18-200mm lens?
- Thread starter *bump*
- Start date
Welcome to the site 
Yes, you will find that, depending on the focal length and aperture, that Nikon lenses can be extremely expensive. The Sigma and Tamron equivalents are almost always cheaper. The main difference you'll see is the aperture at 200mm. For example, the Nikon is 5.6 @ 200mm where the Sigma and Tamron are 6.3. The other difference is the quality of the vibration reduction. Better VR can be very useful in handheld situations. Will you notice the difference? Maybe, but that depends on your experience and what you are ultimately looking to achieve.
I assume you want a lens with this much diversity because you want something that is portable and don't want to change lenses often? The alternative, besides getting a Sigma or Tamron is sticking with your kit lens and getting the Nikon 55-200mm or 55-300mm, which is much cheaper. I have both but I prefer the 55-300.
Yes, you will find that, depending on the focal length and aperture, that Nikon lenses can be extremely expensive. The Sigma and Tamron equivalents are almost always cheaper. The main difference you'll see is the aperture at 200mm. For example, the Nikon is 5.6 @ 200mm where the Sigma and Tamron are 6.3. The other difference is the quality of the vibration reduction. Better VR can be very useful in handheld situations. Will you notice the difference? Maybe, but that depends on your experience and what you are ultimately looking to achieve.I assume you want a lens with this much diversity because you want something that is portable and don't want to change lenses often? The alternative, besides getting a Sigma or Tamron is sticking with your kit lens and getting the Nikon 55-200mm or 55-300mm, which is much cheaper. I have both but I prefer the 55-300.
I think for weddings you will need at least 2 lenses. Even with a 18-200, with the crop factor you're not going to have enough room indoors for wide group shots. You're not going to find one lens at any price to go from a true wide (say under 16mm) to a zoom at 200-300 mm. As jdeg said, the most cost effective option would be to compliment your kit lens with a zoom.
You could keep the number of lenses down by getting a wide (11-16 or 10-24)) and one of the super zooms to cover the rest , but that's allot of $$!
You could keep the number of lenses down by getting a wide (11-16 or 10-24)) and one of the super zooms to cover the rest , but that's allot of $$!
Last edited by a moderator:
Ruidoso Bill
Senior Member
I have used the 18-200 for weddings, actually if I could only use one lens that would be my choice, I do carry a second body with usually a 28 mm.
If you go on ebay and search you will find Cameta Camera, I believe thats their name out of NY. They are an authorized Nikon dealer. They have a refurbished AF-S DX VR 55-200 for $134.00.....Hope this helps
Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G VR DX AF-S ED Zoom-Nikkor Lens | eBay
Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G VR DX AF-S ED Zoom-Nikkor Lens | eBay
*bump*
New member
Thanks for all the advices, peoples.
I'm toying with the idea of getting an 18-105 as a compromise (price-wise means I can get a Nikon lens instead of a third party).
It is my birthday today though, so maybe I can push my luck a little when it comes to choosing my birthday present!
I'm toying with the idea of getting an 18-105 as a compromise (price-wise means I can get a Nikon lens instead of a third party).
It is my birthday today though, so maybe I can push my luck a little when it comes to choosing my birthday present!
The 18-105 is a great lens and quite a bargain for what it is capable of. It's quite sharp and has VR. I've done great shot with it.
AxeMan - Rick S.
Senior Member
+1 on the 18-105
If it was me, I go with the 18-105 and hold out for a 300mm zoom. Most people including myself get the 55-200mm zoom and want more reach. I have a 55-200mm in my bag, and I can't tell you the last time myself or my wife put it on either one of our camera's. We have a 300mm zoom.
Just my opinion
BTW Happy birthday
Rick & Chris
If it was me, I go with the 18-105 and hold out for a 300mm zoom. Most people including myself get the 55-200mm zoom and want more reach. I have a 55-200mm in my bag, and I can't tell you the last time myself or my wife put it on either one of our camera's. We have a 300mm zoom.
Just my opinion
BTW Happy birthday
Rick & Chris
Last edited:
Which is what I would have gone with if I was paying, but I'd directed mr*bump* to this thread and got the 18-200 as a gift
Actually it was the SB-700 I wanted, so watch this space!!
Ah! It was a gift! Well that changes everything!