Nikon Lens Question

[tabrizia]

We have a Nikon D70 which we love. We are looking at getting a second lens for it since the kit lens is nice, but we could definately use a few more options. We have decided that we want to get a zoom lens for our first new lens since that is what we use the most to get close up photos. We are looking at the Nikon 28-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF Nikkor Zoom Lens. This is a 7.1x zoom lens at around $360. However, we really like the Nikon 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF DX VR Lens, but the price point at $750 is a bit higher then we want to spend at the moment.

Does anyone have the 28-200mm and what are their thoughts on it? It fits in our budget for a new lens, but I don't want to end up buying it and regretting that we didn't get the 18-200mm or having major problems with it because it is not worth the money.

 

[safetymom]

I have the 18-200 VR lens on order. I can't wait to get it.

 

[ducklite]

My best advice is to go to a local non-chain camera store and talk to them. They will often have better pricing, and will be willing to offer advice on anything related to your camera.

As a general rule I buy what I think I'm going to be happy with in 3-5 years, even if the initial outlay now is steeper.

The exception to that is my D-70. I'm glad I bought it, but I'm looking forward to getting the D2X. I'm glad I didn't start with the D2X because it would have been utterly overwhelming.

Anne

 

[handicap18]

Keep in mind that the 28-200 is croped up to 42-350 so its not really very wide. If you have the kit lens think about getting a sigma or tamron or quantaray 70-300. They are all good and less expensive. I have the quantaray and have been using it for almost 10 years and it takes great pics.

However, if I were starting from scratch I would forgo the kit lens and just get the 18-200. It has been getting great reviews on the camera site.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

you will need something that starts at 18mm. The 18-200 VR is a VERY good performer (as far as superzooms go).

 

[AZ JazzyJ]

While the 18-200 may be a little out of your price range, I think you would be happier with it. The VR alone makes that lens a great choice especially if you are like me and forget your tripod and try to hand hold the lens. At first I thought VR was a gimmick but after using it on the 70-200mm f2.8 I don't think I would ever go back to a long lens without it.


Jeff

 

[Charade]

While the 18-200 may be a little out of your price range, I think you would be happier with it. The VR alone makes that lens a great choice especially if you are like me and forget your tripod and try to hand hold the lens. At first I thought VR was a gimmick but after using it on the 70-200mm f2.8 I don't think I would ever go back to a long lens without it.


Jeff

I agree and I'm thinking hard about getting the 18-200 VR before my May trip to WDW. I'd like to take just one lens this time.

I really miss the IS (VR) that my (now) 5 year old Olympus C2100UZ had. It was 38-380 (35mm eqiv.). It was easy to do 1/4 second handheld shots with it.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

Put it this way. I'm a Canon user and a big proponent of them. However, if they don't come out with an 18-200 IS (Canon's version of VR) soon, I will buy a D50 with 18-200 VR lens as soon as I'm going for my next trip.

 

[tabrizia]

Thanks all, I think we decided on the 18-200 because of the good reviews I've seen and what's been posted here. Plus we know we will eventually upgrade to it and it does fit what we were looking for more then the 28-200. So we're going to order it in a couple of weeks and hope to have it shortly afterwards (or atleast before our trip in August).

 

[safetymom]

Just be aware the 18-200 VR lens is hard to get right now. I have been on a waiting list for a month. Hopefully I will have it soon.

 

[Charade]

Just be aware the 18-200 VR lens is hard to get right now. I have been on a waiting list for a month. Hopefully I will have it soon.

I wasn't aware of that. I'd better order one now if I want to have it before my trip.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

The same goes in Canada. It's in extremely high demand. Better order it now. It's a 2-month backorder in Canada.

 

[AZ JazzyJ]

The same goes in Canada. It's in extremely high demand. Better order it now. It's a 2-month backorder in Canada.

But if you factor in the exchange rate that is only 5 weeks American.

Jeff

 

[Kelly Grannell]

LOL! Not anymore. Now with today's exchange rate, it's about 7 weeks American.

 

[handicap18]

Just got the April issue of Popular Photography and they review the 18-200 Nikkor. Some of the things they say about it: Distortion control was the best they've ever seen the superzoom category; Optically, this lens is the best superzoom they've seen; more expensive then 3rd party digital-only glass, but extremely rugged construction, unusually well-controlled distortion, and 4 extra handholdable speeds are worth the extra bucks.

 

[Charade]

I just ordered the 18-200 VR from Amazon (decent price, no tax and free shipping and a great return policy). It's supposed to be here a week before I leave for WDW May 17th. Keeping my fingers crossed. If I keep it, I will sell my Nikon 18-70 and sigma 75-300.

 

[Kelly Grannell]

I suggest you keep your 75-300 Sigma. It's a very good lens (although no VR) with better reach (obviously) than your 18-200.