Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II: Review

Posted to Lenses 2009-11-30

Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR II review:

The Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II standard zoom lens is a remarkable 11 times zoom, in a one lens solution. It features a 35mm equivalent zoom range of 27-300mm, Nikon VR (Vibration Reduction) II technology, and two extra low dispersion (ED) lens elements which offer superior sharpness and color correction by minimizing chromatic aberrations.

The lens also features three aspherical lens elements which virtually eliminates chroma and other aberrations, even at wide apertures. Other features include a zoom lock switch, which locks the lens barrel at its minimum position and a Manual/Auto switch for easy switching between manual focus and auto focus. The unit also includes a Silent Wave motor for quiet focusing and comes with a flower-shaped lens hood.

Rating:

4.2 out of 5

Value

The 18-200mm AF-S ED VR II lens is not cheap, but is very reasonably priced when you consider the capabilities. And since it can easily take the place of at least two lenses, it is more affordable than one might think at first glance. Nikon didn't sacrifice on performance while achieving the truly versatile zoom range and the build quality is excellent as well. It is well worth the price simply for the convenience of not having to change lenses to fit the situation.

Performance

The 18-200mm AF-S ED VR II delivers better than average image quality at all focal lengths and apertures, which is quite a feat for a zoom lens with a range this wide. Reaching from a true wide angle to a medium to long telephoto in one lens is not an easy task, but Nikon has managed to do it without sacrificing image quality. There is little chromatic aberration or barrel and pincushion distortion throughout the zoom range. And with the ability to focus down to 20 inches, the lens can be used for close-ups as well as portraits, sports, wildlife and landscape photography.

Summary

If you need a one lens solution for your Nikon digital SLR, the 18-200mm AF-S ED VR II is it. In fact, it might be a good reason for choosing Nikon for your next DSLR, just because of the availability of this incredibly versatile lens. There's little offering from the competition that compares to it and all in all, it's an excellent lens from Nikon.

Pros

18-200mm (27-300mm 35 mm equivalent) zoom
F/3.5-5.6 minimum aperture range
2 ED lens elements
3 aspherical elements
Zoom lock, A/M switches

Cons

There are no cons for this product