Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR DX NIKKOR

+ When I took the lens out of the box, the first thing I was struck by is how small this lens is.
The lens is almost identical in size and appearance to the Nikon 24-120mm.
It has a large range, equivalent to a 27-300 lens in a 35mm format. With this wide range, I would expect distortion. But this lens somehow has accomplished this wide range without any major distortion. I find it gives me real sharpness, and is a versatile all in one lens. Good points -
* You can lighten your bag. Why carry 4-5 lenses when this can replace them.
* You don’t have to carry a tripod with you everywhere, well maybe in the car for night shots
* You wont have to change your lens as much because of the large range
* Great for close ups and wide angles.
* Get close to your subject, With focusing as close as 20 in. from the subject
* Vibration Reduction - offers the equivalent of using a shutter speed 4 stops faster

- Non whatsoever !!!!

+ Fantastic zoom range. No need to keep swapping lenses anymore. The image stabiliser (VR) is an absolute boon. It focuses fast and quiet. Cuts down on the bulk I used to carry.

- It's heavy, and bulky - but not excessively. The extra weight can be tiring at times when holding the camera waiting for a moment to photograph. The lens casts a small shadow when using the inbuilt flash at the 18mm end, but just zoom in a little or use a proper flashgun.

+ VR technology - especially at 200mm focal length. Can shoot handheld in quite low light.

- A little soft at zoom extremes - but then again all lenses with this zoom range tend to be.

+ Very happy with my purchase, its expensive but I've not regretted it for a minute. Very pleased with the photos its taken. VR is fantastic. I was a little concerned about spending this much but haven't looked back.

- Nothing significant. The lens casts a shadow when used at its widest angle with the built in flash on my D40X, but that's just the nature of built in flashes and longer lenses. Zoom in a little and it doesn't happen.
Not really a negative but remember to budget for a filter to protect the lens.

+ To quote the famous varnish advert, it does what it says on the tin. Good steady image which can be seen as you look through the lens. Lightweight enough to use all the time. No need to carry more than one lens. It does it all. I'm very pleased with this purchase and I would unreservedly recommend it to someone who wants an all purpose lens. The VR is an added bonus. Am I pleased with this lens? Oh, yes! Was it worth the long wait for it to come on the UK market? Oh, yes!

- Well, cheap it isn't! Pity there is no macro facility, but now I'm just being picky.

+ Good all rounder for trips and times you don't want (or can't) take multiple lens.

- For motor sports, wildlife etc I'd still take my 70-200mm f/2.8 for speed and depth of field control.

+ image quality obtained, wide to telephoto extremes no decline in image quality. covers most applications

- focusing manually rather than using AF, focusing ring loose not much feedback need to have slightly more resistance to give a more positive feel rather than light and vague. no problems and perfect when using camera AF

+ Excellent zoom range on a DSLR, this lens is really versatile. The VR is very handy, its already given me more handheld keepers in the few days I've had the lens.

- The fairly large filter size (72mm) makes filters more expensive; but at the end of the day, it is worth the price.

+ Operational versatility and speed are second to none. Truly a first class lens.

- Reviewer left no comment

+ A lovely piece of kit - easy to use and feels right to use.

- Reviewer left no comment

+ Manual focus possible with while Autofocus activated.

- None as yet.

+ Anti vibation
Auto focus with manual over ride

- Bit pricey but probably worth it

+ Good Image and excellent Range and the VR works very well; can hand-hold at 200mm on 1/120s. A definate improvement over the 18-70 Kit lens.

- There is a bit of zoom drift and if you carry the camera for any length of time with the zoom pointing down it extends under gravity, but this may be the case for all bigger zooms.

+ Compact. Zoom range. Optical quality. Close focus range. A great all-rounder.

- Zoom creep. Plasticky construction. Lens hood flimsier than Sigma. Limited aperture, but focuses well.

+ Excellent range of zoom in one lens and the VR function allows for shooting at lower shutter speeds.

- At full wide angle setting there is a slight barrel distortion and at full telephoto there is slight vignetting.