Would I buy one?

Yes. I already did. The lens I’ve reviewed is my own. For much of what I do, I need faster-apertures and longer focal lengths. But these are all large, heavy, and have nowhere near the zoom range of the 18-200. This lens is a great relief from big, heavy lenses like my 70-200mm f/2.8 and 28-70mm f/2.8 AF-S lenses.

Most of the test photos taken for this article were shot during a visit to historic Mission San Juan Capistrano. I deliberately brought only the 18-200 for the visit so I could see if it could serve all my needs. To no surprise, I never once thought about needing a different lens, and the VR proved useful on numerous occasions in the dim interiors, or when I hand-held at long focal lengths.

Each buyer must evaluate whether a given lens is right for them. Assuming this lens’ focal length range suits their purpose, and the relatively minor distortion is not an overriding issue, I would be quick to recommend this lens for anyone.

Key Features

DX lenses are designed exclusively for use with Digital SLR cameras with the smaller APS-C size chip. The equivalent focal length in 35mm terms is 27-300mm.

VR II (Vibration Reduction, second generation) minimizes image blur caused by camera shake and enables the lens to shoot four stops slower (instead of three stops with the former VR system)

Two ED glass and three aspherical lens elements minimize chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion, while ensuring high resolution and contrast.

Built-in A/M switch enables instant switching from autofocus to manual focus (Lock mechanism provided).

Silent Wave Motor for ultra-fast, ultra-quiet AF, with instant manual override.
The Internal Focusing (IF) design means that the filter attachment does not rotate during focusing or zooming, and simplifies the use of graduated neutral density or circular polarizing filters.

The rounded diaphragm (7 blades) makes out-of-focus elements appear more natural.

The build is robust, the mount is metal and held in place with 4 screws.