BANNED
I am worthless beyond hope. Join Date: May 2004
Location: Inner Swabia. If you have to ask twice, don't.
|
My ex's father is thinking about buying her a superzoom lens (18-200) for Christmas; specifically a Nikon 18-200.
Are there any opinions on this lens, or cheaper off-brand 'equivalents'? |
quote |
Veteran Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Paris, France
|
This lens was clearly the best of its type at its introduction a few years ago, and remains at or near the top of the pile. Cheaper options either don't have optical image stabilisation (basically a necessity for this kind of lens), or are not up to snuff optically and/or mechanically. They may nevertheless represent good value (though I personally wouldn't buy a superzoom without image stabilisation at any price).
There is one lens which might be a worthy competitor, though it doesn't cost much less: the Tamron 18-270 mm f/3.5-6.3 VC. This lens has a slightly larger range than even the 18-200 mm Nikkor, and has even more effective image stabilisation (Tamron's VC is probably the best optical stabilisation system in the business). DPReview reviewed it, if you're interested. Note there is a new, smaller version coming soon, which may or may not be as good optically. |
quote |
Sneaky Punk
|
I'd say stick with the Nikkor. You may even want to consider buying a used first generation 18-200mm VR from a reputable camera shop, if money is an issue. The Tamron and Sigma 18-200mm lenses are both F3.5-6.3, which aren't great, not to mention being optically inferior.
|
quote |
Veteran Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Paris, France
|
Quote:
It's certainly small. |
|
quote |
Veteran Member
|
I know it has been a while since you started this thread but Tamron now have a 70-300mm lens which has got a number of good reviews. Plus it has image stabilisation and a USM motor. So overall it is highly speced and therefore a good alternative to the brand models.
http://www.tamron.com/en/photolens/d...hoto/a005.html |
quote |
Posting Rules | Navigation |
|
Thread Tools | |
Similar Threads | ||||
Thread | Thread Starter | Forum | Replies | Last Post |
Lens advice | Xaqtly | Purchasing Advice | 14 | 2009-10-09 15:11 |
To VR or Not To VR (Tamron lens vs. Nikkor) | luxuryreplica | Purchasing Advice | 9 | 2009-01-25 22:40 |
I dropped a lens... | danielsza | General Discussion | 9 | 2008-03-09 01:14 |
Lens rental services | torifile | Purchasing Advice | 4 | 2008-03-09 00:02 |
Buying a new lens | torifile | Purchasing Advice | 58 | 2007-11-01 06:46 |