Nikon 18-200 VR Question

M

mattpark

Suspended / Banned
Messages
34
Name
Matthew
Edit My Images
Yes
Evening All,

Quick question, am investing in my first DSLR at the moment, and have settled on a D90 and an 18-200 lens.

Question is, there is a new version of this lens with "VR II". Is this worth the extra cash, or shall I save my cash? Improvement over the VR I noticable?

Cheers,

Matt
 
The outgoing version had VR11, I think. The main difference with the new one is the lock at 18mm to stop zoom creep but it only works at 18mm. From what I've read the IQ is the same so save your money and get a mint used example.
 
I had the 18-200 which I have just passed onto Mrs_C anyway: Yes the version 1 did have VR2. There was noticeable zoom creep, this is where say you zoom out then point the camera upwards to maybe take a picture of a spire the lens sinks back in due to gravity OR when you look straight down it might zoom further out. Basically this is not normally a problem as you would normally have one hand on the lens. The only problem is whilst of the tripod.

As for quality is is very good considering the range it covers. I only got rid of it as I went FF. Get the v1 varient if there is no quality difference.
 
I've read that the new version creeps too.
 
Seriously the creep bit is only relevant at partial zooms on a tripod. If it is FULLY in or out it does not creep and like I said you tend to hold the lens with one hand anyway!
 
cowasaki said:
Seriously the creep bit is only relevant at partial zooms on a tripod. If it is FULLY in or out it does not creep and like I said you tend to hold the lens with one hand anyway!
Click to expand...

Lots of lenses creep and from what I've read, and as Cowasaki has said it's not really a problem on the 18-200.
 
Awesome thanks for the responses people, I'll save the cash and get the first version I think.

Cheers,

Matt
 
I've got the 1st version, and it does not creep at all - in any zoom position or any angle of holding it.

Did they make any optical changes to it for the 2nd version?
 
OutLore said:
I've got the 1st version, and it does not creep at all - in any zoom position or any angle of holding it.

Did they make any optical changes to it for the 2nd version?
Click to expand...

I dont think so re optical changes. When you zoom to nearly all the way out and then hold the camera and look straight upwards does the lens barrel not slide back in? Mine didn't when I first bought it but does two years later.
 
OutLore said:
I've got the 1st version, and it does not creep at all - in any zoom position or any angle of holding it.

Did they make any optical changes to it for the 2nd version?
Click to expand...

From reports I have read they are optically identical
 
cowasaki said:
I dont think so re optical changes. When you zoom to nearly all the way out and then hold the camera and look straight upwards does the lens barrel not slide back in? Mine didn't when I first bought it but does two years later.
Click to expand...

No, for some reason it doesn't. Maybe I don't use it enough...
 
Walking along - oh look, my camera is now twice a long as it was before i slung it over my shoulder!
Thats the lens creep for you....
The lock, which is the only difference apart from the graphics on the lens (the VR is now in gold instead of red and it shows a 'II'), is the only diff.
Even though the lens creep can be a pain, I'd go for a S/H older version and save some cash as they are optically identical.
 
Optically, they are identical and the only other difference apart from the colour of the "VR" logo is the slight re-design of the lens to accomodate the zoom lock switch.

My 18-200 Mk1 does slowly creep unless it is zoomed in or out completely, twisting it back to 18mm it stays there with no lock switch, as it seems most do - isn't that what you have to do with the new MkII version and then use the lock? :thinking:

Also, more importantly, the zoom ring on the MkII is noticeably narrower than the MkI due to the re-design for the lock switch. My fat fingers found it more difficult to grip.

For me, if they were the same £££, I'd still go for the Mk1.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top