Advice re Nikon 18-200VR

[Spooky]

Hello all

I am considering purchasing the Nikon 18-200 VR lens. I have read all
the reviews I could find on the net and was seeking feedback from
members who have used it or own it.

I am aware it is not "pro glass" and I all ready own the 70-200VR and
17-35.

My requirement is for a light holiday walk around type lens that covers
a wide focal length and that my wife can also use. She doesn't enjoy
the weight of the 70-200 very much.

The lens would be used on a D200 and a D70.

Can I also ask where members sourced the lens as it still seems in short
supply, I notice it is not on Birdys list though I will of course make
enquiries with Birdy before looking elsewhere.

Thanks for your impressions.

[Greg B]

D-D-Photographics are showing it for $1358

http://www.d-d-photographics.com/nikonslracc.htm

A few members have had transactions with DD and all was well.
(Including me, I got the SC29 from them and found the whole transaction was conducted very professionally)

[glamy]

ECS in Sydney got it for $1095 including GST.
http://europeancameras.com/

[terminator]

I have had this lens since December and love it.
It is ideal for what you want.
I use this lens 90% of the time and love the results.
Only problem I have encountered so far is some chromatic aberration at wide focal lengths.
This is easily fixed in photshop and the new Nikon Capture software which has an extremely good automatic chromatic aberration fix tool
Great all round lens.

[apsilon]

ECS in Sydney got it for $1095 including GST.
http://europeancameras.com/

That's where I got mine from. I'm no expert by any means but so far I'm happy with it and if I had to choose just one lens to take anywhere I think this would be it.

[anubis]

From what I hear Demand is about 6x above what nikon can produce... so it is in very short supply.

So be careful its a great lens but not worth 1400 +

[Greg B]

ECS in Sydney got it for $1095 including GST.
http://europeancameras.com/

Good price!

[Greg B]

From what I here Demand is about 6x above what nikon can produce... so it is in very short supply.

So be careful its a great lens but not worth 1400 +

Clearly, the criticisms of the lens haven't dampened enthusiasm! Demand is the ultimate judge.

[anubis]

From what I here Demand is about 6x above what nikon can produce... so it is in very short supply.

So be careful its a great lens but not worth 1400 +

Clearly, the criticisms of the lens haven't dampened enthusiasm! Demand is the ultimate judge.

yup as always....the market decides....

[Justin]

It was my walkaround lens through Europe for a month - no complaints here.

[griffo]

I also have one and have been shooting motorsport events at the long end of the lens.

I must say it really stretches the capability of the lens, but I bought it for the same reason you did - walkaround lens - as I'm going to europe in October (although I'm also considering a 12-24 Nikkor for those wide applications as well!).

I ordered the lens and my d70s at the same time through Rainer's Camera House in Brisbane City, but waited 3 mths for the lens to arrive. I'm also told I was lucky - paid $1055 (which I believe may have been the split price from the 18-200 VR / d200 package)

Overall, I am astounded by what it does...I can hand hold (on a good day) down to 1/15 sec in low light situations with the VR, and bracketing tends to get you at least 1 out of 3 good shots in these ciurcumstances. some of the shots I've taken at the motorsport can be seen here http://members.iinet.com.au/~mjgriffo/motard2/

Hope this helps

Griffo

[Steffen]

I am considering purchasing the Nikon 18-200 VR lens. I have read all
the reviews I could find on the net and was seeking feedback from
members who have used it or own it.

I am aware it is not "pro glass" and I all ready own the 70-200VR and
17-35.

You've got the 17-35 and the 70-200, and are lusting for the 18-200? Now, that is scary (or, dare I say, spooky)!



Cheers
Steffen.

[Onyx]

Can anyone specify more precisely where ECS's store is? I've driven past countless times on Victoria Rd, where I thought was Drummoyne, only to not see it....

[sirhc55]

Can anyone specify more precisely where ECS's store is? I've driven past countless times on Victoria Rd, where I thought was Drummoyne, only to not see it....

It’s a little store on the corner of Roseby Street and Victoria Road. If you are going to Birkenhead it’s about 2 minutes away

[Glen]

I think it is the corner of Day Street (sorry Chris). A two storey terrace like place, maroon in colour, on the right just past the Iron Cove Bridge if coming from the city.

[Oscar]

From their website - http://cameras.net.au/
Their details:

European Camera Specialists
(located in Sydney, Australia)
64 Victoria Road, Drummoyne, NSW 2047 AUSTRALIA.
Phone +61 2 9819 6000
Fax +61 2 9819 6400