guys i am having a very difficult time deciding between the two options. i basically want an all around lense to invest in. i dont mid the extra bucks. some advice? thanks

guys i am having a very difficult time deciding between the two options. i basically want an all around lense to invest in. i dont mid the extra bucks. some advice? thanks

Hi Carlo!

As an all around lens, I would get the 18-200mm VR. In my experience with the 17-55mm f/2.8, a wonderful Pro lens, on occasion I felt wanting the extra telephoto zoom the 18-200 VR had. Its a "Miracle" Lens as Ken Rockwell calls it, a fantastic consumer grade lens.

It boils down to your style and what you shoot.

Here's Ken's Review: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200.htm
.

have the sigma 18-200 and due its range is tops for a "walkaround/travel" lens. plus factor is its 1:4 macro @ 200mm and its weight/size. don't have the nikkor equivalent yet but in my opin would indeed be much better optics/IQ wise.

Hi Carlo!

Its a "Miracle" Lens as Ken Rockwell calls it, a fantastic consumer grade lens.

Here's Ken's Review: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200.htm
.

yup yup! its ken's reviews that got the idea of getting the 18-200vr. reason why i was also considering the 17-55 is that it can use it UW as well as opposed to the 18-200

It all boils down to the type of shooting you'll be prioritizing. If you'll be doing more UW, then it's the 17-55. But the 18-200 VR will give you the most versatile focal length on land. Decisions, decisions!

yup yup! its ken's reviews that got the idea of getting the 18-200vr. reason why i was also considering the 17-55 is that it can use it UW as well as opposed to the 18-200

And the fact that the built is exceptionally well made, heftier, a faster lens with the f/2.8 wide aperture which is great for the those low/ "au natural" lighting conditions, better color contrast, that extra mm wide coverage, etc, etc..
.

It all boils down to the type of shooting you'll be prioritizing. If you'll be doing more UW, then it's the 17-55. But the 18-200 VR will give you the most versatile focal length on land. Decisions, decisions!

your right, decisions decisions! forget uw, il prioritize landbased first and worry about uw lenses when the time comes and my kidneys heal.

I think nothing beats the 18-200mm VR as a real "all-around" lens in terms of its zoom versatility. I usually use mine when I want to totally go light and bring just 1 lens. But the 17-55mm is such a joy to use, wide aperture,... :)

I think nothing beats the 18-200mm VR as a real "all-around" lens in terms of its zoom versatility. I usually use mine when I want to totally go light and bring just 1 lens. But the 17-55mm is such a joy to use, wide aperture,... :)

helpful:( so if you were to choose??

Then it would be the 18-200VR because of the range. It'll be the lens for most of the situations you'll be in. The smaller aperture can be helped put by the VR since it theoretically adds a few more stops. Rosalie, is this really true in the real world? :) I'd love to test an 18-200VR to see if it really works that way!

get the 18-200 VR!! if i wanna bring only 1 lens, i bring only this! :)

@Carlo

It's really hard to choose one between the 2 since I had my 17-55mm first and I really enjoy using it. A fast lens is still a fast lens. :) Let me put it this way, I wouldn't let go of my 17-55 to get the 18-200 VR. But, the 18-200 VR is a great lens to have... a miracle really considering the 11x zoom. The VR really works wonders. That's why it's also a keeper for me. So, if you were to only get one, I'd say get the 18-200 VR, only by a very slight margin. You won't be disappointed. The versatility of the zoom plus the VR is really hard to beat as an "all-around" lens.

@TJ

Yes, the VR helps tremendously on the long end. I tried taking shots, slow shutter speed, with and without the VR on, and huge difference. But, there is still no substitute for fast lenses in certain situations, like sports. :)

You can try out my 18-200. Perfect all around. But if you're planning to shoot indoor, don't forget to bring your flash as well.

Now on to my next "want-lens", the 17-55!!!

i want both!!! :Grin: :Grin: :Grin:

i would get the 18-200mm first. very versatile all around lens :) but the VR doesn't really work well with my very shaky hands :(

.

Decisions, decisions.???

18-200mm VR
http://static.flickr.com/73/162771138_1ae1b01d9e_o.jpg


OR

17-55mm VR f2.8
http://static.flickr.com/72/162771139_580677f24d_o.jpg

Enee-mi-ni, Mi-ni-mo!
.

i would get the 18-200mm first. very versatile all around lens :) but the VR doesn't really work well with my very shaky hands :(

I would think the VR would be the cure for shaky hands! :Grin:

yup it cures my shaky hands by probably 1/3 stop!! haha my hands are quite "pasmado"!! :D

.

Go for the 18-200mm VR! Less lens to carry on long travel trips, less lens switching, less dust coming in, less cleaning = less headaches...:Grin:
.

.

Go for the 18-200mm VR! Less lens to carry on long travel trips, less lens switching, less dust coming in, less cleaning = less headaches...:Grin:
.

im so sold!!

yup it cures my shaky hands by probably 1/3 stop!! haha my hands are quite "pasmado"!! :D

Proper handholding techniques (http://www.vividlight.com/articles/112.htm) will definitely help, with or without VR or a large aperture. As mentioned in the article, pressing against the eye-cup, cradling the lens, tucking your elbows in, and rolling your fingers when firing can help with a shake-free shot. :)
I'm still guilty of not taking my time to set up my shot properly and ending up with blurred shots.

Carlo, the 200mm range is great, but the proper long-lens technique will give you an even higher rate of keepers.

i would get the 18-200mm first. very versatile all around lens :) but the VR doesn't really work well with my very shaky hands :(

Hi! The thing with the VR is, you have to be sure the mechanism has stabilized before pressing the shutter. You can hear the mechanism when you initially press the shutter. Just though might help. It's a very subtle sound. :)

I would think the VR would be the cure for shaky hands! :Grin:

For me it's been great. :) But to be honest, I agree with you, nothing beats proper handholding techniques. I've been working on this... :Grin:

yes i do hear the mechanism when i half-press the shutter :) the VR helps me a bit too, just not up to 3 stops :Grin: my friends are laughing at me cos even if i try to make my hands as steady as possible, they can still see my camera shake a bit!!:Grin: i guess that is the price i have to pay for not taking care of my hands when i was younger :Oops:


Hi! The thing with the VR is, you have to be sure the mechanism has stabilized before pressing the shutter. You can hear the mechanism when you initially press the shutter. Just though might help. It's a very subtle sound.

go for nikkor 18-200mm VR, nothing beats its portability, great range and VR.
but still depends on your type of shooting.

carlo, go get your 18-200 na!!!

carlo, go get your 18-200 na!!!

getting it july. hope i dont change my mind before then.

getting it july. hope i dont change my mind before then.

I know of someone who is selling one, slightly used, if you're interested.

@Carlo

Sorry, just got word that the seller decided not to sell his lenses individually. :Mad:

@Carlo

Sorry, just got word that the seller decided not to sell his lenses individually. :Mad:

il bite, whats he selling it with?

hey, rosalie,

is this the seller who's selling the 17-55, 70-200 and 18-200 altogether?

hey, rosalie,

is this the seller who's selling the 17-55, 70-200 and 18-200 altogether?

Yup, that's the one! :)

getting it july. hope i dont change my mind before then.

Better to be getting in line as soon as NOW, Carlo!

18-200 sells like hotcakes! (more like a Maruya!) once in-stock, it won't last a day or two!

I've been in line for it since February but until now.... Nothing in the horizon yet....

Maybe you should consider that Guy selling those 3 Lenses!

Those are the current Lust Lenses of Nikon!

If you get them, you'll be the happiest kid in Town!:Grin:

With us drooling on the side.....

@Lyndon

I heard that Henry's has stock of the 18-200 VR. The 3 lenses have been sold already. :)

just to let you know guys, after doing my homework i have decided to get the 17-55 instead of the 18-200. will have updates soon.

Can i just thread jack :D Would you choose an 18-200mm vr or a 70-200mm vr 2.8? :) Cause i have this chance to be able to get either one and I'm having a hard time deciding. Should I go for the all around lens 18-200 or the 70-200 2.8 any input would help. :)

Btw, I use a nikon d70 I have the kit lens and a 28-200. :)

I sold my 18-70 and 28-200 and got the 18-200. It is the perfect subsitute for the range.

A month after, I got my 80-200 (and 12-24). Men, oh men... after seeing the sharpness of the 80-200, the 200 end of the 18-200 looked really soft. Imagine if you get the 70-200? wowowee!!!

My conclusion? Get the 70-200VR!!! And keep your kit lens and 28-200... bahala na ang overlap. hahahhaha

70-200 hands-down WINNER!

Then sell off the 28-200 to get the 18-200

Since you already have the 18-70, get the 70-200 VR na! Then if you want to go a step further, sell the 18-70 and 28-200 and get the 18-200 VR. :)

woohoo!!! 70-200VR, here we come!!!

Thanks guys! :D I guess 70-200 it is :)

congratulations in advance! get fit for you'll need it...

Would you choose an 18-200mm vr or a 70-200mm vr 2.8? :)



Its a no brainer marlon, hands down get the 70-200vr. your problem now is whether to get the light grey or black!
http://www.nikon-image.com/eng/news_release/2002/images/photo_afsvr70-200.jpg

Thanks :) I guess i need more push ups :P

I think ill pick black :D They might think im using some L glass :)

OT: @ marton

i noticed that you were addressed as marlon twice today... once in "sunspots at macabebe" and another in this thread... heheheh

i'm so excited for you!!! (i would have gotten the 70-200 if i had the funds... but my 80-200 is wonderful and i love it. *baka magtampo*)

time to sleep...

Thanks :) I guess i need more push ups :P

I think ill pick black :D They might think im using some L glass :)

Congratulations in advance! :) It's a great lens.

OT: @ marton

i noticed that you were addressed as marlon twice today... once in "sunspots at macabebe" and another in this thread... heheheh



my mistake its marton pala. i need to have my eyes checked

my mistake its marton pala. i need to have my eyes checked

@carlo

get an 18-200mm for your eyes... para full range... (macro mode lang kasi as per your story)

@carlo

get an 18-200mm for your eyes... para full range... (macro mode lang kasi as per your story)

Hahaha! Nice one! :D

@carlo

get an 18-200mm for your eyes... para full range... (macro mode lang kasi as per your story)

stop feeding ideas to my fickle mind ate dindin:) ive decided already

@Marton/Carlo - a little nudge http://www.joachimgerstl.com/70-200vr.htm

hehe with upcoming nikkor 24-120VR din in the article...marami talagang demonyo noh?

[quote=caloy_samson]

the 70-200 is still king:)

hehe with upcoming nikkor 24-120VR din in the article...marami talagang demonyo noh?

The 24-120VR is not upcoming, been available for a no. of years already. :)

oops mali.. salamat ate.

@Caloy

No problem! :) Why "ate"?... I'm not as old as dindin ha... :Grin:

@rosalie

carlo kasi started it eh...

@caloy

i'm 37, carlo is i think 29... his bestfriend is my cousin-in-law, who we treat as one of the younger ones... so, i started calling him kiddo (after he started calling me ate)

rosalie (my riding friend), on the other hand, is only 33...

sorry for exposing our ages... it's never a parameter for friendship anyway.

@Caloy

No problem! :) Why "ate"?... I'm not as old as dindin ha... :Grin:

Ngek! bawi bawi...adeng pala...:Grin:

Rosalie/Dindin..do you guys dive (scuba)?

ps - sorry Carlo for the hijack.

Ngek! bawi bawi...adeng pala...:Grin:

Rosalie/Dindin..do you guys dive (scuba)?

ps - sorry Carlo for the hijack.

We're so OT so I'll answer na for both us, no we don't. :)

@caloy

dive, nahhhhhhhh... never tried it... duwag kasi!!!

i'd rather run and fly than swim... ;-)

try it and find out how the other 2/3s live...

@Rosalie - yes so OT...

@caloy

i'm 37, carlo is i think 29... his bestfriend is my cousin-in-law, who we treat as one of the younger ones... so, i started calling him kiddo (after he started calling me ate)


for what its worth we call caloy "KOYA" in scubaboard

ps - sorry Carlo for the hijack.

deja vu' ha?

Hi. Sorry for reviving this thread. I'd just like to know Carlo what made you decide to get the 17-55 rather than the 18-200VR? Is it really because of the big difference in terms of quality of shots between the two lenses? I'm also considering kasi the 18-200VR for my first lens. If i get the 17-55 / 70-200 combo, would its quality as compared to a single 18-200VR justify its total price?

Hi. Sorry for reviving this thread. I'd just like to know Carlo what made you decide to get the 17-55 rather than the 18-200VR? Is it really because of the big difference in terms of quality of shots between the two lenses? I'm also considering kasi the 18-200VR for my first lens.

aaron it really depends on what you shoot or what your requiremnts are. in my case i really wanted the 18-200 for the complete focal range, compactness etc etc. it was a real all in one lens that i was close on getting.

reason why i opted for the 17-55 is becasue i knew for a fact that i would get it anyway in the future as an upgrade so decided to get it first. the quality of the pictures it produces are top notch and have a nice saturation towards it. ibang iba.

f i get the 17-55 / 70-200 combo, would its quality as compared to a single 18-200VR justify its total price?

bro your the only one that can answer this all i knowis that people with that combo absolutely swear by it. i can defintely say for certain that the quality of the combo versus the 18-200 is very significantl. price on the other hand is another story.

Purpose :) That's the key point here. 18-200 is an all around walkaround, but it still is a kit lens. It cannot substitute for the wider aperture that the 17-55 has or the 70-200. Does it justify the price? Well that's up to you, its really subjective. :) Goodluck!

Thank you sirs for shedding light on this. i guess I must really know muna kung san ko gagamitin. But as a newbie, I think the 18-200VR would suffice for the meantime while I develop my skills. Tsaka na siguro yung 17-55/70-200 combo :D Besides, what I'm really after lang naman is the good bokeh. I guess I could use a 50/1.4 for those portrait shots

Besides, what I'm really after lang naman is the good bokeh.

If good bokeh is what you want, you'll be mistaken to buy the 18-200. Read this (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200/18200-bokeh.htm).

I am using the 17-55 and the 70-200 combo in my wedding shoots and I swear by it. Very great lenses. And these two are actually not to be compared with the 18-200. These are pro lenses and are not for everyday walk-around. The 70-200 by itself is almost 1.5kg already, try carrying it while walking for 3 hours :D. And with the price of these two, you can get three 18-200 already or a D200 and the 18-200 :).

Cheers!

Marco

but sir marco, i was referring to the 50/1.4 for the good bokeh. tama po ba? i know naman po na hindi ganun ka ganda bokeh ng 18-200 kasi nga pang all-around lens. but im really surprised with the price of the 70-200 ah! 70-200 = D200 + 18-200 pa!!! :O grabe mukhang hanggang 18-200 nga lang talaga muna ko!

but sir marco, i was referring to the 50/1.4 for the good bokeh. tama po ba? i know naman po na hindi ganun ka ganda bokeh ng 18-200 kasi nga pang all-around lens. but im really surprised with the price of the 70-200 ah! 70-200 = D200 + 18-200 pa!!! :O grabe mukhang hanggang 18-200 nga lang talaga muna ko!

misunderstanding yata. average price of a d80(50k)+18-200(40k)= 70-200(90k)

the d200+ 18-200 combo is in excess of 120k

A little bit of a misunderstanding nga :Dum: . What I said was, the 17-55 f/2.8 and 70-200 f/2.8 VR will cost more than D200 + 18-200 VR combined. Here's the current price accoring to www.bhphotovideo.com (http://www.bhphotovideo.com) which is a standard here in the East Coast.

D200 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=407284&is=REG&addedTroughType=search) = $1,669.95
18-200 VR (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=408518&is=USA&addedTroughType=search) = $749.95
Total = $2,449.90

17-55 f/2.8 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=300490&is=USA&addedTroughType=search) = $1,199.95
70-200 f/2.8 VR (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=274780&is=USA&addedTroughType=search) = $1,614.95
Total = $2,814.90

Mas mahal pa rin nga yung combination ng lenses :Grin: . With the difference you can still buy a 50mm f/1.5 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=97413&is=USA&addedTroughType=search) for $279.95 or an 85mm f/1.8 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller/home?O=productlist&A=details&Q=&sku=84151&is=USA&addedTroughType=search) for $399.95.

but sir marco, i was referring to the 50/1.4 for the good bokeh. tama po ba?

Ah, okay, another misunderstanding :Dum:, sorry.

50mm f/1.5

Ah, okay, another misunderstanding :Dum:, sorry.

Marco i think you meant f1.4:) pagod ka na pare

Marco i think you meant f1.4:) pagod ka na pare

Ha ha ha :D ... inaantok na nga ako! Pero tama naman link ko di ba?:Grin:

hehehe ok lang po yun! :) and thanks for the link! at least i have a rough estimate on how much these things will set me back

@Carlo

Your 17-55 finally arrived? :)

Purpose :) That's the key point here. 18-200 is an all around walkaround, but it still is a kit lens. It cannot substitute for the wider aperture that the 17-55 has or the 70-200. Does it justify the price? Well that's up to you, its really subjective. :) Goodluck!

I agree with you here that it all boils down to purpose. But I don't think the 18-200VR should be called a kit lens. :Grin: Every lens has their advantages. No doubt the 17-55 and 70-200 make for a great combination but there are times when carrying this combo is just not the practical thing to do so that's when I opt for the 18-200VR. :)

Thank you sirs for shedding light on this. i guess I must really know muna kung san ko gagamitin. But as a newbie, I think the 18-200VR would suffice for the meantime while I develop my skills. Tsaka na siguro yung 17-55/70-200 combo :D Besides, what I'm really after lang naman is the good bokeh. I guess I could use a 50/1.4 for those portrait shots


@Aaron

If you're just starting and still unsure of what you really like to shoot, then the 18-200VR is the way to go. You will then be able to assess what you really like to shoot then decide what lenses you really need. :)

@Carlo

Your 17-55 finally arrived? :)

nope not yet, the one im currently using is my cousins on loan for my 105. i hope my copy is as good as his.

OT isnt din selling her 18-200?

Thank you sirs for shedding light on this. i guess I must really know muna kung san ko gagamitin. But as a newbie, I think the 18-200VR would suffice for the meantime while I develop my skills. Tsaka na siguro yung 17-55/70-200 combo :D Besides, what I'm really after lang naman is the good bokeh. I guess I could use a 50/1.4 for those portrait shots

Aaron, I also got to that thinking kaya 18-200VR binili ko. I like the 18-200VR for its all-around use, especially since I mostly used it for travel. Mahirap magdala ng mabigat, I already experienced that nuong wala pang magagaan na zoom lens, your gear will really weigh you down lalo na kung lakad ng lakad. I was also contemplating on the 17-55, but the weight plus the price made me think twice. I was leaning towards it for its bokeh being a 2.8, but I thought bitin yung range, lalo na when I want to shoot details high above some structures. Besides I can use my 50mm 1.8D when I need a good bokeh for portraits shots. Although I prefer not to change lens frequently, para iwas dust on sensor na, mahal magpalinis sa Nikon Service Center dito sa Dubai, another reason why I bought the 18-200VR.

@Aaron

If you're just starting and still unsure of what you really like to shoot, then the 18-200VR is the way to go. You will then be able to assess what you really like to shoot then decide what lenses you really need. http://www.digitalphotographer.com.ph/forum/images/smilies/Drogar-Happy%28DBG%29.gif
Yeah. Thanks Rosalie. I think the 18-200 would help me decide what kind of photographer i really want to be

Aaron, I also got to that thinking kaya 18-200VR binili ko. I like the 18-200VR for its all-around use, especially since I mostly used it for travel. Mahirap magdala ng mabigat, I already experienced that nuong wala pang magagaan na zoom lens, your gear will really weigh you down lalo na kung lakad ng lakad. I was also contemplating on the 17-55, but the weight plus the price made me think twice. I was leaning towards it for its bokeh being a 2.8, but I thought bitin yung range, lalo na when I want to shoot details high above some structures. Besides I can use my 50mm 1.8D when I need a good bokeh for portraits shots. Although I prefer not to change lens frequently, para iwas dust on sensor na, mahal magpalinis sa Nikon Service Center dito sa Dubai, another reason why I bought the 18-200VR.
Thanks Sandro. Weight is also a factor for me since I will also be travelling a lot and i don't think there are any Nikon Service Center here in Africa so thanks for the heads up on not changing lens often to avoid dust.

Thanks Guys! I'm sold already. 18-200VR it is.

Yeah. Thanks Rosalie. I think the 18-200 would help me decide what kind of photographer i really want to be


Thanks Sandro. Weight is also a factor for me since I will also be travelling a lot and i don't think there are any Nikon Service Center here in Africa so thanks for the heads up on not changing lens often to avoid dust.

Thanks Guys! I'm sold already. 18-200VR it is.

Go for it Aaron! :)

Thanks Guys! I'm sold already. 18-200VR it is.

Now just don't forget the customary "binyag" sample/first shot photos when you get this lens... :Grin:

Go for it Aaron! :)
Yeah I surely will! Kaya nga po I can't wait to go home to get my hands on these babies!


Now just don't forget the customary "binyag" sample/first shot photos when you get this lens... :Grin:
Definitely! I just hope they'd turn out good coz I'm so new to this.