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

This is a great lens for a wide range of situations. My only complaint is that it suffers from lens creep, i.e., when held/carried with the lens pointed down gravity causes the lens to extend. Except for that defect it would be perfect.

The perfect lens for about half of my assignments, the 18-200 VR II is a cost efficient way of covering a variety of needs for a reasonable amount of money.

It is a DX lens (meaning optimized for the APS-C format chip and is the equivalent of a 28-300 mm zoom in 35mm format.

Its big but it does a lot of jobs. If I am going to take one lens with me its the one I choose.

Best one-lens solution around.
Buy this if you need only a zoom.

if you don´t need to shoot anything lower than eye level, stellar lens, but tilt downward and it will not hold focus - manual or auto - really a problem - this lens is the one that came with my d300 a couple years ago and after exchanging the first 18-200 , this one had the same problem - if there is a fix, please tell me - am a nikon lifer - half dozen starting with the F Photomic - decades of use - this is the first time disappointed.

18-200 on D300 takes care of almost all situations. Don´t have to change lens (and get dust into body) and can go from wide angle landscapes to distant birds. After many years of carrying a range of lens, this is the great answer.

I´ve had quite the variety of cameras and the story I am about to share is why I chose NIKON. A couple of years ago, I was hiking/mountain climbing with the OutdoorsClub (dot org). We had just scaled a 60´ (dry) waterfall and were standing on the top when I opened my sling bag and was taking a shot of the view. A lady called to me to take a picture, and when I turned rapidly, my 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II was launched from my sling bag.

The lens bounced a few times on the hard granite surface before going over the waterfall and landing in gravel below. I walked to the edge, thinking the worst, but it looked intact, so I climbed back down and retrieved it. To my amazement, there are no marks on the lens, only my filter has scratches and nicks. I am still using this lens today.

Last summer, I saw the photographer drop a Canon when he turned rapidly and both lens and camera body sustained major damage. I didn´t have the heart to tell him the lens I was using went off a waterfall.

I have enjoyed this lens so far, havng purchased it in December 2010. I´ve had no problem with lens creep and the lens is great for all purpose use. I like the fact that I don´t have to change lens. I only wish it went to 300mm but then I guess it would be too heavy. It fit onto my Nikon D80 camera with no problems and works really well. It is sharp and clear even at 200mm set on closeup such as flower setting. I´m looking forward to using my camera with this lens when we go traveling to the western states this fall.

Absolutely the best of everything in this lens. Lighwieght but strong, quick focus and great stabalization. Great lens for outdoor photography especially backpacking and camping. Could be a little faster, f-stop wise, to make it the perfect mid-range lens for wildlife. This lens is my all around lens and rarely is removed from my D300s.