AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED

Just wonfered if anybody had this lens and if so - what you think of it?

Looking to upgrade in June and was wondering about trying to pair up with a Nikon D80. (if I go with a D80)

Bearing in mind I already have a couple of lenses with my D50 - I thought (having VR) it may be a better option than the 18-55mm or the 18-135mm more comonly included as D80 kit lenses.

I have this lens and I love it. The versatility that it gives just makes it real value for money. A little slow at 200 mm but if the light is good that is no matter, but the VR makes up for it sharp shots at 200 mm and 1/30 sec are the norm.

I would highly recommend this lens and say that it is the best lens to choose if you don't want to pay for professional glass.

From what I have seen, it is a great lens Phil - the perfect walkabout. Quite costly tho at around £400?

About that price Azz - but I've seen a few places that will bundle it with D80 like a kit upgrade.

Also - It would probably have a broader use I think.

How much can you get it in a kit for? I might be interested as well

yes me too Azz! might be worth a look at the right price!

I've only had a very quick look and the best price I've seen (new) for the D80 with the this lens is about £740 (HK) and £850 (UK)

I guess for that (Nikon wise) you could be looking at a D200 with a cheaper kit lens.

I've seen various people on the net and in mags pondering over either a D200 or D80 with this lens.

I guess it depends on personal preference but resale on both bodies will be worth 'not much' in a couple of years and if you were were looking to upgrade from either of these 10MP cameras at a later date you'll be still be left with the lenses.

Perhaps prices may differ by June (when I get my annual bonus LOL)

Yeah that's a good point - I may just hold out for the D300 to drop in price as I'm in no real rush tbh

My two penneth worth

The 18-200 is a cracking lens, it being the lower end of the glass market from nikkor, sigma do a version for about half the price which will be about 80% of the quality, if you have one of the "0", D40, D60 etc range then it is the perfect lens.

If you are looking at a D200 or D300 which are pro camera's then you should be looking at pro level glass, otherwise you are wasting your money on the pro level camera as the better results it can produce over the "0" range camera's is lost by using the lesser quality glass.

If you wanna spend money spend it on the glass as that is what will give you the better results not the body.

Sounds advice there Ste!