linker Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Hello:I'm planning to buy Nikon D80 as my first DSLR. I'm trying to figure out ifit's worse buying the VR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G and stick with this lens for nextfew years. This VR lens can pretty much cover 99.9% of all photos I'll be taking.Will this be a good investment? Or is it typical for a new photographer like meto purchase a second lens soon after learning how to use the camera? Thanks... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leslie_cheung Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 It all depends on what you will be photographing really. Some people want wide lenses while others like long lenses. Some utilizes VR and others need F2.8. If you think the 18-200 will cover 99.9% of your shots then why would you NOT buy this lens? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linker Posted September 29, 2006 Author Share Posted September 29, 2006 I guess I should rephrase my original statement/question. The kit lenses are $100 and $300. The VR 18-200mm is $800. Do people typically out grow the 18-200mm range within first year after getting into photography? If yes, I would probably purchase the cheap kit lens to practice, and then purchase special lenses to grow my skill. If no, meaning most people never go beyond the 18-200mm range. I would probably by the more expensive lens and use it forever until I purchase my next DSLR. Sorry for the confusion. My original question does suggest that I know what I will be taking. The fact is that I don't know what kind of photos I will be taking; therefore, the more expensive 18-200mm does look attractive. But it's $500 or more than the kit lenses. For those of you guys who have been photograph for a while. If you are getting into photography today (knowing what you went through), would you purchase the VR 18-200mm instead of the kit lens for your first DSLR? Thanks... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Uhooru Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 18-200 will cover 90 percent of your walking photos. Its a big rang. 35 mm equivalent 28mm-300mm. Its a bit slow, but its a really popular lens. I had one pro tell me to avoid it, its a soccor mom's lens. But then other so called pros love it. All the kit lenses you willsee for the Nikons have basically similar picture qualities. And some of these qualities are really good. You will see excellant sharpness at f/8 and even wide open the centers will be sharp. The out of focus areas when used wide open can be not so lovely. Color's are vibrant, maybe overly so. They all focus fast in auto and the 18-200 has vr, a real deal and that's why its probably worth it. I use the 18-70. If it would have been available when I got my camera I woulld have opted for the 18-200, but some ssay the 18-70 shoots a little nicer photo, others not and there is sample variation. As you go on, you might want to think about getting some primes and of course if you want to spend 1500 instead of 800 you can the amazing 70-200, one of the great lenses on the planet, but that's a whole different animal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tom_burke3 Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Is the 18-200 actually available for you? - if not, that might solve your dilemna! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr._smith Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 When and if available, this lens plus a wider (12-24mm)later on may cover near 100% of your photographic needs, if your subjects are mostly static. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
linker Posted September 29, 2006 Author Share Posted September 29, 2006 Thanks for all the responses. I really appreciate it. What about using this lens for racing events? Like open wheel street circuit, say Champ Car? Will it be too slow? I believe most of the shots will be on the short end of the focal length with wider shutter openning. Is F3.5 good enough? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
leslie_cheung Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Should not be a problem if these events are during day time. Night (depending on lighting) would be more problematic especially if you want stop action type photos. I would go to the next event with a camera or a light meter and test it out before deciding on a lens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr._smith Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 What about using this lens for racing events? If your subject are moving, then VR will not be of much help. For sharp pics you'll need to use 1/250th sec. Will an aperture of F5.6 at the long end (200mm) be enough? If so, you've go your lens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mr._smith Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Need to re-phrase: If your subject are moving, then VR will not be of much help. For sharp pics at 200mm you'll need to use close to 1/250th sec. Will an aperture of F5.6 at the long end (200mm) be enough? If so, you've go your lens. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
siggir Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 Hey, I just got the D80 with the 18-135 lens.man this thing is so far awsome.less cost than the other lens and I fugure that I will be able to add another lens later. Good luck! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jonsjons Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 i would avoid the 18-55mm kit lens. everyone seems to say it's junk. i haven't heard much about the other kit lens (the 18-135) but that one doesn't sound great either. like everyone says, the 18-200mm should cover most of your needs and would probably be a good way to go. with 35mm equivalents of 27-300mm you should be all set. the only exceptions would be if you're really into landscapes and need something REALLY wide, or maybe if you're wildlife-crazy and want something super long. but the 18-200 should do both of these subjects pretty well, which is kinda cool. so unless you're really committed to the extreme ends of the zoom range, you should do pretty well with the 18-200. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hash Posted September 29, 2006 Share Posted September 29, 2006 If you have the money get the 18-200VR if you can find one. You will not outgrow this lens - it is just too convenient with almost no drawbacks. Even if you get other lenses later on for special purposes you'll keep using this one a good deal. I have six lenses in all and I use this lens 80% of the time. So in that sense it is a very good investment. It's also a good investment in the sense it seems a high demand item. You probably can sell it for a good price later! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weezul Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 Leslie, I do not use Nikon, but <a href=http://plfoto.com/47672/autor.html>a friend of mine<a/> does, using this particular VR lens on his D70. The effect are IMHO outstanding (mind, he is a great photographer, but I also notice how good this lens can be!). Check for yourself! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
weezul Posted September 30, 2006 Share Posted September 30, 2006 oops, I should've addressed Linker, sorry :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffrey_shulak1 Posted October 2, 2006 Share Posted October 2, 2006 Go for it if you can get your hands on it. I have lots of primes and f 2.8 zooms. It's great to have one lens you can grab in a rush to walk around with or take on a day trip when you just do not feel like humping a lot of gear. I don't think you'll regret it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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