Lens Debate - 18-200mm or 17-300mm G

BME

I have posted this on another message board I frequent, so I apologize if it is a double post for anyone, but I am looking for all the feedback I can get!


I have a D80 with a 18-55mm and a 50mm f/1.8. I do mainly portraits, but I have some events and trips coming up and I find myself wanting a little more reach in these situations.

So I was pretty set on the 18-200mm, but then read on Ken Rockwell's review that for a fraction of the cost, the 70-300mm G paired with the 18-55 mm is a good substitute.

I'm wondering if the 18-200 is worth the cost compared to the inexpensive 70-300 mm and wondering if I would really miss the VR feature on the 70-300. Would the 18-200 be a better walk around lens?
Thanks in advance for your help

z_28

17-300 for sure
no doubt

zigzag

Walk around lens? Well, the 18-200 VR by reputation is supposed to be superb for that - with higher quality image than either of the other two you mention, Ken Rockwell notwithstanding. But I think this comes down to you. I guess the question is: do you mind changing lenses? If so, then 18-200 might be worth it for you. Starting from scratch, I know what I'd choose.

jonh68

I have the 18-200 VR and the cheaper 70-300 G. The 70-300 is sharpest at 200 mm. The 18-200 cropped is sharper than the 70-300 g at full extension. If walking around is your thing and you want to go light, the 18-200 is the way to go. If you are on a budget, get the 70-300 or even the VR version.

bkatz

Depends what you want
I have the 18-200mm and the 70-300mm VR. My wife who never changes the lens always uses the 18-200 and when I went to Frankfurt recently it is the only lens I took since it covers almost all situations. If you do not mind changing and are willing to carry more than one lens the 70-300mm VR is great and about $480 from B&H. I traded up from my 70-300mm G because I shoot sports outside and the VR was a must. It is longer and heavier and you will lose the 55 - 70 range (can always move closer).

Again depends on what you will be taking pictures of and how close you will be.

That said - I would never give up the 18-200mm since it covers all basic walking around situations and solved the problem of my wife saying she couldn't get close enough or far enough away when I had the 18-55mm and 55-200mm and she would not changethe lens.

BME

Great advice - thanks everyone! Since I am not a fan of changing lenses, I think the 18-200 VR is the way to go.

ShepsMom

I was actually considering selling my 18-200, simply put, i was frustrated with it's preformance in low light situation. It's sweet spot somewhere at 100mm, after that it just doesn't do.
As far as walk around lens, you can't beat it. You have a range of 18mm, which is good for group shots (in my case), however long range at 200mm is crappy!
I've never used 70-200 so i can't tell you anything about it.
I'll keep my 18-200 for now.