The Nikkor 55-200mmVR Lens is Worth Your Consideration

[mtclimber]

Surely it is a fact that the Nikkor 18-200mm lens is the Princess of the Nikkor Lenses right now. However, it might save youfew bucks to take a really good look at the Nikkor 55-200mmVR lens. It is currently selling for around $(US) 230.00, about a third of the cost of the Nikkor18-200mmVR lens.

No, it is not really up to the IQ of the Nikkor 18-200mmVR lens, but surely it is a viable, and LESS expensive alternative that deserves your serious consideration.

MT/Sarah

[rodmeister]

Not for me. They are two vastly different lenses because of the wide end. I need the 18mm. 55mm is too long for an all purpose lens.

And don't call me "Shirley".:lol:

[mtclimber]

Rodmeister-

I REALLY think that you have the wrong or INCORRECT impression. I am indeed suggesting a two lens combination. Firstly, I am suggestion the Nikkor 18-55mm lens., this is the primary lens for the D-40, sometimes called the "kit lens."Then to bolster that selection, I am suggesting that you add a SECOND lens, the Nikkor 55-200mmVR.

With that TWO lens configuration you will effectively be able to reach from 18mm all the way out to 200mm.

MT/Sarah

[rodmeister]

I see your point.You can save a ton of money. I just bought a D40x with the 18-55 and the price of the 18-200VR, around $800freaking dollars,makes me blanch. You can make a good argument that VR is more useful for the telephoto end, so the 55-200 makes sense.

The 18-200 saves you the trouble of lugging and switching lenses. This creates a real dilemma for me because, not only am I cheap, but lazy!

[cope]

rodmeister wrote:

I see your point.You can save a ton of money. I just bought a D40x with the 18-55 and the price of the 18-200VR, around $800freaking dollars,makes me blanch. You can make a good argument that VR is more useful for the telephoto end, so the 55-200 makes sense.

The 18-200 saves you the trouble of lugging and switching lenses. This creates a real dilemma for me because, not only am I cheap, but lazy!

In your case, the 55-200 makes more sense, since you lose nothing between it and the 18-55. For most walk arounds, you can pretty much figure out ahead of time which lens you will need.

[mtclimber]

And the IQ of the Nikkor 55-200VR is pretty darned good for a lens selling for around $(US) 225.00.

Here is a photo sample for you.

MT/Sarah

[rcfuzz]

The 55-200mm is a nice lens for a great price. The VR seems to work well. It's also very easy to carry around all day. Just got mine along with a D40. Here's a few of my first attempts.

[nexusworks]

Nice shots, and yes I agree getting this lens is a chaper way to go if you already had a wide angle lens. Unless you have the 18-70mm you may in fact be better off going 70-300mm VR if you like telephoto lens. I guess is a big issue of people who just want to have one lens lugging around rather than changing it.

I believe we cant have best of everything, zooms down to what you willing to carry on a trip, and how sharp you want your pictures and at what budget you have.

[mtclimber]

nexusworks-

The Nikkor 18-70mm lens (it used to be the kit lens for the D-70) at least in the USA is becoming more and more difficult to find in the shops. A combination composed of the Nikkor 18-70mm and the Nikkor 70-300mmVR lens is a nice set, but a somewhat heavy kit to carry about.

Sarah Joyce

[nexusworks]

mtclimber wrote:

nexusworks-

The Nikkor 18-70mm lens (it used to be the kit lens for the D-70) at least in the USA is becoming more and more difficult to find in the shops. A combination composed of the Nikkor 18-70mm and the Nikkor 70-300mmVR lens is a nice set, but a somewhat heavy kit to carry about.

Sarah Joyce

Kind of agree with you there, as I personally have a Lowepro AW4 to hold my Canon G5 plus my D70s with 18-135mm and 70-300mm. Again I believe you need to consider whether you need a 300mm lens, I personally like it but that doesnt mean is my main lens. my 18-135mm is my primary for now till I try and get the 17-55mm DX which is so sold out most places.

The 18-200mm is a dream to many semi-pro or beginner lens, I wish Nikon never set the price too high in which they did, and quite a few, include myself cant afford. You probably wondering then why I am aiming 17-55mm as its bloody expensive. I think is my love that I like shooting wide angle and have always wanted really sharp pics for it. And yes thats even heavier than my current 70-300mm VR. Is likely I would sell off my 18-135mm if I find myself not needing it.

the 55-200mm VR would definately be a right choice if you cant afford to spend on VR lenses.