues with this lens that keep me from recommending it to anyone seeking to use it professionally.

1. Any time the lens is tilted at extreme down angles, the lens has a tendency to slip. In other words, the lens doesn´t maintain its focal length when aimed down.

2. Images produced with this lens are somewhat soft, regardless of the f-stop setting or shutter speed.

3. The lens isn´t very fast, which is expected for its price range, but not from Nikon.

4. The lens is slow to lock on focus.

I would say that my disappointment with this lens could be due to using it on the older D200, but I haven´t been crazy about it since day one. Initially I thought I was getting images I was unhappy with due to inexperience. However, I have shot for over 5 years using various Nikon and Canon lenses and cameras, producing razor sharp images with beautiful depth of field. Every time I return to my 18-200mm I find myself either disappointed with the results or taking it off due to poor performance.

I have a 50mm f/1.4 Nikon lens as well, and it is incredibly sharp.

My D5000 kit came with an 18-55 lens and a separate 55-200 lens, and it was VERY inconvenient to be constantly switching lenses. Why not combine them both? - the 18-200 lens is a perfect solution and makes the camera infinitely more usable. This lens is quite heavier then either of the previous lenses, but I would recommend this lens as an all-in-one to keep attached constantly - great range and good quality!

I´ve had this lens on my D90 since I bought it a few years ago. I take a lot of travel photos as well as grandchildren photos and it serves that range beautifully. I´ve used it indoors in museums with flash turned off as well as in varied lighting situations in and outdoors. It is a solid performer. I dislike changing lenses. I´ll take the 55-300 on safari because I´ll need the increased zoom for the animals from the vehicle. The 18-200 will remain my general use lens tho´. It does tend to have the zoom slide when nose down, but the sling I´ve begun to use on the camera changes the carry angle and mitigates that problem. For those like me who prefer a single lens solution, this one definitely serves.

This lens does it all from closeup shots to action sports shots.Keep it on my D90 about 95% of the time.Can´t give this lens enough credit for the shots I have got with it.

Excellent and highly versatile product. Good price considering the high level of quality.

I´ve used this lens since they came out and it is a great all around lens! It is a little heavy but I´m ok with it.

I have used this with a D80 and with a D7000.
Love it.