[ydrive55]

Really simple question... does anyone have one, and could they share their opinions and some sample photos. I am considering this vs the Nikon 18-200 VR2.

Thanks in advance

[scollins]

I've never owned that lens, but I did have the Nikkor 18-200. What I don't like about the Tamron right off the bat is the f6.3 maximum aperture at the long end. The Nikon AF system really needs a maximum of 5.6 to have reliable autofocus. And who knows when that 6.3 kicks in (at what zoom setting.) Personally, I wouldn't even consider this lens at all. I'm not a Nikkor snob either, as I have a Sigma 70-200 f2.8 in the bag.

DP Review has the lens in their database: http://www.dpreview.com/lensreviews/..._n15/page4.asp

I used to be in the camp of wanting one lens with a huge zoom range to cover every possible shot, and was less concerned about the maximum aperture. No longer. I've actually sold my Nikkor 18-200 and replaced it with 3 lenses: Nikkor 17-35 f2.8, Nikkor 50mm f1.8 and a Sigma 70-200 f2.8. Even with having to change lenses, I'm much happier with the faster glass.

My suggestion is to get the Nikkor 18-200 and take a bunch of shots with it. I'm almost certain that a bulk of your shots will fall within a certain band of focal lengths. When you figure that out, sell the 18-200 and buy the lens that most closely matches the focal lengths you most often use. You won't lose much money on the Nikkor in the used market, while the Tamron will likely be worth far less (greater depreciation hit.)

[anthony @ eas]

I've demo'ed one at Sammy's Camera and I was super impressed by the zoom range. The other thing that caught me off guard was how well the vibration reduction worked. It seemed 10x better than any Nikkor lens VR technology.

[DarqueFun]

I just got my T1i a few weeks ago and have a canon 50-250mm lens. That thing is remarkable!

I wish I could give you an opinion on the tamron, but no idea. However, this did provide me some insight as to what lens is good or not.

[ydrive55]

Thanks for the feedback all.

I did read the DPReview already, and as an very new photographer it's hard for me to digest all that information.

Basically I am looking for a lens that I keep on my camera for 95% of the shots I want to take. I have a D3000 with the Kit lens and the 55-200 telephoto currently, and it always seems that I want the other lens on for whatever shot I am lining up.

I realize that it's not going to be the fastest lens ever, what I really wanted to know is how it stacks up against the 18-200 Nikon. The Tamron can be had for less than $500 at the moment, while the Nikon is sitting firm around $750 with much less zoom capabilities.

Anyhow, I will keep on researching and see if I can't make a decision, any other feedback is welcome.

Thanks again,

[LaYzEe]

I was on the same boat as you when i first started getting into DSLRs.

I really wanted to stick with one lens so that i dont need to keep on switching lenses. so i bought my supposedly first and only lens: the 18-200mm VR. IMO, its still the best all arounder lens but when im taking shots indoors, closeups, family pics, i noticed that i needed some more out of this one lens.

As of right now, i have 3 lenses: Nikor 50mm F1.8, Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 and Nikor 18-200mm VR

If you got the cash(as in alotta cash), you can go for a telezoom lens with F2.8 so ur good to go in terms of aperture range. Good luck find the right lens for you.