Nikon Walkaround Lens for WDW

[fairy oma]

I have a Nikon D5200 and was wondering which walk around lens you would recommend. I am considering the 18-200mm or the 18-140mm. I know the 18-200mm has some lens creep, but I am not sure which one to choose.

Any input will be greatly appreciated.

 

[KennedyDCL]

I have a D90 with the 18-200 VRII and it is always my go to lens for trips, especially at theme parks. Has that extra range for taking pictures of the family the rides and it is a very sharp lens. I have a great shot I was able to take at Monster Jam, in Toronto a couple years ago, I'll try to share a link so you can see the quality. As for lens creep, it most certainly does if you don't lock the lens at 18mm, which I do any time it isn't in use. However, I'm not sure if the 18-200mm VR had the locking mechanism or not, so I'd recommend the VRII.

 

[Gianna'sPapa]

It really depends on what your style and what you plan to shoot. The two lenses you mention are both variable aperture lenses and may struggle a bit in low light conditions (and I'm not talking about the dark rides just other lowlight conditions). As long as you are aware of the limitations of the lenses then either will do. Your preference.

 

[fairy oma]

I have a D90 with the 18-200 VRII and it is always my go to lens for trips, especially at theme parks. Has that extra range for taking pictures of the family the rides and it is a very sharp lens. I have a great shot I was able to take at Monster Jam, in Toronto a couple years ago, I'll try to share a link so you can see the quality. As for lens creep, it most certainly does if you don't lock the lens at 18mm, which I do any time it isn't in use. However, I'm not sure if the 18-200mm VR had the locking mechanism or not, so I'd recommend the VRII.

Thank you for the info...I will definitely check out the VRII for the locking mechanism.

 

[Coach]

When I was using my D200 most of my photographs at WDW were taken with my Nikkor 18-200 VR I. I've got to say I never really had an issue with the lens extending on its own. I know it does but mine never really had an issue. Since I've moved to a FF Nikon most of my photographs are with my trusty old Nikkor 50mm 1.4D. The remaining pics are with my 16-35 f4.0 VR2. My 70-200 will usually stay in my bag and not get much use. The 18-200 is a great walk around lens and you can't go wrong if you only want to carry one lens. Best of luck making memories.

 

[fairy oma]

Thank you. I think I will be taking a Nikon 18-200mm VRII lens with me.

 

[OKW Lover]

I've got the 18-200 on my D5300 and its my go-to lens for just about all (except low-light) WDW stuff. I usually find my pictures are in the 18-70 range in the parks, but the longer end is better at Epcot. There I've got lots of across the lagoon shots that are better with the longer zoom. Similarly, AK safari benefits from the long-end of that zoom.

 

[rossb]

I've used my Nikon 18-200 (Version I) @ WDW on my D50, D90, D7000, and D3300. It is not the sharpest lens in my bag, but you can't beat the versatility. I sold the D50, D90, and D7000 and kept the 18-200. That should tell you something about the lens. I also have a D800.

It is the lens I use 90% of the time when at WDW. Here are some 18-200 shots from a few weeks ago. The first two are low light, show shutter, very high ISO, and hand held.

 

[fairy oma]

Wow...I love some of these shots. Looks like I need to get that lens and start playing. Thank you for taking the time to post these photos.