Another bad news of 18-200VRII on D70/100/D2h/s

[birddog114]

http://support.nikontech.com/cgi-bin/ni ... _topview=1

Did I say something before about this new lemon?

For D70, D100 and D2H users with the a/n Nikon AF-S DX VR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G

Symptom: In some rare cases, the camera is unable to acquire accurate focus on near subjects when shooting at wide-angle positions and autofocusing at infinity.

Cause: This issue is caused by incompatibilities in AF control at short distances between the new Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED.

Resolution: This issue cannot be resolved with adjustment of the AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED lens.
Remedies:
D70: This issue occurs with firmware versions preceding Ver. 2.00
This issue does not occur with Ver. 2.00.

D100: Please take or send your camera to an authorized Nikon Service Center.

D2H: Release of a firmware upgrade is scheduled for the D2H at the end of March or at the beginning of April 2006.

If you require immediate resolution of this issue, please take or send your camera to an authorized Service Center.

[Dargan]

No knowledge of its behaviour with the D200?
What about the Sigma or Tamron 18-200 alternative, any information with its behaviour with the D70 or others. This configuration is described as a perfect travel lens.

[birddog114]

No knowledge of its behaviour with the D200?
What about the Sigma or Tamron 18-200 alternative, any information with its behaviour with the D70 or others. This configuration is described as a perfect travel lens.

Any lens, all can be a perfect travel lens.!
Never try the Sig or Tam 18-200 but I never thinking of having those range in my travelling kit.

I have tried the new "lemon" on the D200 and as mentioned before, better not seeing it or touch it once again.

[Dargan]

Having read the Nikon alert it really is not an issue if you have firmware version 2 and why would you be using version 1 anyway.

Most of the members have D70's so this isn't an issue. It doesn't say anything about the D200 in the release. D2H Firmware upgrade has already been announced so Birddog the lens itself must be the issue with you.

I would have chosen the Nikon lens myself over the alternative but it does depend on the final personal price/return equation you make for yourself. I will have to chase a few more reviews.

Any lens? can be travel lens. I want a single fast lens not too big with VR and a good range and the 18-200 seemed to be the perfect solution for travel needs.

[birddog114]

Having read the Nikon alert it really is not an issue if you have firmware version 2 and why would you be using version 1 anyway.

Most of the members have D70's so this isn't an issue. It doesn't say anything about the D200 in the release. D2H Firmware upgrade has already been announced so Birddog the lens itself must be the issue with you.

I would have chosen the Nikon lens myself over the alternative but it does depend on the final personal price/return equation you make for yourself. I will have to chase a few more reviews.

Any lens? can be travel lens. I want a single fast lens not too big with VR and a good range and the 18-200 seemed to be the perfect solution for travel needs.

I tried the 18-200VR
- On the D100 only works in manual or not focussing and I filled a report card/ evaluation to Nikon.
- On the D200 = so so, not better lens, noisy
- On the D70 = not much difference as the D200
- On the D2H = not accuracy AF, manual tries.
- On the D2x = I want throw it in the bin but it's not my lens so I have to return it.

The worst zoom lens which I have never ever seen from Nikon.
Creepy, at 200mm you can see the end of the lens nearly fell out.
Focus = slow, need good lighting.

Buy it = NO/ Not worth with your money.

You want a single fast lens = what do you mean about fast lens? fast in f stop or fast in zooming?
The 18-200 is not fast lens as you wish

[losfp]

You must be fussier than I am, Birdy. The 18-200 I tried a while back was okay... Though to be honest, I only played with it for about 10-15 minutes.. I was actually more interested in the D200 that it was attached to

[Dargan]

Gee Thanh

With those kind of experiences how can Nikon put their name to a lens like that.

Surely it must have been a one off. I am all disillusioned now, but just saw a post by Jaco using BW and ISO1250 that looked pretty good using the D200 and 18-200. I respect your judgement though and will back off for a while and gather more info.

[Greg B]

Have you got a price on them yet Birdy?

[birddog114]

You must be fussier than I am, Birdy. The 18-200 I tried a while back was okay... Though to be honest, I only played with it for about 10-15 minutes.. I was actually more interested in the D200 that it was attached to

losfp,
I learned the way to do stress-test from one of our members
Yes, If you want to know how it's good, you have try it on all the DSLR body, especially I have to fill out my comments on the Nikon Product Report & Eval card. If I don't do it, next time they won't let me play their new toys.

[birddog114]

Have you got a price on them yet Birdy?

GregB
Still too expensive and no stock.
The next batches will be assembled at Nikon Thailand plant, some of the first batches were assembled at Nikon Japan Plant.

[birddog114]

Dargan,
Some more from DPR for you to read and I tend to agree with most of posters on the following thread:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read. ... e=17413804

[Glen]

Interesting reading in that thread Dargan, some are commenting the 70-300 is a step up It really is a big ask to ask a lens to go from 18 to 200 mm and everywhere in between.


As I have said many times most (but not all) of the quality zooms manage 2 to 3 times zoom, eleven times is a big ask I know you are looking at it as a travel lens, but with the VR they are asking a lot of money, getting into the quality price range. There is an old 18-200 which may be a better buy s/h, though no better optically

[phillipb]

Interesting reading in that thread Dargan, some are commenting the 70-300 is a step up It really is a big ask to ask a lens to go from 18 to 200 mm and everywhere in between.


As I have said many times most (but not all) of the quality zooms manage 2 to 3 times zoom, eleven times is a big ask I know you are looking at it as a travel lens, but with the VR they are asking a lot of money, getting into the quality price range. There is an old 18-200 which may be a better buy s/h, though no better optically

I agree Glen,
Even Kodak has recognised this in their new compact, the V570. They use 2 lenses -a la stereo style except one above the other- one for wide angle and the other for tele-zoom

[Dargan]

I have just printed off the DP article to consume later. Thanks for the point on the non VR option, Glen. I wonder about the value of the non Nikon 18-200 Sigma/Tamron alternative. It's should be said that noone should buy product that is first off the assembly line, the old argument about Monday cars comes to mind. This might be a case of wait and wait and see.

[sirhc55]

My thought on the 18-200mm is that it is a consumer lens developed by Nikon to satisfy the ”non photographers” out there.

I am sure that all of the old school photographers on this forum will remember the advent of the zoom and the inherent problems associated with bringing together wide angle and telephoto into one lens. Admittedly, over the years there has been some marvellous advances as can be seen with the Nikon 70-200VR (at $2,500+).

The 18-200 ain’t one of them but it will appeal to the masses that look upon VR as God’s answer to the DT’s and the 18-200 focal length as a great travel lens.

Nikon have been very smart in marketing this lens as they will make more money from selling real lenses when people wake up to the fact that it is a lemon.

Their new 105 macro VR is also a joke to serious macro photographers

[Dargan]

Gotta agree Chris. What do you want VR on a macro lens for. It should be on a tripod 90% of its life anyway. I guess I am one of the masses though and thought hallelujah, here is something I can use. The 70-200 is just too big (and expensive) for mortal photographers to lug around.

[Greg B]

I think there are a couple of issues which need to be considered.

Lenses are not equal

We know that there are different standards with lenses, even among those made by Nikon. From the 70-300 for just a few hundred dollars to those lenses costing many thousand dollars

Different people have different needs and levels of resources

A working pro's needs are different to those of a hobbyist. Not everyone can spend a couple thousand dollars on a lens.

Different situations may lead to different needs

If you want a travel lens - let's say, one lens to cover everything - no lens changing where all manner of crap can get in the camera, no backpack weighing god knows what that you have to lug around and protect, so you can take some snaps of your holiday using the camera you already own, maybe you can re-prioritise. High quality drops down a couple of levels in favour of wide range, VR etc


No doubt Thanh's review of the lens - particularly when it is compared to lenses of the quality of the 70-200VR etc, is spot on. But at the same time, the 18-200 has attributes which may appeal to the prospective traveller - expansive focal length range, VR, small and lightweight, relatively inexpensive.

[birddog114]

GregB,
I agree with your impression but its price tag (over $1000.00) is equal and/ or above the standard of 3x zoom, 3x zoom does not provide the good results and aspect as we all expected, its built and quality speaks to itself.

If you spend your hard earned cash for it, better go with Sig. or Tam. as alternative solution for your travel lens. I'm sure you'll get the same results as you expected.

[Glen]

For those wanting a small 18-200 travel lens worth noting that the Tamron is 398g and the new Nikkor VR AFS is 560g. I believe the series 11 of the original Nikkor 18-200 (not VR or AFS) was just a touch lighter and smaller.

[birddog114]

For those wanting a small 18-200 travel lens worth noting that the Tamron is 398g and the new Nikkor VR AFS is 560g. I believe the series 11 of the original Nikkor 18-200 (not VR or AFS) was just a touch lighter and smaller.

And 1/2 the price (Sig. or Tam.)

[Greg B]

OK. I notice that European Camerashas

Tamron XR Di II
18-200 - NEW LOW PRICE FOR NIKON ONLY $525 -
Tamron XR Di II AF 18-200 mm /f3.5-6.3 zoom lens for DX format. See more about Tamron 18-200 only $525 inc GST

which seems pretty good. Of course it doesn't have VR, so will be relatively slower at the longer end.

Anyone know anything about this lens?

[gstark]

Anyone know anything about this lens?

I believe that they have a doorstop factor of 5, just a little lower than the Sigma equivalent.



IOW, knot eye.

[Greg B]

Marvellous, thanks