joe_marshall2

<p>Your solution sounds like a commercialization of what I ended up doing. I bought a wristband for Livestrong (Lance Armstrong charity) and use it just like the Lens Band. It helps greatly. I imagine that all the wristbands are similar. You can choose one based on your desire to help an organization or t get a particular color.</p>

Mine creeps from all settings when carried on a strap. Nikon USA's KB says it is normal and acceptable. Go to nikonusa.com, find the knowlege base, and search on "zoom creep" (no quotes). The answer references the 18-200. The Nikon support rep said lenses may vary, but the characteristic is not repairable -- though I was welcome to send the lens in and try my luck, just not to expect improvement. He said the phenomemum can be related to temperature of the internal lubricants. Also a small amount of play is expected at full zoom and should have not impact on optics.

 

When I asked about rubber bands used to prevent the zoom ring moving, he suggested to use the soft wide ones used to secure hockey pads. Apparently o-rings and tape strips are also used (see http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1030&message=23565854). I am still looking and plan to try an o-ring first.

 

Good luck.