DSLR masters, I need your input on two Nikon lenses!

blahblah99

Platinum Member
Oct 10, 2000
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I'm having a hard time deciding between the two Nikon VR lenses above. I know the 70-200 is twice as expensive as the 18-200, but having the ability to take closeups with the 18-200 is a plus.

As far as lens features are concerned, I want (in order of importance):

1) Image quality: sharpness, minimal distortion, good contrast.
2) fast focus with IF.
3) size & price - what justifies the 70-200 being twice as expensive as the 18-200.

I'll be using the lens mainly for outdoor photography with occasional indoor, dark environments. The VR is nice to have for the dark indoors, but for outdoors I'll be using a tripod.

I already have the standard 18-55mm lens that comes with the D50 kit.

Any suggestions?
 

aphex

Moderator<br>All Things Apple
Moderator
Jul 19, 2001
38,572
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They are in total different classes...

The 18-200 VR is great for its purpose, but the images wont compare to the 70-200 vr. The 18-200 vr is great for travel, for people who prefer to have one lens and not change it as often, etc... a good all around lens.

The 70-200 is an AMAZING lens, one of Nikons most highly regarded. It is a HEAVY and BIG sob though, not very easy to travel with... But the constant 2.8 is a very nice thing to have...

It really depends on what matters most to you, IQ or size/weight.

When you feel the two side by side, you WILL notice the diff.
 

aphex

Moderator<br>All Things Apple
Moderator
Jul 19, 2001
38,572
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Just like to add, i had the 18-200 vr for about 8-9 months, good lens, but in the end i was not always satisfied with the IQ, the bokeh just didnt look creamy to me, infact, many times it was distracting. It served it purpose well, but i ended up selling it on ebay for about $200 over what I paid..
 

ProviaFan

Lifer
Mar 17, 2001
14,993
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VR is more useful in the longer focal lengths than it is in the shorter ones. The 70-200 has a maximum aperture of 2.8, while the 18-200 has a maximum aperture of 5.6 in the relevant range. While VR stops your movement fairly well within reason, it can't do anything about subject movement. Since higher shutter speed is all that you can use to combat that, the 70-200 wins here.

There will be some difference in sharpness and contrast; the 18-200 is a good lens, but it's better at the short end than at the long end. Keep in mind that performance at 200mm will probably satisfy you at f/11, but will you be willing to put up with sub-par performance at f/5.6? If not, then the 70-200 is definitely for you.
 

mithrandir2001

Diamond Member
May 1, 2001
6,545
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Completely different lenses and target markets. 18-200 is for general purpose convenience, 70-200 is for professionals who can profit from their images.
 

0

Golden Member
Jul 22, 2003
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18-200VR

70-200VR

If you want to save money, then forgo the VR feature of the 70-200 and get the 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-D for half the price with the same optical quality.

80-200 f2.8

It focuses 80% as fast as the AF-S 80-200 f/2.8 and costs and weighs less. This lens focuses about three times faster than almost any other telephoto zoom, save for the 70-210 f/4-5.6D AF and newest 70-200 VR and 80-200 AFS lenses.

basically, if you have money to burn, then buy the 70-200VR. The optical quality is the same as the 80-200, but for much less, scarificing slightly on focus quickness.

The 18-200VR is by far the most versitile of any Nikon lens, if you can find one in stock.

 

virtuamike

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2000
7,845
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Argh, I'm late.

I'd go with the 70-200 unless you really lust for a general do-it-all lens. You're getting 2 extra stops which is pretty significant (not only to work your shots with, but for your viewfinder and AF system too). There's a big jump in image quality and focus speed. And you're moving from a consumer lens to pro build quality. Besides, when was the last time you heard of anyone downgrading from a 70-200 to the 18-200? If those are the only 2 you're choosing between and you can afford it, then get the 70-200.
 

virtuamike

Diamond Member
Oct 13, 2000
7,845
13
81
Originally posted by: 0
18-200VR

70-200VR

If you want to save money, then forgo the VR feature of the 70-200 and get the 80-200mm f/2.8 AF-D for half the price with the same optical quality.

80-200 f2.8

It focuses 80% as fast as the AF-S 80-200 f/2.8 and costs and weighs less. This lens focuses about three times faster than almost any other telephoto zoom, save for the 70-210 f/4-5.6D AF and newest 70-200 VR and 80-200 AFS lenses.

basically, if you have money to burn, then buy the 70-200VR. The optical quality is the same as the 80-200, but for much less, scarificing slightly on focus quickness.

The 18-200VR is by far the most versitile of any Nikon lens, if you can find one in stock.

More credible sources (Rockwell's a tool) -
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