Nikkor 18-200 VR II
This is what i'd term a prosumer lens. It actually isn't low cost nevertheless it doesn't have the build quality of Nikon's top-of-the-line. The barrel, as an example, is plastic instead of metal. I concern that a drop would be catastrophic and even a tough bang on the sting of a table may do serious harm if it was absolutely extended. On the opposite hand, this could be a heap more cost-effective than those within the Nikon professional line. additionally, that is far lighter and easier to hold than it'd be were it created entirely of metal.
It is my understanding that the sole meaningful distinction between the VR II and its immediate predecessor is that the addition of a cam lock to forestall lens creep. my very own sample does not creep the least bit, even with the cam unlocked however apparently that has been a big irritant for variety of patrons.
The use of "VR II" within the name is probably misleading as a result of it should lead shoppers to believe that the VR system has been improved over the first model. this is often not the case. each the first 18-200 and therefore the restructure contain Nikon's second generation VR system. Some have instructed that Nikon's promoting could be a bit shady on now whereas others counter that the "II" merely designates a replacement model.
Sharpness is a smaller amount than absolute across the whole vary however quite adequate for something that an amateur, or maybe most professionals, is probably going to want. there's delicate to moderate distortion, a lot of marked at the focal length extremes however scarcely visible within the overwhelming majority of pictures and readily correctable in Photoshop, DxO, or different post-processing software. distinction is crisp and that i realize it surprisingly freed from flaring and ghosting.
No one should purchase this thinking that it'll create him/her a stronger photographer. smart photography is within the mind and therefore the eye, not in camera. What the 18-200 can do, though, is give a one answer to the nice majority of focal length wants, minimizing the necessity to tote a hefty bag choked with lenses. It happens that, as a protracted time Nikon user, I even have such a bag. Despite all the alternatives at my disposal, my 18-200 in all probability stays on my camera 85-90% of the time.
Folks who are obsessed on numbers, charts, and MTF curves can in all probability fret over the 18-200, taking enjoyment of remarking each very little defect. For the remainder folks, the sole vital draw back that I see is that the lens isn't ideally fitted to extended service in rough environments or adverse weather things. Since most folks seldom shoot in such circumstances, this could not be abundant of a haul.
I heartily suggest the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G AF-S ED VR II (whew! what a mouthful) to any advanced amateur or skilled seeking a highly usable big selection zoom.
