Nikon 18-200mm VR zoom question
 

I currently have Nikon 28-100mm, Sigma 70-300 and Sigma 170-500mm APO DG lenses that I use on my D80. I am thinking of getting rid of the 28-100 and 70-300mm lenses and buying a Nikon 18-200mm VR instead.
The reason for this is to minimise lens changing and cut down on the amount of stuff I carry around with me.

Has anyone got experience with this Nikon lens? Would it be an improvement in image quality over what I already have? My current lenses are by no means bad but the VR is a selling point for me.

Any input would be welcome.

Cheers
VB

Hi there VB - I use the 18-200 VR Nikkor. It is without doubt, my main and most useful lens. I find the only time it comes off is when I'm changing bodies. That is because I feel I need one of the bodies features rather than the lens. I use it mainly on my D2x and D200. I also have overlapping lenses but I usually set myself with a couple of bodies and lens for a particular occasion. I may carry an ultra wide in my pocket if the location promises to be suitable.

I'll second what Andy has said, I too rarely take it off my D200 or D300. It may not be the sharpest overall lens but the ability to go from wide angle to a small telephoto is soooooo convenient.

I agree with the above,The only time I take theNikon18-200 off is to use the Sigma 150mm for Macro work

I was looking at one in Jessops this morning (bit of window shopping), and it looks very nice. I will start saving. The woman in Jessops offered me a buy-now-pay-later deal, but I have enough debt as it is so I'd rather save for it.

I might buy one from Warehouse Express or another mail order firm because in the shops the lens is £550 while on the net it's £450.

I have this lens as well and it's rarely off my D200. It's ideal for numerous situations. I'm looking at buying a new lens - A macro lens, for the type of photograpy I do I don't think I'll need to make any more lens purchases (well apart from the enjoyment factor!!)

Can I slide in on this one, although my problem is slightly different
Starting point is D80 with 18-135 kit lens, which I actually find excellent, but presumably worth next to nothing S/H
So do I also go for the 18-200 which no one has a bad word to say about or get a bit more reach and bit less overlap with the Nikkor 70-300mm AF-S VR IF (or put in a bid for your Sigma 70-300, VB)?
I don't mind a bit of lens changing and don't want to go to prime price/weight.

I have the Nikkor 70-300 AF-S VR IF - it is great with the extra reach but depending on circumstances (eg Birding from a Hide) I am carrying it plus a Sigma 50-500 Bigma on another body. It is also a fairly slow lens. The beauty of the 18-200 VR is it really is a leave on and forget standard lens. Its not the fastest lens but it is sharp and for 90% + you don't need another one. In low light yes I'll take a 70-200 VR f2.8 or 80-200 AF-S f2.8 or carry a macro for close-up or an ultra -wide angle for architecture. But for most of my Photographic needs ie: just wandering around with a camera round my neck - the Nikkor 18-200 VR lens covers the lot.

I did consider the 70-300 VR lens, but am pretty much sold on the 18-200 as it's more versatile. Can it be used with a teleconverter?

Hi VB - I sometimes use mine with the Kenko Pro series as these have the necessary contacts built in. But because of all the other clobber I have I tend not to use tele-converters - only extension tubes when required. But the answer is yes - you can - but as far as I know the kenko are the only ones that have contacts. And sometimes you will find your EXIF is out ie the camera does not recognise you have used a tele-converter.