gdgt

I love this lens! Once I started using this lens, I just leave the others at home. It's the best all purpose lens I've ever had.

Bought this a few years ago for my D70s and just moved it over to the D90.

Anybody else find a "special lens"?

I use the 18-200mm and the 50mm f/1.8 the most often of the four I own. The 18-200 is rarely off the camera!

Lens creep is a real problem with this lens. Wish it had a zoom lock like Canon or Sigma. Otherwise a great travel lens when you only want to carry one lens.

Yeah, I've looked through some other forums and seen that when the focal length is spread out over such a wide range, that some distortion starts appearing? Especially vignetting? I'd love to get some feedback on this,as I'm planning to buy a DSLR soon.

Hello AnkuMadan. Read the review from Ken Rockwell's blog on the 18-200mm---> http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200.htm. The 18-200 more than matches the capabilities and quality of the D90.

I really thought I would love the 18-200 VR after all the glowing reviews of it (Ken Rockwell in particular). But after a week of use I gave up trying to like it and returned the thing. Why? The pictures just lacked sharpness and it suffers from rather extreme distortion at the longer end. This was surprising since my cheap 55-200 VR (figured the 18-200 VR would be AT LEAST as good) has been a surprising little lens that I pack when weight is an issue.

I tried the 18-200 on my old D70s and new D90 and the output was sad. So I guess I was just not willing to live with the low quality to gain the benefit of a single lens. Instead I normally use the combo of a Sigma EX 24-70 2.8 or 30mm 1.4 and the Nikon 180mm 2.8. (yes, I know it is not fair to compare these to the 18-200 due to cost and weight, but this is still my personal opinion).

I've been a big fan of the 18-200mm. I think that anybody could love it, so long as they knew exactly what they were getting - this is a (relatively) cheap, very versatile, all-use lens that will cover the vast majority of most people's needs. That being said, if you need a really good wide angle lens, this isn't for you. If you need a really great zoom lens, this isn't for you. But if you can compromise just a touch in order to have both types, as well as everything in the middle, inside one casing, then you have the 18-200mm, and it is pretty great.

This is my all-purpose, walking-around lens. It's not perfect but it's a lot easier to pack than a handful of specialized lenses; and when that ad hoc opportunity presents itself you do not want to be hunting for the right lens....

I'm happy with the quality of the pictures - if I blow up the images I will notice some imperfections but I post most of my images on websites or play them in a slideshow on HDTVs so I don't actually see those flaws.

1. Great Lens, Great quality. Not the sharpest (But sharp enough for most of us)
2. This lens really creeps when pointed upward or downwards. (#1 drawback)
3. If price is not a problem its the best all in one / travel lens.
4. If value for money is considered, its not the right lens. (#2 drawback)

The new 35mm fixed glass lens is also great. At $200, it's a bargain and works great in low light. Back ordered most places right now...

Does anyone else hear a clicking noice from the lens after the shutter? Like a half second after the picture is taken the lens makes a clicking sound. What is this? Something to be worried about?
thanks
/J