Lens Q

After an easy walkabout lens.

18-200mm Non VR

OR

55-200 VR

OR

18-105 VR

All about same price.

Which would be more useful?

Id rule out the 18-105mm as a walkabout - I dont think 105mm is the best range. You want something you can take advantage of from both ends. So that leaves you with the 18-200 and the 55-200.

Optically, there isnt alot of difference between the two. So its gong to come down to control and range. Personally id go for the 18-200mm. This means you have the full range from wide to zoom at your finger tips BUT it is heavier than the 55-200mm. I dont think you will find the VR a necessity. You will be out doors and can use a higher ISO if a higher shutter speed is needed

At the moment i have a 20mm f1.8 on camera when out and about, 18-55mm in bag and 70-300 but don't fancy changing all the time when people are with me.

The 70-300 i will probably sell as i rarely use 300 and it has no VR which is useless handheld tbh.

Will i really miss the VR?

Weight isn't an issue as it WILL be lighter than me bag atm.

Another to consider is the 24-120mm VR. Just borrowed one last week and I thought it was good and a neat size although Ken Rockwell suggests it's a bit soft. Seemed ok to me. The other lens I used was an 17-55 f2.8, meant to be very good but can't say I noticed it better or worse than anything else I have. It was big and heavy in comparison to other stuff but it has an excellent reputation and the focal lengths are useful. I have the 55-200 vr which is small and light and good quality. Of course the 18-70mm 'kit' lens is also meant to be a steal and I find this a useful walkaround range. Guess you have to go with whatever suits the stuff you do. VR gives more flexibility and worth having if you can afford the cost and extra size/weight.

I know what you mean about changing lens, so would prob opt for the 18-200. Will you need VR tho

I think KK put's a good argument forward - that you will be outdoors and will have more light...

I use the 70-300 VR as a walk about lens - I rarely use the full 300, but I see that as a bonus point - by not using the lens at full range the picture quality is far superior than using a shorter length lens at full zoom. I have the 55-200 and don't use it as I cover from 10-20mm, then 24-70mm, and then 70-300mm.

18-200mm all the way

Love mine, sharp and amazing focal length. Vr does the biz, sharp at 200mm and 1/60th.