Who Will Upgrade To A 18-200mm VR II ? - PhotoCamel

Gary Mayo · 09-18-2009

In prosumer lenses, is there such a thing as an upgrade?

If you have that lens already (I do) would it be an upgrade, or just a waste of resources in a tight economy?

I doubt I will upgrade, though it is my favorite vacation lens on a D200 or D300 body without a battery grip. So small and compact, it feels more like a vacation.

For night shots, I purchase postcards.

badpickev · 09-18-2009

not me, im saving for a 17-50 f2.8 VC

shadowlands · 09-18-2009

I wont be... I own the original 18-200 VR and it's virtually the same lens with the exception of the extra coating (that's silly) and the lock. Sure, I'd like the lock, but I don't want to pay the extra money for it. I'd have to sell mine for a loss, and spend $200.00 - $300.00 more to get the improved version, per say... only to end up with the same image quality.
Besides, I like the red "VR" on the lens... the gold "VR" is not cutting it for me!!!

palakaboy · 09-18-2009

yeah the red vr was so nice to me that i painted my d90 badge red.

besides, i thought that it was a bad move on nikon. they should have had a version two instead of VRII. especially a model like the 18-200.

Jeff Perry · 09-18-2009

We are very happy with our two 18-200s, I see no reason for the "upgrade".

Nor will I be "upgrading" the 70-200. Mine works just fine.

Jeff

Dirk · 09-20-2009

i also do not upgrade a bought a 18-105 VR gold recently and i like it i do not have the money to buy a 18-200 and a barely shoot above 70-105 mm , i just wanted a lens with a bit more reach than the 18-55vr and the 18-70 but with VR and since it has got good reviews i bought it for a sharp price , it is a ideal walk around lens ..

Nikonfreak · 09-21-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Perry

We are very happy with our two 18-200s, I see no reason for the "upgrade".

Nor will I be "upgrading" the 70-200. Mine works just fine.

Jeff

I like my 70-200 but I wonder if the vignette issue goes away with the new model on FX bodies.

If so and the edge softness issues with the FX bodies is resolved, then it might prove to be worthwhile.

The lens never showed any weaknesses in the armor until FX came around.

Save your money on the 18-200 VRII upgrade. If you have one already, no reason to change from what I understand.

Julio

Gary Mayo · 09-22-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikonfreak

I like my 70-200 but I wonder if the vignette issue goes away with the new model on FX bodies.

If so and the edge softness issues with the FX bodies is resolved, then it might prove to be worthwhile.

The lens never showed any weaknesses in the armor until FX came around.

Save your money on the 18-200 VRII upgrade. If you have one already, no reason to change from what I understand.

Julio

The new 70-200mm VR is said to improve on lost edges, whatever that means. I believe it was reissued for us FX folks. I am also keeping some of my DX cameras, so I leave the 70-200 VR I on my D300.

Max@Home · 09-22-2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nikonfreak

I like my 70-200 but I wonder if the vignette issue goes away with the new model on FX bodies.

...it better...

Quote:

If so and the edge softness issues with the FX bodies is resolved, then it might prove to be worthwhile.

I know 3 FX-Nikonians that ordered it 'blind' to replace their Sigma's

that replaced their 70-200VR '1'

Quote:

The lens never showed any weaknesses in the armor until FX came around.

...true, and for years the Nikon reps told you: DX = FX, the 17-55F2.8 is your new 24-70F2.8... then things changed (true beauty, that new 24-70

)...

Quote:

Save your money on the 18-200 VRII upgrade. If you have one already, no reason to change from what I understand.

...maybe only if you can get a real good price for your 18-200VR1 now, as that price will drop steeper in time due to the arrival of 18-200VR2

...so not as much a 'photo/IQ' orientated but more an 'investment/financial' orientated switch, I know some Canon guys that did this with their 28-70F2.8 when 24-70F2.8 was announced, that lens (28-70F2.8 ) is now almost unsellable...

...just food for thoughts, *my* €0.02...

Kindest regards!

Max@Home

R. House · 09-22-2009

All 18-200 are VRII and all have SIC (Super Improved Coating). Been this way since the very first was introduced. Now, you have to ask yourself...is that zoom lock @ 18mm worth a couple hundred bucks?

shadowlands · 09-23-2009

I agree. I wouldn't mind having the lock, but I don't need it that bad...
When I walk, my lens isn't pointing down for my battery grip keeps the camera level on myself....

Quote:

Originally Posted by R. House

All 18-200 are VRII and all have SIC (Super Improved Coating). Been this way since the very first was introduced. Now, you have to ask yourself...is that zoom lock @ 18mm worth a couple hundred bucks?

moxi1 · 10-16-2009

Hi there,
My 18-200 behaves very nicely - no creep unless pointed directly down with a shake, but that is easy controlled. So why would I buy a new one just because there are a few more numbers on the label?
I feel there is too much emphasis on the newest equipment - some people reckon that with the newest lens and the newest camera they would make better pictures.
My advise is save the money and try to make the best with your gear, and only if you find there are things you can't do with it - then contemplate to get new stuff!

Cheers Moxi

shadowlands · 10-16-2009

I agree with Moxi!!!
My 18-200 VR is a great copy. Yes, it creeps, but it's within reason. It's my work-horse. It's a keeper!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by moxi1

Hi there,
My 18-200 behaves very nicely - no creep unless pointed directly down with a shake, but that is easy controlled. So why would I buy a new one just because there are a few more numbers on the label?
I feel there is too much emphasis on the newest equipment - some people reckon that with the newest lens and the newest camera they would make better pictures.
My advise is save the money and try to make the best with your gear, and only if you find there are things you can't do with it - then contemplate to get new stuff!

Cheers Moxi

Tusker · 10-20-2009

Would be a waste of money for me. I have the first version, and it stays on the D 80 since it is wasted on my D 700. Too bad they didn't see fit to VR the new 85.

Vandyu · 10-23-2009

I agree. Not worth the loss of money to get a new model. But, wish I were in the market for one today. Nice to have the extra features.

R. House · 10-25-2009

The new 85mm micro from Nikon has VR.

Gary Mayo · 10-31-2009

Thanks for all the responses. New or older version, the 18-200mm VR is a sometimes misunderstood lens that is an asset to any one that owns it if used correctly.

gaopa2 · 11-02-2009

I won't be upgrading as my 18-200 generation one is my all-purpose travel lens. I call it my "Swiss Army Knife lens". The images are of fine quality and I have no complaints. Cheers, Bill P.

jcs_57 · 11-02-2009

I've used many lenses, good primes and zooms as well. And I always end up with my trusty 18-200 vrII
on my d300. First started with d50 then d80. Thinking of going to the d700 but it would be useless with full sensor.Cannot part with it just yet so I'll hang on to this set up for now. Maybe I will keep everything and get the d700 anyways??

Gna · 11-02-2009

A defining characteristic of an SLR camera (Single Lens Reflex) is that it can work with many lenses. To fully exploit that concept as a user one should strive not to own just one lens to cover all situations, but one should instead exploit that concept to the max by striving to own more lenses, complementary to each other. Each with considerably better quality optics than your one-size-fits-all lens. Thus creating a balanced system of camera body and lenses. And not trade away the image quality you gained by getting, paying, and using an SLR for ill-advised 'convenience'.

Besides: gearheads love to own more gear rather than less, don't they?

09-18-2009	#1
Gary Mayo Llama Location: ProDSLR Posts: 673 CamelKarma: 796 Editing OK?: Yes Gallery \| Blog	Who Will Upgrade To A 18-200mm VR II ? In prosumer lenses, is there such a thing as an upgrade? If you have that lens already (I do) would it be an upgrade, or just a waste of resources in a tight economy? I doubt I will upgrade, though it is my favorite vacation lens on a D200 or D300 body without a battery grip. So small and compact, it feels more like a vacation. For night shots, I purchase postcards. __________________ Members don't see ads in threads. Register your free account today and become a member on PhotoCamel - Your Friendly Photo Forum, gaining access to posting privileges, contests, free plug-ins and other downloads, unlimited online storage for your photographs, reviews, free marketplace listings, and much more.
	__________________ Gary - Advice For Want-To-Be Models ~ Let Your Friends Collect Body Art Some Of My Equipment: Nikon D3. ~ Nikon D300 w/ MB-D10 w/ENEL-4A's ~ Nikon D200 w/WT-3A ~ Kodak Pro SLRn ~ Fujifilm S5 Pro/MB-D200 ~ 10.5mm f/2.8 G IF ED DX ~ 24mm f/2.8 AFD ~ 28mm f/2.8 AFD ~ 28mm f/2.8 AFD ~ 28mm f/2.8 AFD NIB ~ 35mm f/2.0 AFD ~ 50mm f/1.2 IF ~ 50mm f/1.4 AFD ~ 50mm f/1.4 A ~ 55mm f/1.2 IF ~ 60mm f/2.8 AFD Micro ~ 85mm f/1.4 AFD ~ 135mm f/2 AF DC ~ 300mm f/2.8 ED IF ~ 500mm f/4 P ED IF ~ 18-200mm VR f/3.5-5.6 ED-IF AF-S DX ~ 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF ~ 35-70mm f/2.8 AF-D ~ 70-200mm VR f/2.8 G ED IF AF-S ~ 70-300mm VR f/4.5-5.6 G ED IF AF-S ~ 80-400mm VR f/4.5-5.6D ED AF ~ TC-14b 1.4 ~ TC-17EII 1.7 ~ TC-200 2.0 ~ TC-301 2.0 ~ Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG AF ~ Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 APO EX DG AF ~ Sigma 300-800mm f/5.6 APO EX AF ~ Sigma APO EX DG 1.4 ~ Sigma APO EX DG 2.0 ~ Kenko Teleplus PRO 300 "DG" AF 3x Teleconverter ~ Kenko Macro Extension Tube Set ~ Kenko 180 degree true fish eye ~ Sigma 28-70 f/1.28-4 D ~ Sigma 70-300 f/1.4-5.6 D DG Macro ~ Vivitar 500mm f/8 Mirror lens ~ 8 Nikon SB-800's ~ Savage Soft Box w/24, 24 watt bulbs, full spectrum fluorescent (equal to 280 - 100 watt light bulbs.) ~ Savage Soft box w/6, 24 watt bulbs, full spectrum fluorescent (equal to 70 - 100 watts light bulbs.) ~ Sony 60 LED Ring Light ~ Minolta Light Meter IIIF ~Manfrotto 3258 Heavy Duty 8' Tripod. ~ Wimberley Gimbal Head Version II ~ (2) Manfrotto 3251 Tripods ~ 3 Manfrotto 133DDB Horizontal Arms ~ Manfrotto Studio Dolly 3156 ~ Manfrotto Tripod 755B/0110 ~ Manfrotto Self Standing Monopod 682B ~ Manfrotto Monopod 479B/LC15 ~ Manfrotto 322RC2 Head 2 Quick Releases ~ (2) Manfrotto 3265 Heads ~Samson Rolling Double Head Camera Stand 7301 ~Canon iPF8000 44'' x 59' ~ Epson r1800 13'' x 19'' ~ Several Brother & HP office printers ~ Olevia 542i 42'' wide screen, 1360 x 768, 1080i resolution, 178-degree viewing angle, 1600:1 DCR ~ 4 22" flat screens ~ ACDSee 10 ~ Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended ~ Adobe Lightroom 1.3 ~ Canon Digital Photo Print Pro ~ Canon Poster Artist 7 ~ Compupic Pro 6.3 ~ Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 ~ Micrographfx Picture Publisher 10 ~ Microsoft Digital Image Pro 10 ~ Microsoft Expression Web ~ Microsoft Front Page 2003 ~ Microsoft Publisher 2003 ~ MGI PhotoSuite 4 ~ Nikon Capture NX ~ PhotoImpact Pro ~ Photo Explorer ~ Qimage ~ The Print Shop 23 Easier To Read Gear List

09-18-2009	#2
badpickev F1 Camel Location: Jax FL Posts: 3,688 CamelKarma: 1228 Editing OK?: Yes Gallery \| Blog	Re: Who Will Upgrade To A 18-200mm VR II ? not me, im saving for a 17-50 f2.8 VC
	__________________ Fuji S2/S3/S5 Pro Kenko MC7 2X, Pro 300 Nkkor 50 1.8 70-300VR Phoenix 100, 650-1300& Sima 100mm F2 SF Sigma 12-24, 18-50 HSM, 18-125, 50-500, 70-300, 120-300, 1.4X 2x Tamron 28-75

09-18-2009	#3
shadowlands Guanaco Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 447 CamelKarma: 643 Editing OK?: Ask first Gallery \| Blog	Re: Who Will Upgrade To A 18-200mm VR II ? I wont be... I own the original 18-200 VR and it's virtually the same lens with the exception of the extra coating (that's silly) and the lock. Sure, I'd like the lock, but I don't want to pay the extra money for it. I'd have to sell mine for a loss, and spend $200.00 - $300.00 more to get the improved version, per say... only to end up with the same image quality. Besides, I like the red "VR" on the lens... the gold "VR" is not cutting it for me!!!
	__________________ "shadowlands" Nikon D90 Nikon DX AFS 18-200 VR Nikon DX AFS 35mm F1.8 Nikon SB-600 Nikon MB-D80 Battery Grip Bogen-Manfrotto 3001 Lowepro Slingshot 200 Lowepro Speedster Lowepro Transporter

09-18-2009	#4
palakaboy Vicuna Location: Bellflower, California Posts: 193 CamelKarma: 978 Editing OK?: Ask first Gallery \| Blog	Re: Who Will Upgrade To A 18-200mm VR II ? yeah the red vr was so nice to me that i painted my d90 badge red. besides, i thought that it was a bad move on nikon. they should have had a version two instead of VRII. especially a model like the 18-200.
	__________________ my portfolio please visit my flickr Nikon D90, D200- Sigma 50-150 2.8, Tamron 17-50 2.8, Lensbaby Muse Double Glass, Nikkor 50mm 1.8, 28-80 3.3-5.6,SB600

09-18-2009	#5
Jeff Perry Llama Location: SW Florida Posts: 543 CamelKarma: 286 Gallery \| Blog	Re: Who Will Upgrade To A 18-200mm VR II ? We are very happy with our two 18-200s, I see no reason for the "upgrade". Nor will I be "upgrading" the 70-200. Mine works just fine. Jeff

09-20-2009	#6
Dirk F1 Camel Location: Wageningen NL Posts: 3,278 CamelKarma: 1464 Editing OK?: Yes Gallery \| Blog	Re: Who Will Upgrade To A 18-200mm VR II ? i also do not upgrade a bought a 18-105 VR gold recently and i like it i do not have the money to buy a 18-200 and a barely shoot above 70-105 mm , i just wanted a lens with a bit more reach than the 18-55vr and the 18-70 but with VR and since it has got good reviews i bought it for a sharp price , it is a ideal walk around lens ..
	__________________ D8o + glass+ battery and user and memory + D5o +glass +battery+ user+memory + Canon Eos 3oo D +glass, user, memory http://www.flickr.com/photos/dirkjanboon/ http://www.bluemelon.com/djbphoto/portfolio#page-0

09-22-2009	#10
R. House Llama Location: San Diego area, USA Posts: 652 CamelKarma: 1081 Editing OK?: Yes Gallery \| Blog	Re: Who Will Upgrade To A 18-200mm VR II ? All 18-200 are VRII and all have SIC (Super Improved Coating). Been this way since the very first was introduced. Now, you have to ask yourself...is that zoom lock @ 18mm worth a couple hundred bucks?

10-16-2009	#12
moxi1 Vicuna Location: Australia Posts: 116 CamelKarma: 876 Editing OK?: Ask first Gallery \| Blog	Re: Who Will Upgrade To A 18-200mm VR II ? Hi there, My 18-200 behaves very nicely - no creep unless pointed directly down with a shake, but that is easy controlled. So why would I buy a new one just because there are a few more numbers on the label? I feel there is too much emphasis on the newest equipment - some people reckon that with the newest lens and the newest camera they would make better pictures. My advise is save the money and try to make the best with your gear, and only if you find there are things you can't do with it - then contemplate to get new stuff! Cheers Moxi

10-20-2009	#14
Tusker Vicuna Posts: 213 CamelKarma: 88 Gallery \| Blog	Re: Who Will Upgrade To A 18-200mm VR II ? Would be a waste of money for me. I have the first version, and it stays on the D 80 since it is wasted on my D 700. Too bad they didn't see fit to VR the new 85.
Tusker Vicuna Posts: 213 CamelKarma: 88 Gallery \| Blog

10-23-2009	#15
Vandyu Alpaca Location: Richmond, VA Posts: 10 CamelKarma: 10 Gallery \| Blog	Re: Who Will Upgrade To A 18-200mm VR II ? I agree. Not worth the loss of money to get a new model. But, wish I were in the market for one today. Nice to have the extra features.

10-25-2009	#16
R. House Llama Location: San Diego area, USA Posts: 652 CamelKarma: 1081 Editing OK?: Yes Gallery \| Blog	Re: Who Will Upgrade To A 18-200mm VR II ? The new 85mm micro from Nikon has VR.

10-31-2009	#17
Gary Mayo Llama Location: ProDSLR Posts: 673 CamelKarma: 796 Editing OK?: Yes Gallery \| Blog	Re: Who Will Upgrade To A 18-200mm VR II ? Thanks for all the responses. New or older version, the 18-200mm VR is a sometimes misunderstood lens that is an asset to any one that owns it if used correctly.
	__________________ Gary - Advice For Want-To-Be Models ~ Let Your Friends Collect Body Art Some Of My Equipment: Nikon D3. ~ Nikon D300 w/ MB-D10 w/ENEL-4A's ~ Nikon D200 w/WT-3A ~ Kodak Pro SLRn ~ Fujifilm S5 Pro/MB-D200 ~ 10.5mm f/2.8 G IF ED DX ~ 24mm f/2.8 AFD ~ 28mm f/2.8 AFD ~ 28mm f/2.8 AFD ~ 28mm f/2.8 AFD NIB ~ 35mm f/2.0 AFD ~ 50mm f/1.2 IF ~ 50mm f/1.4 AFD ~ 50mm f/1.4 A ~ 55mm f/1.2 IF ~ 60mm f/2.8 AFD Micro ~ 85mm f/1.4 AFD ~ 135mm f/2 AF DC ~ 300mm f/2.8 ED IF ~ 500mm f/4 P ED IF ~ 18-200mm VR f/3.5-5.6 ED-IF AF-S DX ~ 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED-IF AF ~ 35-70mm f/2.8 AF-D ~ 70-200mm VR f/2.8 G ED IF AF-S ~ 70-300mm VR f/4.5-5.6 G ED IF AF-S ~ 80-400mm VR f/4.5-5.6D ED AF ~ TC-14b 1.4 ~ TC-17EII 1.7 ~ TC-200 2.0 ~ TC-301 2.0 ~ Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG AF ~ Sigma 120-300mm f/2.8 APO EX DG AF ~ Sigma 300-800mm f/5.6 APO EX AF ~ Sigma APO EX DG 1.4 ~ Sigma APO EX DG 2.0 ~ Kenko Teleplus PRO 300 "DG" AF 3x Teleconverter ~ Kenko Macro Extension Tube Set ~ Kenko 180 degree true fish eye ~ Sigma 28-70 f/1.28-4 D ~ Sigma 70-300 f/1.4-5.6 D DG Macro ~ Vivitar 500mm f/8 Mirror lens ~ 8 Nikon SB-800's ~ Savage Soft Box w/24, 24 watt bulbs, full spectrum fluorescent (equal to 280 - 100 watt light bulbs.) ~ Savage Soft box w/6, 24 watt bulbs, full spectrum fluorescent (equal to 70 - 100 watts light bulbs.) ~ Sony 60 LED Ring Light ~ Minolta Light Meter IIIF ~Manfrotto 3258 Heavy Duty 8' Tripod. ~ Wimberley Gimbal Head Version II ~ (2) Manfrotto 3251 Tripods ~ 3 Manfrotto 133DDB Horizontal Arms ~ Manfrotto Studio Dolly 3156 ~ Manfrotto Tripod 755B/0110 ~ Manfrotto Self Standing Monopod 682B ~ Manfrotto Monopod 479B/LC15 ~ Manfrotto 322RC2 Head 2 Quick Releases ~ (2) Manfrotto 3265 Heads ~Samson Rolling Double Head Camera Stand 7301 ~Canon iPF8000 44'' x 59' ~ Epson r1800 13'' x 19'' ~ Several Brother & HP office printers ~ Olevia 542i 42'' wide screen, 1360 x 768, 1080i resolution, 178-degree viewing angle, 1600:1 DCR ~ 4 22" flat screens ~ ACDSee 10 ~ Adobe Photoshop CS3 Extended ~ Adobe Lightroom 1.3 ~ Canon Digital Photo Print Pro ~ Canon Poster Artist 7 ~ Compupic Pro 6.3 ~ Corel Paint Shop Pro Photo X2 ~ Micrographfx Picture Publisher 10 ~ Microsoft Digital Image Pro 10 ~ Microsoft Expression Web ~ Microsoft Front Page 2003 ~ Microsoft Publisher 2003 ~ MGI PhotoSuite 4 ~ Nikon Capture NX ~ PhotoImpact Pro ~ Photo Explorer ~ Qimage ~ The Print Shop 23 Easier To Read Gear List

11-02-2009	#18
gaopa2 PhotoCamel Supporter Photocamel Master Location: Hartwell, GA, USA Posts: 7,803 CamelKarma: 43580 Editing OK?: Yes Gallery \| Blog	Re: Who Will Upgrade To A 18-200mm VR II ? I won't be upgrading as my 18-200 generation one is my all-purpose travel lens. I call it my "Swiss Army Knife lens". The images are of fine quality and I have no complaints. Cheers, Bill P.

11-02-2009	#19
jcs_57 Alpaca Location: Austin,TX Posts: 43 CamelKarma: 455 Editing OK?: Ask first Gallery \| Blog	Re: Who Will Upgrade To A 18-200mm VR II ? I've used many lenses, good primes and zooms as well. And I always end up with my trusty 18-200 vrII on my d300. First started with d50 then d80. Thinking of going to the d700 but it would be useless with full sensor.Cannot part with it just yet so I'll hang on to this set up for now. Maybe I will keep everything and get the d700 anyways??

11-02-2009	#20
Gna Former Camel Posts: 374 CamelKarma: 352 Gallery \| Blog	Re: Who Will Upgrade To A 18-200mm VR II ? A defining characteristic of an SLR camera (Single Lens Reflex) is that it can work with many lenses. To fully exploit that concept as a user one should strive not to own just one lens to cover all situations, but one should instead exploit that concept to the max by striving to own more lenses, complementary to each other. Each with considerably better quality optics than your one-size-fits-all lens. Thus creating a balanced system of camera body and lenses. And not trade away the image quality you gained by getting, paying, and using an SLR for ill-advised 'convenience'. Besides: gearheads love to own more gear rather than less, don't they? __________________ Members don't see ads in threads. Register your free account today and become a member on PhotoCamel - Your Friendly Photo Forum, gaining access to posting privileges, contests, free plug-ins and other downloads, unlimited online storage for your photographs, reviews, free marketplace listings, and much more.

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