Nikon 18-200mm f3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Lens

Description

The 18-200mm f3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens is a compact, lightweight, 11.1x zoom lens that is ideal for high-performance, everyday photography, and it incorporates advanced features such as Nikon's Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM), and Enhanced Vibration Reduction (VR II) in a DX-Nikkor design engineered exclusively for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras. With a remarkable 18-200mm focal length range (picture angle equivalent to a 27-300mm lens in 35mm format), the lens conveniently covers everything from wide landscapes to tight portraits and action photography. Advanced Nikon engineering has lent the lens a compact, lightweight design that offers excellent handling characteristics and superb optical quality.

Beyond the lens's incredible optical versatility is the benefit of Enhanced VR II Vibration Reduction, an innovation that makes it possible to take substantially sharper handheld pictures at slower shutter speeds than would otherwise be possible. This provides the distinct advantage of being able to shoot more effectively in a much broader variety of challenging conditions. With the new Nikon VR II advantage, users can take pictures at shutter speeds as many as 4 stops slower than they ordinarily could shoot without the image-degrading blur associated with camera shake at slow shutter speeds. Nikon's VR technology further enhances picture-taking potential with a choice of two modes to match most shooting conditions. VR Normal Mode primarily compensates for camera shake, and includes automatic panning detection, as well as automatic tripod detection. VR Active Mode effectively compensates for vibration in situations where it is more pronounced and more frequent, such as when shooting from a moving vehicle.

To further ensure outstanding optical performance, the 18-200mm f3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor features two Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) glass elements and three complex aspherical lens elements that provide for higher resolution, high-contrast images while minimizing chromatic aberration, astigmatism, and other forms of distortion. The lens also features Nikon's compact Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM), which combines fast and precise autofocusing with super-quiet operation, as well as Internal Focusing (IF) construction that allows the lens to focus without changing its external size, improving balance and handling chrematistics.

Superzoom
The term hyperzoom or superzoom is used to promote photographic zoom lenses with unconventionally large focal length factors, typically more than 4Χ and ranging up to 15Χ, e.g., 35 mm to 350 mm. The largest ratio for digital SLR cameras is held by the Tamron 18–270 mm, giving 15Χ. Some Digital Camera Review by Gene Wrights have even larger zoom ratios up to 35Χ. For movie and television use, Panavision holds the record with their 300X HD Lens.

While superzoom lenses have improved greatly in recent years, they still have a number of drawbacks in comparison with shorter-range zooms and prime lenses. Most notable is the much increased likelihood of significant distortions of the image at both extreme ends of the range. Other potential problems include smaller maximum aperture and poorer autofocus performance

Following is a list of superzoom lenses, used for 135 format in SLRs or for APS format in DSLRs. The minimal factor used here is 5Χ or more. A 28–200 mm has a 75° to 12.3° angle of view, a 28–300 mm (or an 18–200 mm for an APS DSLR) has an 11.1x 75° to 8.2°

Features

• AF-S Autofocus lens featuring a Silent wave, coreless, integrated, focus motor (unwrapped in 1996). Basically an updated AF-I Autofocus-Silent sporting a "Silent Wave Motor" (ultrasonic) to focus near silently and fast.

• D- Distance. Denoted after the  f-number. It signifies the lens has the capacity to use Nikon's 3D Matrix Metering on camera bodies where it is supported.

• DX - NIKKOR - Compact and lightweight Nikon DX lenses feature a lesser image circle and are specifically created and optimized for the Nikon D-series, digital SLR camera bodies. An ideal option for photographers and enthusiasts who require shooting of expansive landscapes with Nikon DX DSLR

• ED- (Extra-low Dispersion Glass)
a necessary element of the Nikon telephoto lens Nikon engineered Extra-low Dispersion optical glass to facilitate the manufacture of lenses that provide superior color correction and sharpness by diminishing chromatic aberrations

• G - labeled after the f-number.
A G-lens contains no aperture ring, therefore aperture may only be electronically controlled by the camera and only autofocus camera bodies featuring function dials have the capacity to control G lenses

• IF- Internal Focusing
The ability to have a lens focus while it's size remains unchanged. Nikon’s IF engineering allows that to happen. All internal optical travel is contained within the inside of the non-extension lens container.

• M/A mode
AF-S Nikon lenses include the exclusive Nikon M/A focus function, that permits switching from auto to manual focus virtually without time lag - even while the AF servo is in operation regardless of the AF mode in play.

• SIC - Nikon Super Integrated Coating
Nikon uses an elite multilayer lens coating to augment the operation of its lens elements which also helps diminish ghosting and flare to minute levels. Nikon Super Integrated Coat also accomplishes several purposes,

• SWM- Silent Wave Motor
Nikon AF-S engineering is yet one more rationale why professional photographers like Nikon telephoto optical lenses

• VR II system
Provides the equivalent of employing a 4 stops faster shutter speed This second generation VR is known as VR II, that was engineered to provide an additional 1-stop improvement over the initial VR
Major features of the Nikon 18-200mm f3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens:

Offers a broad 18-200mm focal range (11.1x zoom) for use in a variety of situations (equivalent to a 27-300 mm lens in 35mm format); VR II Vibration Reduction system offers the practical equivalent of using a shutter speed 4 stops faster Two ED glass and three complex aspherical lens elements minimize chromatic aberration, astigmatism, and other forms of distortion while ensuring high resolution and contrast Incorporates a compact SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet focusing. Delivers high-level optical performance that is specially designed for use with the Nikon digital SLRs Employs a seven-blade, rounded diaphragm opening that achieves a natural blur for out-of-focus elements Enables focusing from as close as 50 centimeters (20 inches) from the subject through its entire focal range M/A mode for rapid switching between autofocus and manual focus operation Internal Focusing (IF) design simplifies the use of circular polarizing filters

Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) offers superb color reproduction while minimizing ghosting and flare Flower-shaped lens hood HB-35 (included) greatly reduces stray light, enhancing image quality

The 18-200mm was designed to be the ultimate one lens solution when you don't want a carry around a bag full of heavy glass. It features moderately fast optics, vibration reduction and a lot of work to keep CA and distortion down.

It has a problem when shooting real estate and trying to get straight lines. The lens creep is also a problem.

Compare this lens with the Sigma 18-200mm, Sigma 18-250mm, Tamron 18-250mm, Tamron 18-270mm and the Tokina 16.5-135mm Lenses

Item Includes

LC-72 72mm snap-on front lens cap; LF-1 rear lens cap; HB-35 bayonet hood; CL-1018 flexible lens pouch

Accessories

Reviews

Nikon DSLR 18-200mm vr lens review (www.dombower.com)