Review: The All-in-one Nikkor - Part 1

Sometime January 2008, I was able to get a copy of a Nikon DX VR 18-200 mm F3.5-5.6G Zoom. This Nikkor standard zoom was first introduced November 2005. On a DX format digital SLR, it has an equivalent of 27 to 300 mm focal length. It boasts a silent wave motor for high speed focusing and Vibration Reduction II. It's solid, nicely built and yet light enough to bring in my backpacking trips. It came with a cool petal hood that helps lessen the chances of getting flares. The infamous lens/zoom creep that is associated with the 18-200 doesn't bother me much. At 18mm and 200mm, it doesn't creep. Adjust 1 mm, and it will. Some says it can be brought to any Nikon center for servicing, but eventually, over time, it will creep again.

When I started photography 2 years ago, having one was just a "dream". Starting at PhP 40,000 a piece, a hard to find glass (some had to wait for months), there was no way I could fit this is in my silly budget. I had to let go of this "dream lens" and got an Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G AF-S instead.

Then the 13th month bonus came....

After getting a good deal from a PiPho member (almost half the price), together with my buds Meng and Jama$$, we ventured out to Anawangin to do a field test using this "all-in-one" lens.

First few "pitiks" and got an amazing bokeh:



Saturation/Contrast

I felt I was in "Neverland", actually "Nikkorland". For newbie photographers like me, having a semi-pro lens, makes one's photography one step easier. The 18mm was wide enough for landscape/cityscapes (as what I am used to with my D70/s kit lens), the 200mm zoom gives me that stretch I need for paparazzi shots. It's ability to changing from wide to zoom in a matter of seconds (without changing lens) makes it one of the most versatile lens in the Nikkor line up.

Next: Field test samples