D80 Lens ?

[Cmcburnett]

I just ordered the Nikkor 18-200mm, f/3/5-5.6G, VR DX Zoom. So many lenses out there they make my head spin. After reading another thread here I'm not sure if this is a good lens. The thread recommended the 70-300 f/4-5.6, VR Ed AFS. Lots of good and bad reviews on both lenses. If I don't like the lens I ordered I can always swap it for the 70-300 lens.

The 70-300mm sales for $550 and 18-200mm sales for $750. I mostly take photos outdoors in the National Forrest, wildlife, waterfalls, landscapes... but would like to also be able to use the lens for indoors on occasion.

I am totally new at SLR Digital and have a disabled son w/no insurance which has really put me on a budget. Photography is my therapy, just for fun and relaxation but I still would like to have good photos.

I would appreciate any advice.

[lexcell]

Charlotte,
The 18-200mm is a very good lens for all around shooting. It covers a wide range from fairly wide to telephoto so, for your needs, I think it is a better option that the 70-300mm. The 70-300mm would be a great lens for those intimate landscape photos and some wildlife but would not do such a great job for landscapes.
People have too high of expectations on lenses sometimes...both of these lenses are great for what they do in their price category. If you want something better (ie: faster, wider, longer, etc) be prepared to jump into the thousands of dollars.
Niehter the 18-200mm or the 70-300mm are considered fast...wider aperture but, to get lenses that are faster and cover the same range as the 18-200 for example you would end up with three lenses and it would cost you approx $4000.00 and weigh 5-6 times that of the 18-200mm. So, it depends on your budget, your style of shooting and just how much you want to carry around.
Invest in a good tripod and you will be in good shape to start.

[Larop]

Have you considered Sigma and Tamron equivalents? I personally think you get better value. Check the Nikonians forum, I think they have many posts on lenses.

[billz]

Hi Charlotte -

That's my dream lens too. In fact I just rented one for the last weekend for a test drive ... I get to keep it til 6:00 today before it turns into a pumpkin and the authorities are called.

I thought I was going to like it for the extra zoom (I currently use a 18 - 135), and I do .... but what really has me hooked is the VR vibration reduction. My handheld photos are actually quite a bit sharper.

(When I picked it up Saturday morning it was starting to rain, and with the exception of a couple hours it has rained steadily since and is supposed to continue until this evening. If the rain is somehow tied to the lens (and I have to believe it is) that would be an added benefit for all of our friends your way in Georgia.)

Enjoy your new lens!!

Bill

[mrod]

Originally Posted by billz

Hi Charlotte -

That's my dream lens too. In fact I just rented one for the last weekend for a test drive ... I get to keep it til 6:00 today before it turns into a pumpkin and the authorities are called.

I thought I was going to like it for the extra zoom (I currently use a 18 - 135), and I do .... but what really has me hooked is the VR vibration reduction. My handheld photos are actually quite a bit sharper.

(When I picked it up Saturday morning it was starting to rain, and with the exception of a couple hours it has rained steadily since and is supposed to continue until this evening. If the rain is somehow tied to the lens (and I have to believe it is) that would be an added benefit for all of our friends your way in Georgia.)

Enjoy your new lens!!

Bill

I assume you'll be throwing up some shots in a gallery you took with that bad boy, Bill?

Mike

[Cmcburnett]

Originally Posted by billz

Hi Charlotte -

That's my dream lens too. In fact I just rented one for the last weekend for a test drive ... I get to keep it til 6:00 today before it turns into a pumpkin and the authorities are called.

I thought I was going to like it for the extra zoom (I currently use a 18 - 135), and I do .... but what really has me hooked is the VR vibration reduction. My handheld photos are actually quite a bit sharper.

(When I picked it up Saturday morning it was starting to rain, and with the exception of a couple hours it has rained steadily since and is supposed to continue until this evening. If the rain is somehow tied to the lens (and I have to believe it is) that would be an added benefit for all of our friends your way in Georgia.)

Enjoy your new lens!!

Bill

Bill, for my budget the lens was quite an investment. I was all geared up ready to buy the 70-300mm lens but changed my mind at the last minute. Then after ordering the lens I read more reviews on the lens and folks were complaining about the lens slipping if pointed the lens toward the ground, which kinda has me worried. Oh what the heck, hopefully the lens will be in soon and I will let you guys know how I do w/it.

BTW, I think the rain will be here on Thanksgiving day, wouldn't you know it, it hasn't rained in months and it rains on Thanksgiving and I will be stuck inside w/30 relatives. Good thing I don't mind standing in the rain

[Cmcburnett]

Originally Posted by Larop

Have you considered Sigma and Tamron equivalents? I personally think you get better value. Check the Nikonians forum, I think they have many posts on lenses.

Thanks for reminding me of the Nikonian forum. I haven't checked it out yet but I plan too.

[Cmcburnett]

Originally Posted by lexcell

Charlotte,
The 18-200mm is a very good lens for all around shooting. It covers a wide range from fairly wide to telephoto so, for your needs, I think it is a better option that the 70-300mm. The 70-300mm would be a great lens for those intimate landscape photos and some wildlife but would not do such a great job for landscapes.
People have too high of expectations on lenses sometimes...both of these lenses are great for what they do in their price category. If you want something better (ie: faster, wider, longer, etc) be prepared to jump into the thousands of dollars.
Niehter the 18-200mm or the 70-300mm are considered fast...wider aperture but, to get lenses that are faster and cover the same range as the 18-200 for example you would end up with three lenses and it would cost you approx $4000.00 and weigh 5-6 times that of the 18-200mm. So, it depends on your budget, your style of shooting and just how much you want to carry around.
Invest in a good tripod and you will be in good shape to start.

Laurie, thanks for your response and comments. $800 is about all I can spend on a lens unless I win the lottery and since I don't play the lottery guess I'll have to use the cheaper lens. Since your response I don't feel as bad as I did about changing my mind from the 70-300 to the 18-200. One reason I chose the lens was for all around shooting. Lee gave some great advice in the forum once, he said the worst thing a beginner can do is run out and buy a lot of expensive equipment and not know how to use it or when to use it (that would be me).

[Edmund]

Charlotte, You will grow to love this lense. Remember the sweet spot (aperature) is f8 or f11. I generally try to shoot in aperature preferred mode ( for land scapes) and set mine to say f11 and go from there and then adjust my ISO or speed so as to be correct in exposure.
Eddie

[Cmcburnett]

Originally Posted by Edmund

Charlotte, You will grow to love this lense. Remember the sweet spot (aperature) is f8 or f11. I generally try to shoot in aperature preferred mode ( for land scapes) and set mine to say f11 and go from there and then adjust my ISO or speed so as to be correct in exposure.
Eddie

Wow, thanks for the tip. I'm going to print that setting so I can have it handy when the lens comes. I need all the help I can get. Do you ever have problems w/your lens when you tilt your camera towards the ground? That seems to be biggest complaint on the lens.