Nikon 18-200 VR vs. Sigma 18-200 OS Lens

[nowellwisch]

I have the 18-200, the 12-24 and the 10.5 Nikon. I love them all. I owned a Sigma for three days and returned it. It was significantly softer on the edges than the Nikon version. I have had only one problem with my 12-24 when it was about a month old. I had Nikon service tighten up the zoom ring which was very loose.
The 18-200 has only one problem which is that when you carry it, it "zooms" to the full out position. However, if the cost isn't the issue, then go with Nikon. They are very, very good. The DX series is excellent overall. You might find a bad one in a wide sampling but Nikon won't stick it to you.

[Charles_Hubbard]

I just purchased a Nikon 18-200mm VR lens the other day, awaiting delivery. I hope it holds up better than the 18-135mm did!

[Gerry_Walden]

I have a friend with the 18-200 and he was very disappointed with the first one in that the zoom was too slack which meant if you pointed the camera down it went off its length. He had it changed and now really likes its replacement. Personally I feel the length is too long, and that modern zooms have a tendency to try and be all things to all men, ending up just missing for everyone (but that is the viewpoint of a jaded old guy who much prefers primaries, even though I love my 70-200VR).

Gerry

[michael_gunawan]

I've been using the Nilkon 18-200 since day 1 it came out with the D200 and never regret it. For a lens this range, the quality is excellent. Mine is still made in Japan, if I'm not mistaken, the recent one is made in Thailand ? Don't know if there's any difference

[BillyGarrett]

Charles,

quote from Charles "As I mentioned, I had a brand new 18-135 DX lens fall apart after 3 weeks and I am very concerned about the durability of the Nikon lenses. I have been a Nikon shooter since 1972 and never had a lens die as this DX lens did. Nikon did replace the lens, but I won't take it out of the box.
If you feel the 18-200 VR is a better quality lens, I'll go for it."
__________________

I have been shooting nikkor glass for over 30 years, and at times have been very hard on my equipment. Never had an issue like yours. Its amazing what someone will do to get that one special image. It sounds to me that something happened to the lens, and it should be covered under the warranty. Things will break. I have 2 dx lens never one problem until nikon announced the D3....

get it fixed and stick with nikon, I have not had any good results from my sigma equipment. I sold them all.

just my penny's worth.

[Mike Keller]

From what I have read in other forums, the 18-200 is a dandy lens, but as it's price point suggests, it may not be sturdy enough for pro use. Now I personally have never understood that term, as I'm a pro and have never broken a camera, and I've used FMs and 8008s and N90s and D70s for paying jobs. I imagine if you are hard on gear, take it into difficult places, it might be a bit delicate for that, but if you're shooting weddings or semi-controlled situations, it should be fine.

[DonNoble]

I've had the 18-200 since it came out and, like others, have come to leave it on the camera more than I ever anticipated. I've had no problems and mine had a lot or airline miles in an inadequately protected carry-on.

Focus in dim light is occasionally aggravating (but expected) and mine will extend itself (zoom creep) when held downward but I love it.

While it's not perfect for everything, it's very good at many. It does not seem as rugged as some of my other Nikon lenes, but I haven't babied mine and have had no problems (yet).

Don
Orlando

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