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

The Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED is an image stabilised superzoom lens manufactured by Nikon for use on Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras. It provides a single-lens "walk-around" solution for wide-angle through to telephoto shots, as well as close-up photography.

AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED[1]
MakerNikon
Technical data
TypeZoom
Focal length18-200mm
Focal length (35mm equiv.)27-300mm
Crop factor1.5
Aperture (max/min)f/3.5 - f/22 (wide)
f/5.6 - f/29 (tele)
Close focus distance0.50m
Max. magnification1/4.5
Diaphragm blades7 (rounded)
Construction16 elements in 12 groups
Features
Ultrasonic motorYes Yes
Lens-based stabilizationYes Yes
Macro capableNo No
ApplicationWide angle - telephoto
Physical
Max. length162 mm (@ 200mm)
Diameter77mm
Weight560 g
Filter diameter72mm
Accessories
Lens hoodHB-35
CaseCL-1018
Angle of view
Diagonal76° – 8°
History
IntroductionNovember 2005
DiscontinuationJuly 2009

Introduction

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F-mount on 18-200mm DX lens with mechanical and electrical contacts

Nikon announced the first version of this lens on November 1, 2005.[1] The lens offers a 35 film equivalent focal length range of 27-300mm, with a compact silent wave autofocus motor featuring full-time manual override and internal focusing. Its second generation Vibration Reduction technology[2] claims to provide compensation equivalent to an increase in shutter speed of four stops. The lens has sixteen lens elements in twelve groups, with two ED glass elements to reduce chromatic aberration, and three aspherical elements to reduce image distortion. Although this lens was designed for use on Nikon DX format DSLRs, its Nikon F lens mount allows it to be used on Nikon full-frame DSLRs, albeit with vignetting due to a smaller image circle. This lens also works with teleconverters.[3]

On July 30, 2009, Nikon announced an updated variant, the AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II. It adds a zoom lock to prevent zoom creep.[4]

Reception

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The first generation of 18-200 had some issues with zoom creep when the lens was facing down

Reviewers have praised the lens for its 11.1x focal length range, effective vibration reduction, excellent autofocus motor and its versatility.[5][6] However, the lens has been criticised for pronounced and complex distortion across the range, extreme softness at certain focal lengths and zoom creep. Overall, it has garnered generally positive reviews, citing the lens' flexibility and ability to "allow the photographer to travel light and never miss a shot while changing lenses".[5]

Problems

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The lens has problems with auto-focus of near subjects and in wide-angle position of infinity subjects on some older Nikon digital camera bodies.[7] The problem occurs in Nikon D 300 S also.[citation needed]

The slow auto-focus problem can be solved in new DSLR cameras disabling the light bulb guide that's built in the body camera. Enabling only one point of focus and enabling "continuous engine focus" or "automatic" instead of single servo, may speed up auto-focus greatly to normal again.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ a b "AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED (11.1x)". Lenses. Nikon Corporation. 2008. Archived from the original on 2009-10-17. Retrieved 2009-10-23.
  2. ^ "Nikon Technology - VR (Vibration Reduction)". Archived from the original on 2012-10-26. Retrieved 2014-12-01.
  3. ^ Teleconverter for 18-200 mm Nikkor VR
  4. ^ "AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II". Nikon Corporation. 2010-07-30. Archived from the original on 2009-08-02. Retrieved 2010-02-02.
  5. ^ a b Westlake, Andy (2008-02-26). "Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR DX Lens Review: Conclusion". Digital Photography Review. Retrieved 2010-02-02.
  6. ^ Hogan, Thom (2009-04-09). "AF-S Zoom-Nikkor ED 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF DX VR". Retrieved 2010-02-02.
  7. ^ "Lens announcement". Lens announcement. Nikon USA. Retrieved 2011-07-15.
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