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

This lens serves its purpose: versatility. It is expensive, to begin with. But, takes the hassle of bringing several lenses to the location. Lens lock switch is useful, prevents lens damage during work and storage.

I started using this lens recently taking it on vacation and signing up for a digital photography class. While the photographs turn out very clear, you MUST lock it when carrying. Even if you put it on a tripod and point the camera downward, gravity takes over and causes the lens to fully extend which is very frustrating.

With taking a digital photo class this past month I was told this is not something that should occur and the unit is probably defective. Something I would of rather heard when the warranty was active. They said some people use a rubber band to hold the unit. For what it cost it should stay stationary at least on the tripod.

in the past i´ve carried two or three lenses with me. i´ve now sold them and carry only the 18-200. it´s a GREAT lens. the photos are super sharp. solidly built. HIGHLY recommended.

Problem with all Nikon lenses is the rubber rings for focus and zoom. They do not stand up to heavy use. They become stretched from heat and sweat. A serious design change would be welcomed such that those rings (and other rubber/vinyl parts) be replaced with checked surface plastic/acrylic.

I am extremely pleased with this Nikon lens.....crisp, clear and clean images every shot. Highly recommended......no problems of any kind to report.

This is the most used lens on the go. Has the right range and is fast to focus.

My lens came with a D200 camera. In 2009 it stopped functioning; the autofocus quit.
Nikon took it back in 12.2009 and finally returned it in 3.2010 which was an inordinately long time.

It is now broken again. Same issue.

The repair department doesn´t seem to be very responsive thus far and I cannot say that I´d be another buyer for a Nikon product at this juncture.

Still awaiting a reply

On a D300s. Rating VERY GOOD
This lens is perfect for it´s intended purpose. . Good optics, minimal vignetting.
Stabilization works well.
Useful zoom range.
Excellent candid shot lens.
Very good lens if you are traveling light, and or you want to keep the camera sealed against the elements as much as possible, not changing lenses back and forth.
Unless you are a Pro looking at things on the pixel level, you likely won´t have any complaints about this lens.
I took mine to Southeast Asia for six months, took thousands of photos of everything. It can focus close enough at zoom to get reasonable macro.
Add a fast standard and wide angle for very adequate coverage.

Downside..... zooming in and out sucks air, humidity and what goes with it, into the lens. After about five months, I noticed there was an ecosystem growing inside the lens, and it had to be serviced.
I was careful, keeping everything as clean and dry as I could, carrying in a bag, but 32* and the humidity was too much.
This coming trip I´m taking desiccant to put in the storage/overnight container to remove any humidity from the equipment, see how that works out.

This is a great lens which I use as my standard lens. It covers a wide range of focal lengths and enables me to be a distance away and still take great close-ups,
The quality and clarity are excellent and I would recommend this lens to everyone.