bearbo said:
has anyone had this lens? how's your experience with this? (has anyone ordered it recently, how long did you take to get it?)
the max aperture varies from 3.5 to 5.6, is 5.6 at 200mm with VR easily shot steady without tripod? or is tripod pretty much recommended for that setting? given medium to lower light
Can't talk about availability I've had mine since June I got lucky when a batch came in no preoder, waiting list or $100 over retail.
Anyway I got it as a light weight vacation and travel lens it for me it does the job great. The VR works well I can easily take hand held at 200mm at 1/60 or slower in a pinch and I do not have the steadist hands.
On the other hand if you are interested situations were tripods are available you may want to look at other options.
I shout mostly nature so either my 60mm 150mm macros or 50 -500 for wild life. The 60 is the only other I use hand held. If you are looking to get the same results from the 18-200 as a dedicated macro or long zoom you may be disapointed.
I suggest going to pbase.com there is a camera database that groups shots by equipment select Nikon after the cameras they list lenses. The skill level of the posters vary greatly but I always take a look there to see how good or bad a camera or lens can be. I don't use it a the deciding factor but it has always helped.
Rich