I'm going to but a Nikon D40x. It comes with a 18-135mm lens. I was going to purchase the 18-200 lens but reviews on that lens are not good. Apparently it "creeps" if the camera is not perfectly level. I'd like to try taking telephoto pics at outdoor sporting events, so I'd like some input on other VR telephoto lenses for Nikon. But in the range of $1000 or less. Of course, the camera would usually be pointed downward (as in, looking down from my seats toward the playing field) and I sure wouldn't want it creeping out of focus. I own the 18-200 VR and have not had trouble with it creeping. Besides, it focuses before every shot, so if it creeps while it's hanging down on your neck, what's the difference? As far as creeping out of focus while you are looking down from your seats, I've used this lens (and the 70-300) on a tripod with longer exposures with the camera pointing "other than level" and I have not had the trouble you mention. I was out last night taking photos of Venus and Saturn (a transit) and the tripod mount slipped during the 6-8 second exposures, but the lens didn't (70-300) even though it was pointed up at about 30-40 degrees.
We (my wife) own the 55-200 VR and it's a nice lens at a bargain price for VR. I don't think I have any samples on-line yet, so I'll have to address that issue...
I also own the new 70-300 VR and I am very pleased with the lens. I've used it in low light, but not at a sporting event. It would be a good compliment to your 18-135.
Go to my Flickr site http://www.flickr.com/photos/samfeinstei... and click on "Tags." Then click on "18200" or "70300" and you will find a few pictures made with these lenses. Click on "All sizes" and then "Original" and judge for yourself. You can also click on "See all public photos tagged with [xxxxx]" from the first page of each tag. I own a D80 with the 18-200mmVR zoom lens. The only time the zoom creeps is if you have it partially extended and point the camera straight up or down. You hold the lens barrel while taking the pic so there is no creep. If the lens is fully retracted it stays put in any orientation. Focusing is all internal and is not affected by the zoom.
The reviews I've read on the 18-135 have been mediocre. I've had the 18-200vr for about a month and love it. Sharp across almost all the zoom range, takes great pics and the VR is amazing and has enabled me to get sharp pics that I otherwise would have had to pass up (low light shots down to 1/8 of a sec.). VR is not as usefull on outdoor sports shots because the subject is moving.
Don't pay more than list ($700) for the lens. The supply has loosened up so the folks selling it for $800 to $1000 will have to come down. Buy at your local camera store--that way you can return it if you don't like it. I've also heard there is some sample variation on the lens so that will enable you to return it if you get a "bad" one.
May seem weird to pay as much for the lens as the camera but you won't regret it for a second.
The other option is the 50-200 vr along with an 18-55. But you always risk missing the shot while changing lenses.
See www.kenrockwell.com for some great reviews on all things Nikon. He's an excellent source of information but translate into your own context. He has the $$ to shoot with anything he wants. |
