Still not a pro lens, but the best of the "super zooms"

As Digital SLRs come down in price, more of them are in the hands of amateurs who don't want to carry around a bag of lenses. Thus the popularity of Nikon's first "super zoom" with built-in vibration reduction technology. For those who can afford it, this lens is the easy answer for the amateur who wants one lens that will "do it all."

Most lens reviews are written by pros for pros. I will attempt to explain the pros and cons of buying this lens to the amateurs who are being pitched this lens as the answer to their dreams.

BACKGROUND: THE DRAWBACKS OF "SUPER ZOOM" LENSES

The huge 18-200mm range on this lens is equivalent to 28-300mm in a 35mm format. Zoom lenses with such huge "super zoom" ranges have been around for a long time, and are very popular as an all-purpose lens, but they have inherent drawbacks.

Specifically, inexpensive zooms with wide ranges are likely to show some distortion at wider angles, and some softness at the edges of photos. Generally speaking, cheaper lenses and larger zoom ranges will carry the most distortion. For professionals, this is usually unacceptable; but for hand-held snapshots, these effects might not be noticed at all, and may be a reasonable compromise when compared to carrying around a bag of ultra-sharp but much larger, heavier and more expensive professional lenses.

A more important consideration for the amateur may be that "super zooms" aren't going to be as fast as professional lenses or even as fast as cheaper fixed lenses. By "fast", I mean the maximum aperture on this lens is only f/3.5 when shooting at 18mm and only f/5.6 when the lens is zoomed in beyond wide angles.

Compare this to a fixed 50mm portrait lens which shoots at f/1.8 and costs just $100, and you'll see the drawbacks pretty quickly. The fixed lens may not be able to zoom, but it can shoot indoors or in lower light without a flash, or can capture action shots at much faster shutter speeds.

WHAT MAKES THIS LENS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER "SUPER ZOOMS?"

Nikon has attempted to change the rules with this lens by adding "VR II" (vibration reduction) technology. It works like the steady shot setting on a camcorder, sensing and compensating for your shaky hands, allowing you to shoot at a slower shutter speed and still get crisp shots. This technology really works! It also makes the lense twice as expensive as other "super zooms".

IS IT WORTH IT?

In my opinion, absolutely YES. If you are a professional photographer, you would never be fooled into thinking that this can replace all your prime lenses. But if you are a serious amateur and don't want to carry a bag of lenses around with you on vacation, then this little wonder will handle almost any situation. It's definitely sharper than the "super zooms" made by Tamron and Sigma, and that's before you add in the VR technology.

COMPACT SIZE MATTERS

One bonus I love about the Nikon 18-200mm VR lens is how compact it is. When attached to your camera, it will still fit in most small SLR camera bags. Another benefit is that you won't get turned away at the gate when bringing your camera to professional sporting events. Most sports venues forbid the use of "professional" photo equipment, but I get this lens through security every time, and while it's not as fast as the lens used by the pros, the VR technology helps me get some pretty good action shots.

QUIET AUTO-FOCUS

I sometimes forget how quiet this lens is, until I stick my old 50mm prime lens onto the camera and listen to it buzz back and forth as it hunts and focuses. The auto-focus on this lens is extremely quiet. A very nice bonus!

DRAWBACKS - DOES IT SLIP?

Others have mentioned that the lens slips when pointed down. I have found that this is true, and it is disappointing; however it does not slip from the fully-closed 18mm position. It only slips if it's already partially zoomed out.

HARD TO FIND IN STOCK

How popular is the Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6g VR DX? This lens was introduced in late 2005. I have now owned one for over a year, and am amazed to find that there are still waiting lists for it at most camera shops, and online stores are charging $300 above the suggested retail price.

You shouldn't have to pay a premium. Call shops in your area. If nobody has one in stock at the regular retail price, go to a local Nikon dealer that sells a lot of cameras. Offer to pay full price in advance to get placed on the top of the waiting list. Nikon is shipping these regularly so you shouldn't have to wait more than a week or two.

SHOULD YOU TAKE THE PLUNGE?

These lenses aren't for everybody. First consider whether a super-zoom makes sense for your needs. If it does, and you can afford it, then I HIGHLY recommend this lens over the other super zooms on the market.