Is the f3.5 VR 18-200 too heavy with the D3100?

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effytwo

New member
Hi,
I just bought a D3100 with the 18-55, and was thinking of picking up a used 18-200 to go with it, anyone shooting this combo? My concern is with the size and weight of the lens with such a small lightweight body... Would it defeat the purpose of going small and light in the first place?
I like the 18-55, but find that it lacks reach as a general all purpose do everything walk around, and I don't want to carry a second lens like the 55-200.

Thanks for any input,

Paul
 
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fotojack

Senior Member
Yup, it'll work just fine, as long as it's an AF-S VR lens. If it's the AF model, you'll have to focus manually, as your camera doesn't have the built in focus motor. The AF-S lens has the focus motor built into it in order to utilize the auto focus capabilities of the lens. VR, of course, is for Vibration Reduction, a necessity when focusing in a hand held position.
 
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PavementPilot

New member
Anytime you got the long zooms, you will be adding weight. It is a trade off of reach vs weight vs handling. I shoot with a 55-300mm and have no issues using it. You have to be prepared for the difference, but if you want the reach, then you will learn to handle it differently.
 
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effytwo

New member
Thanks for the quick replies guys.
I was thinking the AF-S DX 18-200 3.5~5.6 G ED VR, you can pick them up used clean for about $500 in the pre zoom lock version..
I went with the D3100 rather than the D90 because of size/weight, and of course it cost about half the price of the D90:cool:...
Now I'm thinking, (always dangerous :rolleyes:) if I add the bigger zoom, will it still be a nice relatively small light camera to drag around with me, or will it become relegated to "photo outings" because of the extra tonnage? Humm...

Paul
 
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Ruidoso Bill

Senior Member
Hi Paul, I have a 18-200 vr lens and it is always on either my D200 or D300, I never leave home without it. Although there is always a trade off in sharpness going from primes to zooms I still find the 18-200 one of the most versatile and useful lens I own. I will put up with the weight for the the versatility.
 
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Ranie

Senior Member
fotojack said:
Yup, it'll work just fine, as long as it's an AF-S VR lens. If it's the AF model, you'll have to focus manually, as your camera doesn't have the built in focus motor. The AF-S lens has the focus motor built into it in order to utilize the auto focus capabilities of the lens. VR, of course, is for Vibration Reduction, a necessity when focusing in a hand held position.
Click to expand...

Jack, all 18-200 variants are AF-S. There is no AF version of this lens.
 
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