Nikon 18-200 AF-S vs. Nikon 18-200 AF-S VRII

[michael_miranda]

<p>I was wondering if its worth to get the Nikon 18-200 AF-S VR II. And what are the differences between the two of them, other than the locking setting the VRII has as compared to the the old 18-200 AF-S. I don't mind paying the extra money for the newer one i there are significant differences. Thanks.</p>

[joseph_leotta]

<p>The only difference is the zoom lock to prevent vreep when carring it.<br>

They are optical identical and both have 2nd generation VR.<br>

Not that it matters, most of the original versions were made in Japan, the new ones are made in Thailand. </p>

[Michael R Freeman]

<blockquote>

<p><em>"Not that it matters, most of the original versions were made in Japan ..."<br /> </em></p>

</blockquote>

<p>Not that it matters, but most of the original versions were made in Thailand as well. :-)</p>

<p>Only the original production run (about 50,000 units) were made in Japan. The remainder (approx. 900,000) were all made in Thailand.</p>

[michael_miranda]

<p>Awesome... So if you don't mind the vreep when carrying it, it might be better to get the one that isn't VR II then, price wise.</p>

[tpernal]

<p>I have owned the 18-200 since it's inception. I just had it repaired for the rubber gasket where the mount meets the body. I have taken photos with that lens that still amaze me from my D200, now upgraded to a D300.</p>

[mark_drutz]

<p>Other than the lens creep there are no advantages that I know of to the new model. If the creep is not a big problem to you, then save the money.</p>

[zoltan_varro]

<p>I bought the new 18-200 and returned it the next day. The zoom lock switch is completely worthless, as you can only lock it at 18mm, and at that setting neither the old nor the new lens creeps anyway. I can also tell you that the new lens does creep the same way as the old one when not set to 18mm.</p>

[Peter_in_PA]

<p>So get one of the old ones while you can!</p>

[ilkka_nissila]

<p>The sample of the new version which I tried doesn't creep in any orientation even when you don't use the lock; the mechanism is likely to be better made. The lock is there to minimize wear on the zoom mechanism when the lens is carried so that it stays in good shape. If there is creep with a sample of the new lens then you probably have a defective sample.</p>

<p>The new version also has newer coatings to reduce flare so they're not optically identical.</p>

[zoltan_varro]

<p>All I can say is that the new one I got from Adorama creeped right out of the box. And not just a little, it practically fell out from approx 35mm on. I'm not sure why people are thinking the new ones have a different zoom mechanism, as this was never said in Nikon's official press release. Some web sites stated the zoom mechanism is likely improved, but again, Nikon only said there's a zoom lock switch, not a different mechanism. If you have one that doesn't creep, I'm sure it will with time. I personally find zoom creep totally unacceptable. Just too annoying.<br>

Z</p>

[robert_k1]

<p>If Nikon claims that the new zoom's creep is fixed, then the question would be why don't they recall the original version. It's so much simpler and more profitable to come out with a new and pricier version without any claims.<br>

If the creep bothers you and you don't mind how the lens looks, here are some solutions:</p>

<p ><a href="http://www.michaelchang.com/blog/photography-gear/18-200-vr-zoom-creep/">http://www.michaelchang.com/blog/photography-gear/18-200-vr-zoom-creep/</a></p>

<p ></p>

<p ><a href="http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&thread=19950642&page=2">http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1030&thread=19950642&page=2</a></p>