Nikon 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor Lens Review

Average Customer Rating:

The 18-200mm f/2.5-5.6 DX VR zoom lens offers a very versatile and attractive single-lens solution for the general purpose photographer who needs a single lens suitable to many applications. When it comes to versatility, the 18-200mm certainly delivers. It has a 11.1x focal length range that covers both telephoto and wide angle focal lengths. Nikon provides VR II shake reduction with this lens, which works to reduce camera shake in low light conditions. Additionally, as a mid-range lens, the 18-200mm has a solid high-quality build.

Finally, the Nikon silent wave motor autofocus system rounds out the package, providing reliable, accurate and quiet focus operation with very functional automatic and manual modes. While some users have noted problems with image quality at certain focal length and aperture settings, the level performance of this lens is laudable considering the range it covers. Overall, the 18-200mm f/2.5-5.6 DX VR zoom lens is a great choice for the amateur photographer who requires the ultimate in single lens versatility.

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Nikon 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Lens Features

Focal Length: 18-200mm
Maximum Aperture: f/3.4-5.6
Minimum Aperture: f/22-36
Optics: 16 Elements, 12 Groups
Filter Size: 72mm
Weight: 565g

What Photographers Like About This Lens

The versatility of 18-200mm f/2.5-5.6 DX VR zoom lens makes it a very attractive walkaround lens for many photographers. Users note the effectiveness this range has for shooting a range of applications. Those looking for a versatile low light photography lens enjoy the 18-200mm’s Nikon VR II shake reduction system, which works well at reducing lens shake in low light conditions. Moreover, a very fast autofocusing ability makes this lens a great choice for fast action or sports photography. Photographers find that image quality with this lens is excellent at short and normal focal length ranges. At 200mm image quality is also good.

What Photographers Don’t Like About This Lens

While the 18-200mm f/2.5-5.6 DX VR zoom lens offers excellent image quality, contrast and sharpness at normal and wide focal lengths, quality tends to fall off in the middle focal lengths. Image distortion, light fall off, and chromatic aberration are noticeable around 135mm. Image sharpness and resolution also suffers here. Fortunately, high image quality returns at the maximum focal length range of 200mm.

Overall, many feel that the image quality issues are a reasonable sacrifice that this lens makes up with its range. Many lenses that cover similar focal length ranges have identical image quality problems. Many users also feel that close up images taken with this lens are average. Finally, zoom creep is a common problem, meaning that the barrel of the lens tends to move while the lens is in use, causing the focal length to shift.

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Nikon 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor Lens Supplier

Our preferred supplier of the Nikon 18-200mm f3.5-5.6 G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor Lens is Amazon.com. They are an authorized Nikon reseller, they offer free shipping on many Nikon lenses and they are one of the most trusted online merchants today. Through the Amazon.com marketplace you can also compare prices and buy a new or used lens from various other popular suppliers. See below for a current price comparison on this product (updated every 24 hours).