Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens USA

  • B&H # NI1820035ED
  • Mfr# 2159

Product Highlights

  • VR Technology
  • Super Wide Angle
  • All-In-One Zoom

Use of DX lenses are not recommended with 35mm, "full-frame" digital cameras

This item can only be shipped to a US address.

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The Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR is an all-in-one 11.1x zoom lens, ideal for dedicated amateurs and (semi-) professionals to use for countless situations and occasions, such as landscape, architecture, portrait, wedding, wildlife, holidays, expeditions and general travel photography. It is also ideal for news- and press photographers.

This lens features the improved VR (Vibration Reduction) system that allows handheld telephoto zoom shooting even in poorly lit conditions. The VR system minimizes image blur caused by camera shake, and offers the equivalent of shooting at a shutter speed 4 stops faster.

Note: This is the original 18-200mm VR, which has marked in gold on the lens "AF-S NIKKOR 18-200mm 1:3.5-5.6 G ED". It uses Nikon's second-generation VR system, called VR-II. This lens is not to be confused with a NEW Nikon 18-200 VR II lens which is the same as the original but features a zoom lock at 18mm., and is marked "AF-S NIKKOR 18-200mm 1:3.5-5.6GII ED".

Note: G-type lenses are fully compatible only with the F5, F6, F100, N80, N75, N65, N55, D1 & D2-series and D100 (or any newer model) cameras.
Note: VR-feature will only work with Nikon's F5, F6, F100, N80, N75, N65, D100, D1 & D2-series (or any newer model) cameras.
Note: AF-S feature is not supported by certain camera models. Please click here for a list of compatible models.

Note! DX LENSES are designed for and are compatible with APS (APS-C) sensor cameras

DX lenses are exclusively designed for use with Digital SLR cameras with the smaller APS-C size chip; equivalent focal length in 35mm terms is 27-300mm
VR (Vibration Reduction)(Second Generation) minimizes image blur caused by camera shake and enables the lens to shoot 4 stops slower (instead of 3 stops with the former VR system)
2 ED glass and 3 aspherical lens elements minimize chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion, while ensuring high resolution and contrast
Built-in A/M switch enables instant switching from autofocus to manual focus (Lock mechanism provided)
Silent Wave Motor for ultra-fast, ultra-quiet AF
The Internal Focusing (IF) design means that the filter attachment does not rotate during focusing or zooming, and enables the use of circular polarizing filters
The rounded diaphragm (7 blades) makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural
Filter Size 72mm
f/Stop Range 3.5-22
Minimum Focus Distance 1.6' (0.5 m)
Magnification 1:4.5
Zoom/Focus Control Two-touch
Angle of View 76 to 8°
Groups/Elements 12/16
Tripod Collar No
Length 3.8" (96mm)
Maximum Diameter 3" (77mm)
Weight 1.2 lb (560 g)

REVIEW SNAPSHOT®

by PowerReviews
Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens
 
4.6

(based on 494 reviews)

Ratings Distribution

  • 5 Stars

     

    (340)

  • 4 Stars

     

    (129)

  • 3 Stars

     

    (16)

  • 2 Stars

     

    (8)

  • 1 Stars

     

    (1)

98%

of respondents would recommend this to a friend.

Pros

  • Fast / accurate auto-focus (453)
  • Consistent output (261)
  • Easily interchangeable (219)
  • Strong construction (209)
  • Durable (206)

Cons

  • Heavy (101)
  • Lens creep (91)
  • Slow focus (15)
  • Weak casing (7)
  • Blurry focus (5)

Best Uses

  • General purpose (388)
  • Sports/action (168)
  • Wildlife (151)
  • Portraits (104)
  • Landscape photography (97)
    • Reviewer Profile:
    • Enthusiast (259), Semi-professional (84), Casual user (29), Professional (29), Beginner (20)

Most Liked Positive Review

 

Change Of Heart

Here's the deal: I reviewed this lens a couple of years back, and largely shunned it, though not without reservation. In the real world, you can slap this on a D90, D300,...Read complete review

Here's the deal: I reviewed this lens a couple of years back, and largely shunned it, though not without reservation. In the real world, you can slap this on a D90, D300, D5000, etc., or you can walk into the event with a good point-and-shoot... say a Canon SD880 or 960. I love the Canon P&S's, but I can guarantee that you'll have more fun and get more "real" shots with this lens on a DSLR vs. the P&S alternative. That's really the equation here. There's no substitute for depth of field control, and the flexibility/speed of a DSLR, and this all-in-one "shot chaser" makes it happen. Same goes for travel photog. on the lite. This may seem obvious to those of you, like me, who have used a lot/own a lot of high-end gear as the norm, and are sick of P&S noise and (nearly) infinite depth of field just so you can travel like the wind.

Personally, I'm of the opinion that the DX sensor will come to rule the roost - though not without affordable FX alternatives - as high-ISO noise gets (mostly) solved-without-smearing in coming DSLR iterations. In other words: Product convergence, and smaller is better, if only because it's cheaper.

Hence, this lens is - and should be- here to stay, though it's open to improvement. If you're an active DX shooter, then you need this lens, as it has no specific counter party, and it mostly does what it's supposed to very well. It will focus fast enough to get the shot. People who write otherwise aren't paying attention. Yes, it has specific (fixable) distortion signatures, and it has some creep, but it (very) close focuses at 200mm, and current generation cameras fix the C.A. issues. No 70-200/70-300 will focus nearly as close as this lens, and it's one of its best assets - like a hidden macro function. This, combined with decent VR - though bettered in the 16-85 - makes for getting shots other combos can't.

I just bought a D300, and I expect to add this lens & the 12-24 until FX becomes affordable at 24MP-plus, etc. But, if DX gets to 3200 w/out smeared noise, DX will be all most of us need, anyway.

VS

Most Liked Negative Review

 

Decent One-Size Fits All Lens

If you don't want to cary a bag full of glass around with you this lens is worth considering. However, in my mind having this one-size fits all solution involves too many tradeoffs in ...Read complete review

If you don't want to cary a bag full of glass around with you this lens is worth considering. However, in my mind having this one-size fits all solution involves too many tradeoffs in terms of image quality. While I'm very happy with the VR feature for capturing landscapes in lower light, it is no replacement for a faster lens if there is any motion; I'm regretting not getting the faster AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED as the 18-200 has not been capable of capturing the action I've wanted in lower light. Also, the focus quality of a significant number of images has been much softer than desired and in all too many cases simply out of focus; I've tried the lens on both a D70 and D300 with comparable results. The focus quality seems poorest around the middle of the zoom range. As a result, I've found myself using the AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED (awesome lens!) in many situations in which I would have preferred to have the additional reach of the 18-200 owing to the 105's faster speed and consistently tack sharp images. One other complaint with the lens is the fact that the zoom creeps whenever the lens is tilted more than 45 degrees above or below the horizon -- a problem for me if I want to vary camera settings between shots without altering the amount of zoom. It also seems that with the little bit of play in the barrel of the lens when it is extended that the lens is not as sturdy as other Nikon lenses that I've encountered. Given all of the above, I'm seriously considering trading the 18-200 lens in and getting the AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED which I've borrowed and absolutely loved.

REVIEWS

Reviewed by 494 customers

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Displaying reviews 1-20

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5.0

Great lens for many purposes

By Emerald P

from Annandale, VA

About Me Photo Enthusiast

Verified Buyer

Pros

  • Consistent Output
  • Easily Interchangeable

Cons

    Best Uses

    • Landscape/Scenery
    • Weddings/Events

    Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

    I really like this lens as it is very versatile. It is a great lens to have standard on your camera, which I find I do a lot. Used if for an engagement shoot and the pictures turned out great with a nice depth-of-field.

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Comment on this review

     
    4.0

    Purchased a refurb unit

    By jt

    from sanjose,ca

    About Me Semi-pro Photographer

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Good price value

    Cons

    • NONE

    Best Uses

    • Event Photography
    • Portraits

    Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

    Except for the plain brown box it came in you'd think it was brand new ... works great and will elminate the need for 2 other lens on my D90 ... I shoot a lot of events and this looks to be the best fit I've found so far

    • Was this a gift?:
    • No

    Comment on this review

     
    5.0

    how to lose weight without pain

    By Jingles

    from Durham NC

    Verified Buyer

    Pros

    • Consistent Output
    • Easily Interchangeable
    • Fast / accurate auto-focus
    • Strong Construction

    Cons

      Best Uses

      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Sports/Action
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

      Very versatile, all-purpose lens that covers an incredible range from ultra wide-angle to long telephoto. Replaces an entire bag of heavy, expensive, bulky lenses (but which are still necessary and irreplaceable for critical photography). Am enjoying and using my Nikon much more now that it is more mobile.

      Comment on this review

      (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

       
      4.0

      Its a Good Lens

      By Jruhen

      from New York

      About Me Semi-pro Photographer

      Verified Reviewer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Durable
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

      • Poor in Low Light

      Best Uses

      • Landscape/Scenery
      • Macro Photography
      • Sports/Action
      • Video
      • Weddings/Events
      • Wildlife Photos

      Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

      It a good lens and it gives you much versatility in range, however the only draw back is dept of field is minimal. The f/ stop is only f/3.5, you have to have another lens to accompany this one, other than that this is a good lens.

      Comment on this review

       
      5.0

      Great All-around Lens

      By Skye

      from Northern Michigan

      About Me Photo Enthusiast

      Verified Reviewer

      Pros

      • Consistent Output
      • Durable
      • Easily Interchangeable
      • Fast / accurate auto-focus
      • Nice Bokeh
      • Rugged
      • Strong Construction

      Cons

        Best Uses

        • Indoors/Low Light
        • Landscape/Scenery
        • Macro Photography
        • Night Photography
        • Sports/Action
        • Weddings/Events
        • Wildlife Photos

        Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

        Unless you absolutely need prime lenses, this is just about the perfect lens for all-around shooting. It features crisp, fast focus with vibration reduction (VR) to allow you to get sharper pix under low light conditions while hand-holding the camera than you would otherwise be able to get. If it seems expensive, well, remember the old saying, "You get what you pay for." This lens and my D90 make a great pair.

        Comment on this review

         
        5.0

        Great Lens

        By Smitty

        from Hamden, CT

        About Me Photo Enthusiast

        Verified Buyer

        Pros

        • Consistent Output
        • Fast / accurate auto-focus
        • Flexible focal length
        • Lightweight

        Cons

          Best Uses

          • Indoors/Low Light
          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Sports/Action
          • Weddings/Events

          Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

          I use the 18-200 lens to photograph plays, musicals, an other performances, as well as campus life at the school at which I work. This lens is perfect for my situation. It is a dream, silent and fast, in the auto-focus mode. When I am shooting in low light, like plays and performances, it is so flexible. I used to have to switch out lenses during a show which meant I often missed good moments, but, due to this lens' flexibility, it can just cruise. Bravo!

          Comment on this review

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          I would buy this product again and again

          By Bluessucker

          from Ireland

          About Me Semi-pro Photographer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Durable
          • Easily Interchangeable
          • Fast / accurate auto-focus
          • Lightweight
          • Rugged
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

          • Poor in Low Light

          Best Uses

          • Landscape/Scenery
          • Video
          • Weddings/Events

          Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

          Stupid headline,of course! But nothing else didn't appeared into my head at the moment...
          All what I can about this lens is what already says Ken Rockwell: THIS IS A PRIMADONNA! Probably 24-70 would get the same compliments if...it would have a VR,but since it haven't all honor belongs to 18-200,indeed! All what you need when processing your shots is DxO which corrects distortion of this lens,but otherwise you can can print out any RAW file straight from your camera and enjoy a compliments you receive!
          I am saying: THANK YOU,NIKON! India,Nepal,Indonesia,Europe were watched from this amazing lens. Highly recommended!

          Comment on this review

          (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

           
          4.0

          Great Lens

          By AcornBeing

          from Brooklyn, NY

          About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Durable
          • Quick Focus

          Cons

          • Lens Creep

          Best Uses

          • Landscape Photography
          • Wildlife

          Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

          The lens is quite versatile. It incorporates the 18-55mm and 55-200mm lens in one in the best way possible so that one can shoot close-up and long distance scenery without changing lenses. It is, however, somewhat slows the shutter speed down, so that you will most likely need a tripod and/or extra flash while taking pictures at night, or at poor lighting.

          Comment on this review

          (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Most versatile lens I've had

          By pardinus

          from Bogota, Colombia, South America

          About Me Semi-Professional

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Rugged
          • Sharp Focus
          • Strong Construction

          Cons

          • Heavy

          Best Uses

          • General Use
          • Sports/Action

          Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

          I previously had two lenses: 18-55 and a 70-300, both Nikon. Since they were stolen, this 12-200 was suggested by an uncle photographer, and it works out much better than being with those two lenses. Also, the quality of the optics is great.

          Comment on this review

          (2 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

           
          5.0

          Excelent lens

          By none

          from Pataskala, Ohio

          About Me Casual user

          Verified Buyer

          Pros

          • Consistent Output
          • Easily Interchangeable
          • Lightweight
          • Quick Focus
          • Sharp Focus

          Cons

            Best Uses

            • General Use
            • Upgrade
            • Wildlife

            Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

            Takes excelent portraits & wildlife action is a breeze

            Comment on this review

             
            5.0

            Amazing versatility

            By Puppy45

            from New York, NY

            About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

            Verified Buyer

            Pros

            • Quick Focus

            Cons

              Best Uses

              • General Use
              • Night Photography
              • Special Effects
              • Sports/Action
              • Wildlife

              Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

              Has allowed me to take pictures across entire rooms. VR works great. Amazing lens.

              Comment on this review

              (1 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              Photographers Friend!!!

              By Net1987

              from Los Angles, Ca

              About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Durable
              • Lightweight
              • Multi purpose

              Cons

              • Lens Creep

              Best Uses

              • General Use
              • Landscape Photography
              • Wildlife

              Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

              This lens makes a great multi purpose lens i use it for landscape, portrait and family outings.
              I like the 18-200 range and it's light enough to use as a walk around lens. There are only a couple minor problems this lens has: lens creep and the lens cap doesn't secure very well. The 18-200 lens is easy to use.

              Comment on this review

              (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

               
              4.0

              Great, but heavy...

              By qwerty

              from New York, NY

              About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

              Verified Buyer

              Pros

              • Consistent Output
              • Durable
              • Quick Focus
              • Strong Construction

              Cons

              • Heavy
              • Lens Creep

              Best Uses

              • Landscape Photography
              • Night Photography
              • Wildlife

              Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

              This lens does the job, and is a really nice piece. For many people, it's going to be perfect (particularly with the broad swath of focal length). Hence the 4 stars. But for my purposes (living in NY, walking or public transport to most locations etc), it's just too heavy and big for a regular everyday lens. Disappointingly, it also has a habit of extending to the full 200mm focal length while slung over the shoulder if it was placed in the "lens facing downward" position with focal length at anything other than fully retracted (18mm) - which can be quite annoying.

              Comment on this review

              (3 of 3 customers found this review helpful)

               
              5.0

              Get this lens and you're done!

              By SMK

              from Brookline, MA

              About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

              Pros

              • Consistent Output
              • Quick Focus
              • Sharp Focus
              • Strong Construction

              Cons

                Best Uses

                • General Use
                • Sports/Action
                • Wildlife

                Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

                This is an excellent all-around lens for serious, if not professional photographers. I am the "serious" photographer amongst my extended family. This combined with my D90, captures the entire brood-- running children, swimming adults, landscapes during our annual Cape-Cod trip. If you want to enjoy life while photographing, then this is the only lens you need on your mount. Frolicking toddlers don't wait while you switch lenses!

                Comment on this review

                (1 of 2 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                3.0

                Fabulous lens wish it was more durable

                By cflipper

                from Palm desert ca.

                About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                Pros

                • Great Range
                • Lightweight

                Cons

                • Not durable

                Best Uses

                • General Use

                Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

                Great range truly a universal lens.
                Lens has been in for repair
                2 time as would not focus.
                My 12 -24 and 80 -400 never have a problem.

                Comment on this review

                (0 of 1 customers found this review helpful)

                 
                4.0

                Great wide-range lens

                By Brinavet

                from New Delhi, India

                About Me Getting started

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Consistent Output
                • Durable
                • Easily Interchangeable
                • Quick Focus
                • Rugged
                • Sharp Focus
                • Strong Construction

                Cons

                • Heavy
                • Lens Creep

                Best Uses

                • General Use
                • Landscape Photography
                • Wildlife

                Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

                I am a rooky hobby photographer...I live in India and travel very regularly, so I wanted a lens that would cover a wide range without having to change lenses between pictures.

                It is a fantastic lens and takes great photographs for a hobbiest. I love not having to change lenses between photos.

                The lens creep is signficant and when you are pointing up or down, it is very difficult to focus manually as you need one hand to hold the camera, one to hold the lens in place and one to focus.

                I use the lens with a renovated Nikon d90 and quite often, the camera/lens lose connection and won't take a photo. I have to disconnect & reconnect the lens to make it work again. I have only just returned from Borneo and I am not yet sure if this is a problem with the lens or the camera, but I suspect it may be the camera.

                Comment on this review

                 
                4.0

                The Ultimate Lens

                By Ori

                from Ramat Hasharon, Israel

                About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Durable
                • Easily Interchangeable
                • Sharp Focus

                Cons

                • Heavy
                • Lens Creep

                Best Uses

                • General Use

                Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

                I used to change lenses and it was sometimes a slow and disturbing task, when meanwhile sometimes the object disappeared. Using this lens, I don't have all that hassle, and the lens is of a very high quality and too expensive.

                Comment on this review

                 
                5.0

                I would buy this product again

                By Jade

                from Birmingham AL

                About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Consistent Output
                • Durable
                • Quick Focus
                • Sharp Focus
                • Strong Construction

                Cons

                • Heavy

                Best Uses

                • General Use
                • Landscape Photography
                • Night Photography
                • Special Effects
                • Sports/Action
                • Upgrade
                • Wildlife

                Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

                powerful lens with high quality pictures

                Comment on this review

                 
                5.0

                just... great

                By luca

                from Mex

                About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Consistent Output
                • Quick Focus
                • Sharp Focus

                Cons

                • Heavy

                Best Uses

                • General Use
                • Landscape Photography
                • Night Photography
                • Sports/Action

                Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

                everything is great!!! the only hing that I dont like so much is that if I shoot in a vertical way it could be difficult to move the lense... i don tknow if is normal cause is my first camera of this kind... but is everything in one lense!!!

                Comment on this review

                 
                4.0

                good buy

                By Mary

                from Saratoga Springs, NY

                About Me Hobbyist/Enthusiast

                Verified Buyer

                Pros

                • Durable
                • Strong Construction

                Cons

                • Slow Focus

                Best Uses

                • General Use
                • Landscape Photography
                • Upgrade
                • Wildlife

                Comments about Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens:

                I purchased this lens to replace my two 18 - 70, 80-200. Works great in most situations. Only downfall is trying to use it in very low light situations.

                Comment on this review

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                What's in the Box

                Nikon AF Zoom Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S DX VR Lens
                • Front & Rear Lens Caps
                • HB-35 Lens Hood
                • CL-1018 Flexible Lens Pouch
                • 5-Year Warranty (1-Year International + 4-Year USA Extension)
                 
                 
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