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Nikkor 18-200VR loose

chunfye
 
Posts: 16

Nikkor 18-200VR loose

Post Sun Aug 10, 2008 12:20 am


Hi everyone, I am new to photography. I have recently bought a Nikon D40 with the Nikkor 18-200VR lens. I noticed that the lens is a bit "loose" and it "zooms out" automatically when it's pointed downwards while I was walking. While I am shooting objects on a tree, it works the other way and I have to hold the lens to keep it at the focal length that I desired. Is this normal?

prinothcat
 
Posts: 662

Re: Nikkor 18-200VR loose

Post Sun Aug 10, 2008 12:47 am


How recently was the lens purchased? I would have the dealer look at it. That doesn't sound right on a new lens. Older lenses? Yeah maybe.... The 18mm kit lenses yeah maybe. Not so much on the 18-200's though.

mikelong
 
Posts: 670

Re: Nikkor 18-200VR loose

Post Sun Aug 10, 2008 7:21 am


My 18-200VR did the same thing from the beginning, and I was told by Nikon that it's "normal." I've also been told by others in this forum that I probably got a bad copy of the lens because distortion problems were unacceptable at certain apertures and focal lengths - I would, for example, consistently discover blurred areas in the lower right hand portion of the image. I've also read this same complaint about distortion and "slipping" from other users on this and other photo forums.

I ceased using super zooms last year and spent nearly $4000 purchasing three higher quality optics that cover about the same range - the difference in image quality is superior. You'll find that Ken Rockwell (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200.htm) raves about this lens ("It's a miracle!"), but I strongly disagree. My opinion, for what it's worth, is that the 18-200VR was a huge disappointment, especially coming from Nikon, who has always had a reputation for producing high quality lenses.

chunfye
 
Posts: 16

Re: Nikkor 18-200VR loose

Post Sun Aug 10, 2008 10:42 am


Thanks guys. I have this lens for a month and I too felt that this is unusual. Nikon would probably need to improve their quality control.

I wasn't too disappointed with the image quality though. Probably because I am new to photography :-) (not good at differentiating superior image quality or vice-versa). I love it because I don't need to worry about changing lenses and missed a shot and I find it very convenient to travel with. I understand that the image quality of the Nikkor 50mm F1.8 is very good and am going to get one to have a feel.

I read Ken Rockwell's website too and my decision to get the Nikkon D40 and the 18-200VR was heavily influenced by him. So far I am pretty happy with this package. Maybe he is not 100% right about the 18-200VR but I think he could be right for convenience sake. A compromise of image quality for convenience and not missing a shooting opportunity because of the need to change lens.

mikelong
 
Posts: 670

Re: Nikkor 18-200VR loose

Post Sun Aug 10, 2008 5:59 pm


I love the concept of a super zoom - it's convenient and much lighter weight than carrying around three different lenses, including a Nikon 70-200mm VR, which weighs slightly less than three 18-200mm VRs. So I haven't given up on owning one but will definitely wait until something of higher quality comes around.

I agree with you regarding the Nikkor 50mm f1.8, it's an excellent lens and a great value as well.

chunfye
 
Posts: 16

Re: Nikkor 18-200VR loose

Post Mon Aug 11, 2008 2:45 am


Thanks Mike. I saw your gallery and I thought they are beautiful.

You mentioned about the lack of image quality of the 18-200VR. I like to shoot portraits (indoor and outdoor) as well as landscape. What lens would you recommend for such purpose?

mikelong
 
Posts: 670

Re: Nikkor 18-200VR loose

Post Mon Aug 11, 2008 10:15 am


chunfye wrote:You mentioned about the lack of image quality of the 18-200VR. I like to shoot portraits (indoor and outdoor) as well as landscape. What lens would you recommend for such purpose?


I'm not much of a portrait photographer but my favorite lenses for landscape work are the Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR and 12-24 f/4G DX. I also use a Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 DX, which is a great bargain, and a Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8 DX fisheye. Bottom line is that no one lens can do it all at this point. If you want to save money go with the 18-70mm ($350) and save up for the 70-200mm VR ($1700).

prinothcat
 
Posts: 662

Re: Nikkor 18-200VR loose

Post Tue Aug 12, 2008 11:09 pm


chunfye wrote:Thanks Mike. I saw your gallery and I thought they are beautiful.

You mentioned about the lack of image quality of the 18-200VR. I like to shoot portraits (indoor and outdoor) as well as landscape. What lens would you recommend for such purpose?

If you're a portrait photogragher and have the resources, the Nikkor 135mm 2.0 DC is outstanding. DC stands for De-Focus Control which is a third ring on the lens that affects the Bokeh, independent of DOF. They also make a 105mm DC. Note they are not cheap. I have always shot 135 f/2.0's for portrait work.
Portrait lens opinion Ken Rockwell.

prinothcat
 
Posts: 662

Re: Nikkor 18-200VR loose

Post Tue Aug 12, 2008 11:14 pm


mikelong wrote:I'm not much of a portrait photographer but my favorite lenses for landscape work are the Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR and 12-24 f/4G DX. I also use a Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5 DX, which is a great bargain, and a Nikon 10.5mm f/2.8 DX fisheye. Bottom line is that no one lens can do it all at this point. If you want to save money go with the 18-70mm ($350) and save up for the 70-200mm VR ($1700).


I would add the new 16-85VR to this list. I generally shoot landscapes with wides. I don't visualize landscape well with tele's.

mikelong
 
Posts: 670

Re: Nikkor 18-200VR loose

Post Wed Aug 13, 2008 7:38 am


That sounds like an excellent focal length for landscapes. Will definitely look into that to replace my 18-70mm.

prinothcat
 
Posts: 662

Re: Nikkor 18-200VR loose

Post Wed Aug 13, 2008 11:53 pm


mikelong wrote:That sounds like an excellent focal length for landscapes. Will definitely look into that to replace my 18-70mm.

definitely built better than any of the 18-xx series lenses. Nice and tight. Have not shot it yet, that'll happen this weekend when the Tour Of Utah rolls through. More to follow as interest indicates.. 8)

photobuggg
 
Posts: 8

Re: Nikkor 18-200VR loose

Post Fri Aug 15, 2008 1:13 pm


Thanks for the advice guys!

intrigues
 
Posts: 2

Re: Nikkor 18-200VR loose

Post Mon Aug 18, 2008 7:22 pm


My Buddy had a copy of the 18-200VR that was solid as a rock. :D I just saw one new at the store that was very light and felt cheap. :(
I would not buy one of these at the asking price. Save up for the must have 70-200 f2.8

You don't have to get the Nikon 12-24 f/4G DX. Tokina makes one that many, including myself, consider to be much better build and just as sharp.

I don't use my 18-70 much these days, even on the back up camera.

Lets not forget, Nikons sleeping gem, the 18-35mm. Stop this down to f11 and it's as sharp as anything they make.

I agree with everyone about the 50mm f1.8, It's super sharp and for $140, it's a must have.

Lee


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