18-200mm VRII vs Kit 18-55 and 55-200mm

[ClaudioG]

Hi all.. my friend is offering a really awesome deal for me to buy the 18-200mm VRII lens, basically less than half of what it costs..he's literally taken less than 250 pics with this lens.
He's a pro photgrapher and obviously has higgher lvls of lens.
I do have both the kit lenses.

I just want to know..aside from gaining the fact that i dont need to switch lenses, what else am i getting?

I've dun some reading up and opinions are all over. Am i gaining a better image quality?

The build is obviously better as well.

Should i hold on cash and get a different lens and keep previous 2 kit lenses? It really is a great price though.

i'd like anyone with experience or some knowledge with this lens to help me out

Thank you for your help and advice

[siggi]

I presume you are talking Nikon-my wife has the 18-200 VR1-extremely sharp throughout.Most versatile lens in our collection of around 10 lenses.You'll never look back.You won't get much for your kit lenses but they'll just collect dust if you get the 18-200.Kamaraz in Rosebank may trade them .

[Manfred M]

I have the 18-55mm and 55-200mm set and my wife has the 18-200mm lens.

Optically the two lens combination is superior to the single lens solution. There is more distortion, aberration and softness (especially at the both ends of the focal length); this is quite typical with these extreme focal length single lens solutions.

Mechanically the 18-200mm lens is superior (and much heavier) than the 18-55mm and 55-200mm combined weight; both of which have a plastic bayonet mount. The other advantage of the single lens is that you will never have to change lenses (which is why my wife likes it).

[Stagecoach]

Hi Claudio,

I have had the 18-200mm VR Nikon for years and am extremely pleased with it, but can not compare it's quality with the other two you mention as I have never used them. It's my go just about everywhere lens and still looks like new.

Although I'm aware that reportedly it does not perform best at the extremities, as most zooms, this has never concerned me. Rarely do I use it at 200mm but this shot below was taken at 200mm on a tripod on a wooden verandah new years day and the foreshore building roof in front of the firework is exactly 4.98 kilometers from the camera according to google earth. I think its pretty impressive at 200mm ! Sharpening is standard Colin Southern procedure



Grahame

[ClaudioG]

Does anyone feel like they've missed a shot cos they dont have both lenses in one?
Manfred?..have u ever felt that having to change has been a biiiig disruption?

[Manfred M]

Yes; I have missed shots because of lens changes. On the other hand, my wife has missed shots too; because of the relatively slow maximum aperture at the long end. I got some great shots she missed, but I was shooting the f/2.8 70-200mm.

Like anything else in photography (and life); one has to understand the impact of the tradeoffs one is making in one's equipment decisions.

[ClaudioG]

aaarg...im so confused now...This is my situation..i've bought some filters, not to expensive..for my kit lens..18-55 more so..to do some landscape photography. i also have the 55-200. Would you get the 18-200mm and just buy the filters again( please note...it is the VRII (iis there a big difference in glass))...because of better build and not having to switch..or would you get some extension tubes for macro(Which i njoy) or a 50mm 1,8 lens??? Arrgg..basically those are my choices..save more than half on 18-200...ext tubes...or 50mm 1.8 lens for portraits...i think i can count out 50mmm lens for later....aaaargghhh

[Manfred M]

Yes; there is all that... The filters on the 18-200 are 72mm and I seem ti remember that the other lenses take either the 52mm or 55mm one. I'm not a macro shooter, so I have no suggestions there.

Personally, I don't like the 50mm lens for portraiture (too short for my liking; I use that lens on the D800 but never on the D90) and used the 55-200mm for that. work. Generally the shallow DoF is not what you want in a portrait.

[ClaudioG]

Thanks Manfred.. yeh..i gotta say..i've promised myself to give 2 yrs to macro...so 50mm isout..i think just the bargain for the lens got me..but i can switch between lenses ,,its no prob..im overly careful..so..if i go out for wider shots..i must accept using the 18-55..and to move in..i'll bring the 55-200mm...Nikon has been good that way that these lenses are still great even thought they kit...and to be honest..i had my heart set on ext tubes

[rambler4466]

http://www.cokin-filters.com/

[shreds]

Years ago, I was considering the 18-55mm and the 17-55mm. Big difference in price but oh the quality. The girl in the dealers was absolutely spot on in recommending spending the extra cash.

[shreds]

Hi all.. my friend is offering a really awesome deal for me to buy the 18-200mm VRII lens, basically less than half of what it costs..he's literally taken less than 250 pics with this lens.
He's a pro photgrapher and obviously has higgher lvls of lens.
I do have both the kit lenses.

I just want to know..aside from gaining the fact that i dont need to switch lenses, what else am i getting?

I've dun some reading up and opinions are all over. Am i gaining a better image quality?

The build is obviously better as well.

Should i hold on cash and get a different lens and keep previous 2 kit lenses? It really is a great price though.

i'd like anyone with experience or some knowledge with this lens to help me out

Thank you for your help and advice

Have you ever asked yourself (or your friend) the question why your friend why they honestly want to get rid of this lens? 250 shots is only one days shooting.

[Bill Yeung]

Shreds question wrap up nicely:
Professional rarely will sell their lens.
To me, I buy is not because of the good deal. as it is a road of never ending - everyday got good deal from the web, local store, dealer............
I buy when I got some money in my pocket and start research what can I do with that amount.
Is about how well I spent my money and how long I can keep its value.
Is not how much I got in a good deal.
e.g. I got better deal in Sigma lens money wise in the first place, but it just give me nothing back when I go for Canon L lens.
With all the Canon Lens, I know that I don't lost much one day I re-sell them.

Think it over - and hope that " Need VS want" which being mentioned on and on here throw you some insight.

From a little brain.

[Manfred M]

Have you ever asked yourself (or your friend) the question why your friend why they honestly want to get rid of this lens? 250 shots is only one days shooting.

If my wife gave up on photography and gave me her 18-200mm lens, I would sell it in an instant. I really don't particularly like it; and I have had the opportunity to shoot with it.

[John 2]

On my D7100, it's my every day lens and it's very sharp for most of its range (like most lenses I guess). It's not too bulky to carry around for all day shooting and it's all I take on holiday for instance. Certainly has been well reviewed.