Nikon AF-S 18-200mm f/3.55.6g IF-ED DX VR II

the ideal compromise for a dx format superzoom lens

Released (year) 2009 Price new £659/$650 Buy at MPB.COM today ‘excellent’ £334/$440 ‘Good’ £299/$394

Key points

Nikon makes two 18300mm superzooms, the smaller and cheaper of which gives okay sharpness in the 200-300mm sector of the zoom range, while the bigger edition is quite a big, weighty lens that’s awkward for travel photography.

The 18-200mm still gives a useful zoom range, equivalent to 27-300mm in full-frame terms, while delivering the best quality of all three. Build is good and up-market features include dual-mode VR (Vibration Reduction), ring-type ultrasonic autofocus, and a focus distance scale beneath a viewing panel.

A slight upgrade over the original version, the Mk II adds a zoom lock switch and has a revised zoom mechanism to reduce zoom creep, plus improved Super Integrated Coatings to reduce ghosting and flare. It’s our personal favourite Nikon superzoom.

Dual-mode VR

The VR system features switchable Normal and Active modes. Normal includes auto panning detection, while Active does better with vibrations.

M/A autofocus

The ring-type ultrasonic system has ‘manual-priority autofocus’. When switched to M/A mode, focusing immediately swaps from auto to manual if you twist the focus ring during autofocus.

Focus distance scale

Unlike the Nikon 18-140mm and the smaller of the 18-300mm lenses, this one actually has a focus distance scale.

specs

Full-frame compatible No Effective focal length (DX) 27-300mm

Autofocus Ultrasonic (ring-type) Maximum magnification 0.22x Min focus distance 0.5m Diaphragm blades 7

Filter size 72mm

Dimensions (dia x length) 77x97mm

Weight 565g