18-200mm VR or 70-300mm VR

[LilPeteMordino]

Hey guys. Im planning on picking up a new lens around about christmas time. My choices are the 18-200mm VR (£500ish) and the 70-300mm VR (£400ish).

My question is, Out of these two lenses, Which would people go for. Is the 18-200mm VR that much better that it is worth the extra hundred pounds? What do people think of these two lenses aswell?

Would be used for general use as I dont shoot primarily one 'genre' and will be used with a D50.

Thanking you kindly.

[MrB]

I think the 18-200 will give you more flexibility in the wide angle end, but the 70-300 will give you better range for birds and wildlife. I have the 70-300 and like it a lot except I can't get far enough from the subject on the short end. I am planning to add the 18-200, replacing my 18-70.

[Blues]

I can't offer any solid information, only my intentions. I too have been contemplating a similar matter, but between the 18-135 and the 18-200, and I am opting to go with the 18-200mm VR. However, if I had the $ I would opt for the 55-300mm since I have an 18-70mm. Do you already have a solid lens for 18-70? If so, I'd go for the 300mm.

Best of luck either way.

[Tom Swaman]

If you want the best combination for good shooting, ease of handling and range coverage at the overall best cost, your optimum selection ought to be the 18-135mm and the 70-300mm VR. Do not forget that it is relatively easy and relatively inexpensive to acquire primes and zooms in the say 24 to 70mm that are optically excellent.

Tom

[LilPeteMordino]

At the moment I only have the 18-55mm 'kit' Lens.

Would you say the 2 lenses (18-200 and 70-300) are of the same quality, but just a bit more zoom and the likes?

Its where I'm really wondering where to go as I dont have any 'real' genre of shooting. I want to try everything.

Thanks.

[Tom Swaman]

I would say that both lenses are of good quality and I have owned and used both as has my wife. If you need long telephoto, you will do best with the 70-300 VR. Have you considered trading your 18-55mm and considering my earlier recommendation? You will be miles ahead.

Tom

[LilPeteMordino]

Yeah, I did read that. But at the moment I wouldnt be able to afford to buy one and pay the difference on the other.

Will go back and have a think and another look!

Thanks.

[badpickev]

i think with the 18-55 i would look at the 70-300. the gap between 55 and 70 may not be missed

[dgs]

I still like the idea of an 18-200, and then add a 80-400, to me that would be a great combo.

thanks,
Danny

[fintastic]

Everyone need to sort the type of shooting they do out for them self. That said I have both lenses and use the 18-200 far more ! When I shoot sports I will use a 80-200 2.8 and last choice is the 70-300.

Just my 2 cents.

John