Description
The biggest change to the new version of the 18–200mm F3.5-5.6G VR II is a new zoom mechanism to combat zoom creep — one of the most common complaints about the original. While the size, weight, and optical construction remain unchanged, a new coating promise to reduce flare and ghosting.
NIKKOR VR superzoom
lens for DX format cameras renewed 30th July 2009. This flexible 11.1x Vibration Reduction ‘superzoom’ NIKKOR
lens replaces the popular AF-S DX VR Zoom NIKKOR 18-200MM F/3.5-5.6G IF-ED, and improves functionality and image quality.
Robert Cristina, Manager Professional Products, Nikon Europe says: “The 11.1x zoom ratio and beautifully balanced form factor make it ideal for anyone on the move and
travelling light. The latest modifications in the new
wide-angle
to medium
telephoto 18-200 come as a result of valuable feedback from customers.”
If you need a low light lens, this isn't it. If your primary objective is to take pictures in low light situation such as wedding and concerts,
in the 18-200mm range you need 2 lenses, get the 18-50mm f/2.8 Sigma or Tamron
17-50 VC and a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens instead.
More practical, more quality
The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200MM F/3.5-5.6G ED VR II incorporates an all new
zoom mechanism to prevent what is sometimes referred to as ‘zoom creep’ (the lens moves under its own weight when tilted). A new zoom lock switch keeps the lens compact when being carried as well. The AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200MM F/3.5-5.6G ED VR II also features an improved Super Integrated Coating, an exclusive multi-layer lens element coating which reduces
ghost and flare, ensuring improved image quality and contrast.
The lens features Nikon’s exclusive Vibration Reduction (VRII), giving users the
ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to four stops* slower than would otherwise
be possible, thereby minimizing image
blur caused by camera shake.
My personal preference is for a zoom lens. I will usually pick up my 18-200mm
zoom over my fixed focal length lenses. If I need a faster shutter speed, then I
will use my 18-50MM f/28, my 28-70 f/2.8 or my 70-200 f/2.8 zoom lens, UNLESS I need a
really higher shutter speed than any of my zooms' apertures can give me (for shooting a moving subject in low light) or I need the extra background blur one of
my fixed focal length lenses will provide.
Then I will opt for one of my f/1.8 or f/1.4 fixed focal length lenses. The optical performance of
my zoom lenses are outstanding - nearly all of the time, they simply get the
mission done unsurpassed for me..
The most important advantage a zoom lens has is versatility. Using my zoom lens
I can rapidly and appropriately frame and capture a fleeting opportunity. Zooms can also capture many different framings of the same subject within seconds.
A fixed focal length lens photographer may still be sneaker-zooming (which also changes perspective) to the right distance when the subject
fades away - or is no longer in that adorable pose. A subject with a rapidly changing distance also favors a zoom lens.
Zoom lenses require fewer sensor-dust-collecting lens changes, thus
fewer lenses to carry. Lens changes are inconvenient and take time - and
provide opportunity for dust to get to the sensor.
Features
• AF-S — Autofocus lens with a Silent wave,
integrated, coreless focus motor (1996). Basically an update
to AF-I.Autofocus-Silent. Uses a "Silent Wave
Motor" (ultrasonic
motor) to focus quietly and quickly. Some older bodies can't autofocus with them (N60, N8008). Some newer bodies (D40,
, D40x, D60, D3000 and D5000) can only autofocus with them.
• DX - NIKKOR
Compact and lightweight
DX NIKKOR lenses featuring a smaller image circle are specially designed and optimized for Nikon D2-series, D1-series, D100 and
D90, D3000 digital SLR cameras. These are ideal options for
landscape photographers and others who need to shoot expansive scenes with Nikon DX-Format digital SLRs.
Note: We do not recommend use of DX NIKKOR with
35mm (135)
or IX240 format cameras.
DX - Only works on
digital SLR cameras.
The corners will be black at many focal lengths on full frame or film camera.
• G — Indicated after the f-number.
G lenses do not have an aperture ring, and the aperture can only be controlled electronically by the camera body. Only autofocus bodies with command dials are capable of controlling G lenses. Older autofocus bodies will work with G lenses in shutter priority and program modes. Some recent G lenses feature a gasket around the mounting flange. G lenses otherwise have the same characteristics as D lenses. G - No aperture ring - G-type DX NIKKOR
is designed exclusively for use with Nikon
digital SLR models.
• VR II system
Offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed 4 stops faster The second generation of VR is called VR II, which is designed to offer another 1-stop advantage over original VR, but lenses with this feature are still designated simply "VR."
The optical VR system also stabilizes the viewfinder image enabling more accurate autofocus acquisition and framing to make it ideal for shooting in low light conditions without a tripod.
• SIC - Nikon Super Integrated Coating ensures exceptional performance
To enhance the performance of its optical lens elements, Nikon employs an exclusive multilayer lens coating that helps reduce ghost and flare to a negligible level.
Nikon Super Integrated Coating achieves a number of objectives, including minimized reflection in the wider wavelength range and superior color balance and reproduction. Nikon Super Integrated Coating is especially effective for lenses with a large number of elements, like our Zoom-NIKKOR lenses.
Also, Nikon's multilayer coating process is tailored to the design of each particular lens. The number of coatings applied to each lens element
is carefully calculated to match the lens type and glass used, and also to assure the uniform color balance that characterizes NIKKOR lenses. This results in lenses that meet much higher standards than the rest of the industry. Nikon's latest multicoating to increase light transmission and reduce ghosts.
*As determined in Nikon performance tests
Specifications
Focal length: 18-200mm (equivalent to a 27-300mm lens in 35mm format)
Mount: Nikon F-Bayonet
Maximum aperture: f/3.5-5.6
Minimum Aperture: f/22-36
Lens construction: 16 elements in 12 groups (two ED glass elements, three aspherical lens elements)
Angle of View: 76°-8°
Zoom Ratio: 11.1x
Minimum focus distance: 0.5 m/1.6 ft.
No. diaphragm blades: 7 (rounded)
AF motor: Silent Wave Motor
Filter/attachment size: 72mm
Dimensions (approx): 77 x 96.5mm (3.0 x 3.8 in.)
Weight (approx.): 565 g (19.9oz )
Optional accessories 72mm screw-in filters
Item Includes
• 72mm Snap-on front lens cap (LC-72)
• Rear lens cap (LF-1)
• Bayonet hood (HB-35)
• Soft lens pouch (CL-1018)
Reviews
Be aware!!!!, September 24, 2009
By D. Guenster "DG" (South East USA) - See all my reviews
Do not get fooled by the claim that the item is in stock. When I ordered mine last Saturday it showed "In stock". Now my new delivery day is second week in October.
Page still shows in stock to day. Ordered a second one today just to check it out. Supposed to ship next week. Lets see which one arrives first.
Amazon, I can play that game too!
They deleted my comment form yesterday. Read fast. I am sure the delete this one too.
DG
