[AF-S 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED DX] VS [Nikon DX VR 18-200 mm F3.5-5.6G Zoom]

[vincentry]

Hi all,

I just got a D5000 with the 18-55 VR Kit lens recently and am now looking to get a zoom piece. Anyone can advise on which of the following two will be a good addition to my current kit?

[Nikon AF-S 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED DX]

or

[Nikon DX VR 18-200 mm F3.5-5.6G Zoom]

from some research, it seems that 18-200 is able to "zoom" much further ~ 11x as compared to 55-200's 3.6x. Other than the zoom range, any other major difference? I notice the focal length is also slightly higher for 55-200, does it matters at long range?

apologies if i am asking really noob qns, i am a noooob!

Thanks in advance for any help rendered

Rgds

[TonyOng]

the range is the same i think.. both max at 200mm...

[saveDqueen]

Originally Posted by vincentry from some research, it seems that 18-200 is able to "zoom" much further ~ 11x as compared to 55-200's 3.6x.

Not really good with technical terms, but im quite sure that the extra zoom u mentioned in 18-200 is because of its focal length.

As it has a wider focal length compared to 55-200, so the number of times it zooms increases too.

Meanwhile 55-200 dosen't has the 18-54mm focal length compared to 18-200, naturally the number of times of zoom needed to reach 200mm is lesser.

Conclusion, its the same. Or maybe im wrong?

[vincentry]

Hmm...so no difference between buying 18-200 and 55-200 since i already own a 18-55???

[holasholas]

Get the 18-200 for a "all-rounder". Best travel lens for convience. Though the 55-200vr is so much cheaper.

[ettk75]

Originally Posted by vincentry Hmm...so no difference between buying 18-200 and 55-200 since i already own a 18-55???

There are a few things you might wish to consider:-
1) If you get 18-200, what you gonna do with your 18-55? (there will not be much value if you sell off the 18-55);

2) If you get 55-200, then you will need to get used to change lens. And need some precaution when changing lens in public places in view of dusts.

3) Unless you have no budget issue, then you can go ahead and get 18-200, and sell off 18-55 at low price (non-profit), or just keep it (but do consider that focal length of 18-55 have already been covered through 18-200).

Hope the above will be useful to you.

*note: I own 18-55 & 55-200, which I began to get used to it. Now still trying to get the best of these 2 lenses. Though its quite a hassle to change lens when travelling, once you get used to it; it should be fine.

By the way, D5000 - a nice good camera...happy shooting...

[vincentry]

ettk75,

thanks a lot for the great advice! appreciate it. In fact, I am already quite inclined to getting 55-200, just don't know whether to get 1st hand or 2nd...

saw a 2nd hand offer here but the seller doesn't have any purchase receipt for the warranty to be honored...:S

[ettk75]

Originally Posted by vincentry ettk75, thanks a lot for the great advice! appreciate it. In fact, I am already quite inclined to getting 55-200, just don't know whether to get 1st hand or 2nd... saw a 2nd hand offer here but the seller doesn't have any purchase receipt for the warranty to be honored...:S

Vincentry, do get the 1st hand coz such a low cost lens, no point getting 2nd hand. What if there are some hidden damages? Not worth lor...

btw, you are getting the 55-200 VR lens, or the 55-200 lens only?

[vincentry]

I will be getting the VR one. Yup think I will look for a good 1st hand deal for 55-200 VR. Thanks bro

[ctm1968]

I started with 2 lens 18-55 and 55-200, after 2 months I sold the 55-200 and get the Tamaron 18-270 and keep th 18-55 for indoor shoot.

I must say if you do a lot of travel shoot 18-200 or 18-270 is a good choice.

[tropiccana]

just got mine 55-200 vr recently after done some research with tight budget...no doubt it is a decent lens with the amount of money u paid for....

[TheChef]

Originally Posted by tropiccana just got mine 55-200 vr recently after done some research with tight budget...no doubt it is a decent lens with the amount of money u paid for....

I second this.

[jayjenxi]

Dose anyone know how these two lenses compare with regards to vignetting? I'm considering getting either one to supplement or replace my 18-55mm lens.

EDIT: Also, how about distortion?