18-200VR or 70-300VR.. which?

Pesto126 · Jul 24, 2008

I'm looking to possibly buy either the 18-200 or 70-300 for my D80.. basically as a carry around lens for family stuff. I currently own a variety of lenses: 17-55, 10-20, 70-200VR, 90mm, etc.

Of course my 70-200 lens sort of covers the range.. and is sharp as can be.. but is rather heavy and not something you want to carry around. So, do I go with the 18-200 for the wide action.. or get the 70-300 for the longer end of things.

Basically family photos, vacation shots and a lens my wife would use all the time when she borrows the camera. I currently keep the 17-55 on and use that as the general lens.

I know the quality of either lens won't approach the 17-55 or 70-200 across the range.. but which one would be the best choice in terms of IQ, overall flexiblity and heaviness/carryability.? They both seem well respected at around f8 or so...

Thx for the help!

gurlzrok · Jul 24, 2008

I love the ability to shoot wide, so I'd get the 18-200. Someone is selling in on www.ilovephotography.com for $499.

Cindy

rocketliv · Jul 24, 2008

I think it depends on what you want to do the most. If you are planning to take more family type shots with backgrounds of where you are, I would go for the 18-200 but if you want more candid shots with a good distance go for the 70-300

johnmh · Jul 25, 2008

The 18-200 is more versatile. My wife uses it as her 'carry' lens and is very happy with it. The low end flexability easily beats the longer reach of the 70-300.

The 70-300VR is a very nice longer zoom and has its place but doesn't work well on its own as a carry lens. It's simply not wide enough. We used this WITH a 24-120 for some time to cover an acceptable range.

My current carry assortment is usually a Tokina 12-24, 24-85 2.8-4 (maybe a 24-70 upgrade?) and 70-200 VR with an assortment of TC's. Sometimes will throw in the 50 1.4 and 85 1.8. Works well but is more to carry.

I've been known to go with the 35-70 2.8 and 70-300 if I want to cut down what I'm carrying.

Also have a 200-400 for long work and just picked up a Sigma 150-500 for a more compact long zoom.

andrzejmakal · Jul 25, 2008

In your situation - 18-200, no question. In terms of IQ, 18-200 is not so bad as some claim, not too large prints- you won`t see any difference. Flexabilty of 18-200 -no comments

If you are affraid of IQ, take a look:

http://www.pbase.com/andrzejmakal/18_200vr

Click ORIGINAL at the bottom.

Kind regards
Andrzej

adaml · Jul 25, 2008

For your shooting subjects IMO you need the wide end more than the telephoto. Go with the 18-200, it may be the best all-around travel lens Nikon has ever made.

Hotplate · Jul 25, 2008

I'd also suggest going for the 18-200 VR. You already have nicer glass for when you really need it. The convenience of of having one lens that covers the range the 18-200 does can really make up for any IQ issues, IMHO. I find it very convenient at times.

Uncle Frank · Jul 25, 2008

Man up. You've already got the best with the 17-55 + 70-200VR combo. Carrying them will be good for your health. Actually, you'll get a better workout if you swap your d80 for a d300.

Buy an 18-200 and solder it on to the d50, and give it to your wife.

;-)

Pesto126 · Jul 25, 2008

Ok.. great stuff everyone.. I really appreciate your advice and it does sound like the 18-200 might be a better option for me. The trade-off for IQ to have a nice all round lens is probably a-ok...

Frank - I hear ya man.. need to get buffed a bit! Very rarely do we both use / need a DSLR at once so its the D80 for her as well - although... for the price of used D50's these days... not a bad idea.... hmmmm....

Seriously.. thanks everyone!

NaOH · Jul 26, 2008

I got both.

The 18-200 is the lens that normally sits on my D80. When I need the extra reach (like at an airshow) I swap to the 70-300 VR.

Randy · Jul 26, 2008

they are both great for the money
i like the 18 end of the 18-200
i would get them used and then sell the one you don't like

Jonathan · Jul 26, 2008

I had both for quite a while but eventually kept the 70-300VR. I managed to get one that is very sharp.

Randy · Jul 26, 2008

Jonathan said:
I had both for quite a while but eventually kept the 70-300VR. I managed to get one that is very sharp.

i never heard of one that wasn't

Jonathan · Jul 26, 2008

i never heard of one that wasn't

The one I have is the 2nd one I've owned and is much better than the 1st one, especially at 300mm.

ssjarz · Jul 26, 2008

I have the D80 and the 70-300 and it is probably my favorite combo of all the lens that I own. I use it for flower pictures as well as birds, nature stuff. I don't think there is a better value, quality, light weight, out there right now for the price. Go get one, you won't regret it.

Rich Gibson · Jul 26, 2008

Having had both I'd get the 70-300VR.

smodak · Jul 26, 2008

I have both but I always reach for the 18-200.

It's a fun lens..