Product Description

Nikon's 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor is a high-ratio 11x zoom lens with Nikon's exclusive VR II Vibration Reduction technology. Nikon's VR II provides the equivalent of a shutter speed 4 steps faster than would otherwise be possible, enabling substantially sharper pictures in challenging conditions. The Nikkor 18-200mm lens incorporates two ED glass and three aspheric lens elements to provide optimal color, contrast and clarity while minimizing chromatic aberrations and other distortion, resulting in outstanding image quality and versatility. In addition, Nikon's compact AF-S Silent Wave Motor provides fast and quiet autofocusing while the M/A mode allows for simultaneous switching between Autofocus and manual focus operation.

Product Details

• Brand: Nikon
• Model: 2159
• Dimensions: 9.00" h x 6.00" w x 4.00" l, 1.50 pounds

Features

• High-ratio, 11x zoom lens and 18-200mm focal range
• VR II Vibration Reduction technology provides a four-steps-faster shutter speed
• Lens incorporates two ED glass and three aspheric lens elements
• Delivers high-resolution and contrast, outstanding image quality, and fantastic photographic versatility
• AF-S Silent Wave Motor provides fast quiet autofocusing, and M/A mode makes it easy to switch from auto to manual focus

From the Manufacturer
The 18-200mm f3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens is a compact, lightweight, 11.1x zoom lens that is ideal for high-performance, everyday photography, and it incorporates advanced features such as Nikon's Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM), and Enhanced Vibration Reduction (VR II) in a DX-Nikkor design engineered exclusively for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras. With a remarkable 18-200mm focal length range (picture angle equivalent to a 27-300mm lens in 35mm format), the lens conveniently covers everything from wide landscapes to tight portraits and action photography. Advanced Nikon engineering has lent the lens a compact, lightweight design that offers excellent handling characteristics and superb optical quality.

Beyond the lens's incredible optical versatility is the benefit of Enhanced VR II Vibration Reduction, an innovation that makes it possible to take substantially sharper handheld pictures at slower shutter speeds than would otherwise be possible. This provides the distinct advantage of being able to shoot more effectively in a much broader variety of challenging conditions. With the new Nikon VR II advantage, users can take pictures at shutter speeds as many as 4 stops slower than they ordinarily could shoot without the image-degrading blur associated with camera shake at slow shutter speeds. Nikon's VR technology further enhances picture-taking potential with a choice of two modes to match most shooting conditions. VR Normal Mode primarily compensates for camera shake, and includes automatic panning detection, as well as automatic tripod detection. VR Active Mode effectively compensates for vibration in situations where it is more pronounced and more frequent, such as when shooting from a moving vehicle.

To further ensure outstanding optical performance, the 18-200mm f3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor features two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and three complex aspherical lens elements that provide for higher resolution, high-contrast images while minimizing chromatic aberration, astigmatism, and other forms of distortion. The lens also features Nikon's compact Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM), which combines fast and precise autofocusing with super-quiet operation, as well as Internal Focusing (IF) construction that allows the lens to focus without changing its external size, improving balance and handling chrematistics.

All of Nikon's DX Nikkor lenses are engineered exclusively for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras, making the lens smaller and lighter while providing exceptional center-to-edge-to-corner image quality and overall optical performance.

Major features of the Nikon 18-200mm f3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens:

• Offers a broad 18-200mm focal range (11.1x zoom) for use in a variety of situations (equivalent to a 27-300 mm lens in 35mm format); VR II Vibration Reduction system offers the practical equivalent of using a shutter speed 4 stops faster
• Two ED glass and three complex aspherical lens elements minimize chromatic aberration, astigmatism, and other forms of distortion while ensuring high resolution and contrast
• Incorporates a compact SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet focusing. Delivers high-level optical performance that is specially designed for use with the Nikon digital SLRs
• Employs a seven-blade, rounded diaphragm opening that achieves a natural blur for out-of-focus elements
• Enables focusing from as close as 50 centimeters (20 inches) from the subject through its entire focal range
• M/A mode for rapid switching between autofocus and manual focus operation
• Internal Focusing (IF) design simplifies the use of circular polarizing filters
• Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) offers superb color reproduction while minimizing ghosting and flare
• Flower-shaped lens hood HB-35 (included) greatly reduces stray light, enhancing image quality

Customer Reviews

Hit or Miss but worth it.
I'm not going to go on about this lens and rehash the same info good or bad, like hundreds of reviewers before me. Instead, I will simply share my personal experiences with this lens.
I got this lens to use with my D100 1. Because all my other lenses were for film format and 2. I got tired of carrying and switching 4 different lenses. All in all, this was a great lens for me. It is an all in one lens that basically allowed me to take "pretty good" pictures in most situations without having to do a damn thing. All for under $700.
This lens became my main lens for 90% of my photography. What do I take pictures of primarily? My family and friends, my house projects, vacations and occasionally for work documentation.
The other 10% I use my other prime lenses for side jobs (weddings, restaurants) Yet I still used the 18-200 as well.
Unfortunately, my lens completely stopped working after about a year and a half. (no AF or VR) and I never registered after purchase to take advantage of Nikons free extended 5 year warranty nor did I still have the receipts or paperwork. Bummed, I continued to use my other lenses in the meantime. Didn't realize how much I relied on that lens until it was gone and I couldn't go back to relying on manual focus with my eye. It was going to cost more than a couple of hundred bucks to fix. I decided to buy a new lens anyway and sell the old as is. I bought the same lens and immediately noticed a difference! It didn't seem as sharp as the first. It seemed as if the AF was always a little "soft" even at high shutter speeds. My other lenses were tack sharp, so I knew it wasn't the camera. I immediately exchanged the lens for another. This third and final lens seems to focus just fine but now I have doubts about the VR. When the VR is turned on normal it sounds different than previous same lenses. I also seem to have a less success rate on controlling camera shake blur than before. It may just be me getting old but keep in mind after more than a years worth of constantly using that lens I got used to its every nuance. Something is not the same. I believe it has to do with different "batches" of manufacture. I miss that first lens before it quit. I'm thinking maybe I should have paid to fix it and kept it. This is the only Nikon lens I have ever had problems with and also the only lens I own not made in Japan. (That's a whole other discussion)

Basically, I think it is a hit or miss with this lens. But for what it is, it's a great all around lens. Well worth the $. Just be sure to register for Nikon's free 5 year extended warranty in case you have issues like me!
I recently got a D700 and am in the process of seeing how it performs with this lens. We shall see.

review if partnered with d40
it`s pretty closed to 5 stars but not perfect because it is too heavy for d40, probably perfect for other bigger nikkons which i dont have. makes it a good everday lens...very flexible but again...heavy for my d40 and seems a poor balance.. pictures come out great!!!

Soft and slow
Not sure what most reviewers are craving about. I must have gotten a bad copy that came with d300. Yes, it is versatile, but that's about where it ends.

My major gripes with the lens are: (1) The lens is extremely slow. Don't even think about using it in low light without a tripod. (2) The focus is soft no matter what I tried. (3) At its widest settings there is bucketload of corner vignetting and barrel distortion. Be prepared to heavily post process each and every time you do wide angles (shoot in tif or raw to preserve detail).

Verdict: if you are serious about photogrpahy, you'd be better off buying specialized lenses in lieu of this underperforming generalist.