Nikon 18-200 VR vs. 55-200 VR

[Logo10heli]

I'm contemplating a new camera next year. Either a D3000, D5000, or the new D3100. Leaning towards the D3100 .

For a lens, I'm looking at the 55-200 VR because of the discount to the 18-200 VR. I just loved the 18-200 VR that I had several years ago, but it's considerably more money.

Has anyone purchased the Nikon 55-200 VR and wished they bought the 18-200 VR instead ?

[tclune]

This isn't a question about lenses, but shooting styles. ISTM that other people's experience on this question won't get you any closer to a reasonable decision for you. If your approach is best suited to a super zoom, the 55-200 (a nice lens in its own right, and a really good bargain, BTW) is just not going to get you there.

[rjseeney]

Originally Posted by Logo10heli

I'm contemplating a new camera next year. Either a D3000, D5000, or the new D3100. Leaning towards the D3100 .

For a lens, I'm looking at the 55-200 VR because of the discount to the 18-200 VR. I just loved the 18-200 VR that I had several years ago, but it's considerably more money.

Has anyone purchased the Nikon 55-200 VR and wished they bought the 18-200 VR instead ?

Optically, the 55-200 is better. It's also smaller and lighter. The 18-200 is not as good optically, but does have better build quality, and is more convenient...no lens changes. For everyday shooting, I think the 18-200 makes a better carry around kit because of its range. Some people can't live with the distortion, but i don't find it that bad. I do think though, that for the money, the 18-55, 55-200 combo is a great setup for the price and hard to beat.

[dafiryde]

Originally Posted by Logo10heli

I'm contemplating a new camera next year. Either a D3000, D5000, or the new D3100. Leaning towards the D3100 .

For a lens, I'm looking at the 55-200 VR because of the discount to the 18-200 VR. I just loved the 18-200 VR that I had several years ago, but it's considerably more money.

Has anyone purchased the Nikon 55-200 VR and wished they bought the 18-200 VR instead ?

if you like a one lens solution
if you like convenience
if you want to be always ready for a shot
you wont go wrong with the 18-200
i am still yet to see the poor quality some speak of with this lens and i bought two of them.

FWIW slr gear and photozone both claimed the autofocus speed on the 55-200 to be slow and thats the main reason i ran from pentax.

Dave
T&T

[Logo10heli]

Thanks everyone. Purchased the 55-200 VR .

[tizeye]

Originally Posted by Logo10heli

Thanks everyone. Purchased the 55-200 VR .

Don't do it! ... Just kidding.

Congratulations. Hopefully you have had time to use it over the past couple week. I have the 18-55 and 55-200, and while I am looking to replace the 18-55 (worn out and repaired once), definately keeping the 55-200. It is a great lens. While might be tempted by the 70-300, not at all tempted by the 18-200 or the recently introduced 55-300. While most of my photos are on the short end, I like the performance, size and convenience of the 55-200 so much for extended telephoto beyond 200, I may create a void and skip to the 300 f4 prime - but probably 2 lens purchases away.

Let us know what you think. Post some pics.