Customer Reviews for Nikon Inc. AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
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Nikon Inc. AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
An ideal one-lens solution for DX-format D-SLRs, features 11x zoom versatility, ED glass superiority and VR II image stabilization for incredible performance.
Average Customer Rating:
(337 Reviews) 336
Rating Snapshot 337 reviews
5 stars
218
4 stars
67
3 stars
23
2 stars
13
1 star
16
293 out of 337(87%)customers recommend this product.
Customer Reviews for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Review 1 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
Este lente no funciona con la D7000
PostedApril 3, 2013
Conever
Location México
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience 3-6 months
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
Me compre la camara D7000 y el lente 18-200 VR II, pero con tanta distancia focal no se puede ajustar el foco con la camara, al hacer pruebas con una plantilla y la camara en tripie y a 45° , pude ajustar por ejemplo a 200 mm pero si el lente lo ponia a 18 mm no salian las fotos enfocadas y vicerversa si ajustaba el foco con el lente a 18 mm despues al hacer pruebas con el lente a 200 mm ya no enfocaba, en servicio Nikon me dicen que cada ves que cambie la distancia focal DEBO hacer el MICRO AJUSTE en la camara (que impractico para tomar fotos, no creen.....??????????), mejor me compre un 35 mm fijo que ya ajuste el foco y ya no se lo quito a la camara, y el lente 18-200 una lastima lo tengo guardado y todavia con su garantia.
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-10points
Review 2 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
Great Multi Purpose Lens
PostedMarch 22, 2013
Hindsight2011
Location Canonsburg, PA, USA
Age 35-44
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
I have owned this lens for 3 years and have taken pictures with it in Costa Rica, Guatemala, Canada and in my local area. In my opinion this lens is sharp, clear and provides excellent color considering all it is called upon to do. I have even used it to shoot a panoramic at 18mm with very satisfying results. Most of the pictures taken with this lens were with a D5000 body; however, I can tell you it continues to hold its own on my D800, in DX crop mode.
Is it the best/sharpest out there...no....that is why Nikon has a variety of lenses starting at a thousand and the sky is the limit from there. Unless you have a trained eye and make a living in photography/graphics; you most likely would not notice a big difference between pictures taken (properly) on this lens in daylight, opposed to a pro lens.
It is hard to go wrong with this lens for vacation, just walking around or if you just have money for one lens to start with....and want a do it all.
Nice job on this one Nikon.
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+10points
Review 3 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
Great in concept, not in practice
PostedFebruary 20, 2013
SongSnap
Location Boulder, CO, USA
Nikon Family 11-20 years
Experience Less than a month
Role Semi-professional photographer
I love the broad range this lens covers, shooting with it offers everything you need on travel shoots and outings with the camera. It easily switched from wide angle room shots, to landscapes, and then decent close-ups of birds. The photo quality was great, the autofocus silent, nice lens....
...then I took it on a winter day shoot. The autofocus stopped working completely around 30F and the lens creep was ridiculous, I'd frame my shot, go to adjust it slightly with the polarizer, or manual focus and everything in the shot would have changed. It wasn't a well made lens, and I so wanted it to be. I also use a UV filter with a polarizer (UV for lens protection) and the vignetting was horrible at 18mm unless I took a filter off. That might be true in all the DX wides though... Not sure.
Anyway, had to return it, in the end for the lens creep, can't work with that.
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-1point
Review 4 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
If Nikon improves the problems I would recommend with more stars
PostedJanuary 28, 2013
lifestyle
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Professional photographer
Since the lens came with my D300 back in June 2010 I have owned it and used it as my primary lens. It is a great action lens, as well as a portrait lens. Just very good over all.
So why do I give it lover marks? Becuase after the first year of usig it it started to have "Lens Creep" meaning if I was pointing up or down (other than level) it would start zooming on its own. I checked with other professionals with nikon equipment to only hear the same thing and that Nikon would not fix it as a defect. So I have a wide black rubber band around the barrel to hold the zoom in place.
Also when I zoom it all the way to 200mm it now goes out of focus.
So it is now a lens with limited uses for me. I have had to purchase other lens to replace it as a daily use lens.
I'm still a die-hard Nikon user, have been for over 40 years. Just not happy with this lens.
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+9points
Review 5 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
Lens creep
PostedDecember 18, 2012
vickun
Location Hawaii, USA
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 2-5 years
Experience 6-12 months
Role Just getting started with photography
My second time purchasing this lens. First purchase as brand new.
Sold original to help finance purchase of a Tamron 70-200 2.8 (non-VC). Love the Tamron, but it's slow focus motor, and sometimes hunting for focus, and also it's big size and no image stabilization, had me longing for this lens again.
So bought this lens once more, as refurbished, direct from Nikon's outlet store online.
My first one had lens creep...where if you face it down, the lens will extend from the weight...this is a common complaint from lots of people, so I just accepted it as is...
Also on that first lens, when I start zooming, the zooming feel was not consistent...where
a. ...when I first zoom out from 18mm it was nice and "sticky" a little bit, but not enough to prevent lens creep.
b. ...then became super loose
c. ...then became "sticky" again
d. ...then at far end loosened up just for a little bit of the last zoom
a. ...when I first zoom out from 18mm it was nice and "sticky" a little bit, but not enough to prevent lens creep.
b. ...then became super loose
c. ...then became "sticky" again
d. ...then at far end loosened up just for a little bit of the last zoom
...also a common complaint by others....
Now with this refurbished lens, there is NO CREEP at all, and the "sticky"-ness of the zoom is pretty constant throughout!
Much happier with this lens this time around!
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+7points
Review 6 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
One lens to rule them all
PostedDecember 4, 2012
Raisemore
Did anybody say this lens isn't sharp? Mine sure is. I have a whole series of Nikon AF-D prime lenses and under normal lighting conditions there is barely any difference in the color or detail. I like the 18mm lock switch which makes for easy carrying between shots. You'll never again miss an opportunity while changing lenses and internal camera dust is minimized. Oh and by the way, leave the tripod at home.
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+8points
Review 7 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
Excellent!! Must have as first lens!!
PostedNovember 17, 2012
Sidd
Location Fort Wayne, IN
Age 25-34
Favorite Subject Travel
Nikon Family 0-1 years
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
I bought this lens along with my first D-SLR an year ago. Being a point-n-shoot type of a guy till my D-SLR happened, I wanted the ease of not changing lens to take different pictures, and have wide angle and zoom at the same time. This lens looked most versatile. And it lived up to its reputation. I am very happy with my decision to have it as my first lens.
- It takes great pictures in daylight
- It is very good for portraits. I love the bokeh it renders
- It has a nice zoom
- I love the wide angle it provides
With my lens I haven't noticed any lens creep. It worked wonderfully, right out-of-the-box. I found few reviews complaining about the sharpness, but I have no complains. I am very happy with my lens.
- It takes great pictures in daylight
- It is very good for portraits. I love the bokeh it renders
- It has a nice zoom
- I love the wide angle it provides
With my lens I haven't noticed any lens creep. It worked wonderfully, right out-of-the-box. I found few reviews complaining about the sharpness, but I have no complains. I am very happy with my lens.
Even though it is expensive compared to the basic 18-55mm lens offered in most D-SLR/lens bundles, I would recommend all first timers to buy this lens. It's worth every penny!!
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+12points
Review 8 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
Lens is not sharp
PostedNovember 1, 2012
JKismyname
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Family & Friends
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
Very versatile lens. Love wide range, BUT it is not a sharp lens. I've never abused the lens but I was never happy with results. Sent to authorized service center and spent $250 for servicing. It came back well serviced, but is still not sharp. It cannot compare to the old AF NIkkor 80-200 1:2.8 lens I've had forever.
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+1point
Review 9 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
Excellent! Great walkabout lens that rarely leaves my camera!
PostedAugust 24, 2012
David
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
This lens came with my D200 when I bought it in 2006. I was skeptical at first, doubting that a single lens covering such a wide range of focal lenghs could possibly provide the quality results I needed. I fully expected to be buying a "real" lens within a few months.
I could not have been more wrong. I fell in love instantly. I now have 30+ years of Nikon lenses I have aquired over the years that I could use but this lens is on my camera 99% of the time.
The range, of course, is wonderful. I can walk through the forest and shoot everything from wide angle get-pulled-into-the-woods shots to a close up of bird without changing lenses. My wife has a D60 with an 18-55 and 55-200 and is often frustrated that whichever lens she has on, she sees something that requires the other! I have gotten shots that she has missed because all I had to do is shoot and not worry about changing lenses.
The quality is excellent. One of my first projects was to shoot photos of my son's soccer games. I walked the sidelines shooting the action at a wide range of focal lengths. When I assembled them for presentaion I included wider shots of the team in action, but also included shots of individual players that I pulled out of the center of wider shots. Even those were great and everyone loved them.
Nikon has sharper lenses available but the difference in sharpness is not going to be noticed by most of us in most applications. When I do need that difference, I use another lens. But that is rare and I would rather capture a beautiful image with an almost perfect lens than miss a great shot with the perfect lens!
A note on LENS CREEP: Yes, if you are not paying attention while pointing up or down, the lens can be pulled down by gravity, changing the focal lengh. This has never been a huge issue for me and I think it is because of the way I hold my camera. I use the classic -read "old guy"- style of holding the lens and not the camera. I place the camera along the heal of my left palm, my thumb and middle finger in position to focus and change aperture. Well, used to anyway when everything was manual! But the same finger placement will adjust focal length and hold it in position. If you are used to holding a smaller camera by the edges your fingers won't be in position and will allow the lens to creep.
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+26points
Review 10 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
A dependable and versatile workhorse
PostedMay 22, 2012
Iceman
Location Saskatoon, SK, Canada
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience 6-12 months
Role Semi-professional photographer
This is my travel lens, and I travel a lot! It has proven durable and reliable, and the images are stunning. I haven't noticed any lens creep at all. The VR gives me the option of hand-holding to reasonably slow shutter speeds (or upping the ISO a bit - I shoot on both a D2X and my newer D7000). The 1080p HD video shot with this lens also looks great!
All in all I'm very happy with this product and totally recommend this lens, particularly if you need a versatile workhorse while on the road. Even though the range is very good, I'm thinking of getting the 10-24 to give me a bit more wide angle and provide a two-lens complete kit.
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+13points
Review 11 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
Shockingly Durable
PostedMay 16, 2012
Tom
Location Stuart, FL, USA
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Family & Friends
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
I have used this lens for years - since the D2X - never had a problem with creep - especially when comparing it to my old creepy Leica 90 mm - If it wasn't so heavy, I'd put it on and never need to change lens. I gave away my old 18-200 and just bought a new one. After taking it out of the box and going upstairs, I dropped it and watch it bounce down 2 flights of stairs. I had no expectations that I would remain alive and well. However it is working perfectly since the accident. Just one more anecdote that will keep me loyal to Nikon Forever.
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+10points
Review 12 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
Zoom relativement puissant
PostedMay 3, 2012
Beemer
Excellent rapport qualité/prix. Images nettes, facile d'utilisation.
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+2points
Review 13 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
Lens creep
PostedApril 16, 2012
Joh Bloh
Location Brisbane
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Travel
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience More than a year
Role Semi-professional photographer
The lens started creeping within a few weeks of purchase ,I didnt worry about it too much at the time ...Nikon...A fine reputable company will be able to repair this lens when I return home to Australia,
OK here goes nothing ,I am about to return the lens to the store ...wish me luck....!!!!!!
OK here goes nothing ,I am about to return the lens to the store ...wish me luck....!!!!!!
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-28points
Review 14 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
lens creep on the 18-200 mm lens (VR I)
PostedMarch 25, 2012
Creep hater
Favorite Subject Travel
Nikon Family 6-10 years
Experience More than a year
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
I hate this creep (!). It is difficult to take pictures aiming the camera up or down. I checked the technical support and was told that there is nothing I can do about it. I am getting rid of this lens. Does the VR II creep similarly? Perhaps I should go to another lens manufacturer.
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-28points
Review 15 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
Solid All Around Lens
PostedMarch 24, 2012
Infl8edEg0
Location Los Angeles, CA, USA
Age 18-24
Favorite Subject Travel
Nikon Family 2-5 years
Experience 1-3 months
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
This is an overall solid lens. It has a good heft to it. But like many have complained about, there is quite a bit of lens creep in the mid-range of the lens, but I just put a rubber band where it turns, and it fixed up quite nicely. Because of the 18-200 range, it's a lens that I rarely take off of my d7000, although on occasion I do remove it for my 50mm 1.4G.
Photo quality wise, I'm very happy with it, although this is coming from a guy who upgraded from a 55-200. The photos were sharp, and I was quite pleased with the quality. Just change the aperture a bit, and you really won't be able to complain about sharpness. There is some distortion at the extremes, but that's to be expected. The only real complaint I have is the fact that I had to fix the lens creep, but it really is no big deal.
The photo of the puppy was shot at ISO 400, 135mm, f/5.6, 1/320 sec.
My product recommendations
D7000
(1,419)Share:
+10points
Review 16 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
Very versatile in a variety of situations
PostedMarch 18, 2012
Option Miser
Location Calgary, AB, Canada
Age Over 65
Favorite Subject Travel
Nikon Family 0-1 years
Experience 6-12 months
Role Occasional user, memory keeper
I have now used this lens on my D7000 DSLR for almost a year. I am amazed at how versatile it is, from portraits to landscapes, action shots to movies. For my amateur photography, I do not need any other lenses.
Since I am not a perfectionist, I am not 100% sure of the benefit of Vibration Reduction although I have used it without any problems, even in movie mode. Pictures are very sharp.
Note - when subject is over 8 metres away, and the lighting requires a flash, the built-in flash on the D7000 is inadequate for this purpose.
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+2points
Review 17 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
The one lens solution
PostedMarch 3, 2012
Crusader
Location Mississippi, USA
Age 55-65
Favorite Subject Portrait
Nikon Family 0-1 years
Experience 1-3 months
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
No, its not the equal of a half a dozen prime lenses. It's not the equal of Nikon's holy trinity of fixed aperture zoom lenses covering the same range. But its remarkably robust compared to the competition, its plenty sharp, and its distortion is acceptable in all but the most critical applications. Five stars for a lens that's good enough for all but the 99th percentile. The only lens I need in my bag.
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+15points
Review 18 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
Alaska - Juneau Humpback Whale, May 2011
PostedJanuary 18, 2012
pete
Age 45-54
Favorite Subject Landscape
Nikon Family 21+ years
Experience 6-12 months
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
This pic was taken on a purchased used 18-200 VR. I also have new one. the 5000 has the old 18-200 and the 7000 has the newer model. The newer model is a little sharper, tighter and better sized rubber grips. Either of them will do the job. My other lens is a 80-400 VR.
Anyway, there were 14 people on the boat, the only picture of the whale came from the 7000/18-200 setup. Whales are only out of the water for a moment, as they weight 30 tons, and you have to focus, and get the pic taken in milliseconds.
That is my testimony to Nikon and i am sticking to it!!
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+22points
Review 19 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
Overall a good lens
PostedDecember 20, 2011
Shiblee
Age 25-34
Favorite Subject Travel
Nikon Family 2-5 years
Experience More than a year
Role Just getting started with photography
I bought this lens last year and I am pretty much happy with it. Here is what I have found within this year
Pros.
1. It's an excellent all purpose lens, you don't have to switch lenses back and forth.
2. Focus within 0.5 meter (I think good for beginner macro shooters, my opinion does not count because I am not a big fan of macro)
3. It has a focus ring (which is a plus)
4. Autofocus is okay (it is not the fastest one but acceptable)
5. I love the bokeh of this lens
1. It's an excellent all purpose lens, you don't have to switch lenses back and forth.
2. Focus within 0.5 meter (I think good for beginner macro shooters, my opinion does not count because I am not a big fan of macro)
3. It has a focus ring (which is a plus)
4. Autofocus is okay (it is not the fastest one but acceptable)
5. I love the bokeh of this lens
The most important feature of this lens is its versatility and a very good choice for beginners when people are not sure which focal length is perfect to photograph what.
Cons.
1. The lens creeps, it is a big problem if you point it upward.
2. It has a lock button but it locks only on 18mm, so basically you can use lock button it you want to hang it on your shoulder.
3. The images are not crisp sharp! but the images are still very good. If you are the guy who swear on sharpness then it might disappoint you but for me it is okay.
1. The lens creeps, it is a big problem if you point it upward.
2. It has a lock button but it locks only on 18mm, so basically you can use lock button it you want to hang it on your shoulder.
3. The images are not crisp sharp! but the images are still very good. If you are the guy who swear on sharpness then it might disappoint you but for me it is okay.
I am not sure why it's worth $100 more than its previous version, apparently there is not much difference except the lock button which is not very useful anyway.
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+27points
Review 20 for AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II
Overall rating
PostedNovember 21, 2011
Bob
Location Redding, CA
Age Over 65
Favorite Subject Nature
Nikon Family 11-20 years
Experience Less than a month
Role Serious passion, hobbyist
I usually steer away fron lenses with a wide range of focal lenghts and own several f2.8 pro lenses. After reading test result on this lens in Popular Photo who found that this lens has amazing optical qualities for a lens with this focal range, I decided to buy one. This lens will be perfect for when I don't want to carry around several heavy pro lens. I can mount this lens on My DSLR and go. I will still use my other lenses for specific needs, but this is the lens that I will use most of the time.
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+14points