55-200mm DX VR

[MattGillman]

Hi,

I am looking into buying a 55-200mm DX lens and have found two potentials listed below:

- AF-S DX NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED VR II (£251)
https://store.nikon.co.uk/nikkor-lenses-telephoto-zoom-lenses/af-s-dx-nikkor-55-200mm-f-4-5.6g-ed-vr-ii/JAA823DA/details

- AF-S VR DX Zoom-NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6 (£313)
https://store.nikon.co.uk/nikkor-lenses-telephoto-zoom-lenses/af-s-vr-dx-zoom-nikkor-55-200mm-f-4-5.6-/JAA798DA/details


Am I right in saying that the only substantial difference between the two lenses is that the 'mark II' has a retractable lens mechanism? (Comparison screenshots are below) If so what are your opinions this, with regards to performance and price?

Please feel free to suggest any other similar lenses that you think I could look into.

Kind Regards

Matt

 

[Horoscope Fish]

The latest version of this lens is the one designated "VR II". This version is typically the more expensive one and VR stands for "Vibration Reduction". I'm not a huge fan of VR but I'll admit it's a good thing to have.

The lens itself is pretty good, referring to the VR II version; not fantastic, but very good.
....

 

[nickt]

What is your goal here? Is this your first zoom? Consider a 70-300. Some folks hop right into the 55-200 and then find they really wanted a little more reach but settled on price. My 55-200 mostly sits on the shelf replaced by the Tamron SP 70-300. If you consider this, make sure you look at Tamron's 'SP' version. Also consider the weight, maybe that is more important to you. The 55-200 is a good bit lighter to carry around. That is why I kept it.

 

[SteveH]

Or somewhere in the middle of the 70-300's and the 55-200mm is the 55-300mm which I have owned for a few years - A good, light lens for the money. I believe the 55-200 is a plastic mount, whereas the 300 is metal, too.

 

[MattGillman]

Thanks for the replies.

My goal was simply to complement my 18-55mm to give me a respectable reach. I also wanted my existing 52mm filter to fit the new lens I purchase (not essential but I'm working on the principle of having more universal kit)

Horoscope fish - maybe I'm missing something here, (I have only checked the Nikon site) but the newer lens "VR II" seems to be the cheaper one at approximately £251

I'm slightly worried about lens creep and image sharpness with the 300mm. What are your opinions?

 

[skater]

I have one of the 55-200 DX VR (not sure if it's I or II) lenses, it was a kit lens with my D7000. Like most kit lenses, it works, and it's not a bad lens, but I'm currently looking at a 70-300 Tamron to get something a bit better.

Unfortunately, that would leave a gap for you, between 55 mm and 105 mm, uncovered. So that's probably a problem. This is why I didn't like the choice of the 18-55 for the kit lens for a lot of Nikon DSLRs; it's too short. My D7000 came with a 18-105.

 

[MattGillman]

As far as I can tell "VR II" is the newer lens but there doesn't seem to be much between them. The most notable upgrade to the VR II is a retractable lens. Not expecting much I contacted Nikon customer service to see how they would sell the new lens to me. Their reply was that, yes it had a new retractable lens but image quality was also better. I followed up by asking well if the VR II is the better lense why does it cost £60 less. They could answer that and so put it down to build.

What are your thoughts?

 

[Elliot87]

I had the non VR version of this lens and didn't like it much at all. Couldn't sayhow it would compare to the two later versions you're looking at. I upgraded to the Tamron SP 70-300mm that a couple of other posters mentioned and it is much better for my needs, although a good deal heavier.

This article might be of some interest to you. Best budget Nikon telephoto zoom | TechRadar

 

[Al Munday]

The latest (VR II) retractable lens hasn't been around long enough to be able to gauge real life user reviews on it. As mentioned above the previous version isn't great. Whatever you decide don't pay Nikon shop prices. Check out Camera Price Comparison, Compare Camera & Camera Accessory Prices for latest prices. Be aware that there is also a non VR version.

My personal advice would be to go for the highly regarded Tamron 70-300 VC for around £250.

Al