Opinions on the Nikon 18-200mm VR

[pony]

My dad gave me the very generous gift of this lens for my birthday. I generally use my 50mm/f1.4 and that's about it. I'd considered the 85mm, the 105mm, 135mm, and the 60mm micro
I had not looked at any zoom lenses because I am so comfortable with the fixed focal length of my 50mm and just figured I would try another one

Sooo, any opinions on this lens? I shoot mostly babies & kids, and I enjoy nature shots (but have not even tried any landscapes really).

Just wondering if it is something I should keep, or something that is going to just collect dust....and if I should trade it in and put the $$ towards something else. It was not cheap so I hate to not use it...but looking for opinions on whether or not it may be something I would like.

I have the 18-105mm kit lens and the super cheapy 70-300...and I don't use either.

Thanks in advance for any advice or opinions about this lens

 

[Trever1t]

Never used it but the people I know that do like it for it's convenience. Written reports stae that some IQ is exchanged for that convenience. I'd sell it or trade it personally.

 

[SrBiscuit]

You won't get the sharpness of a higher quality lens...but like trever1t said, it's certainly a convenience.

Personally, and this is just MHO, I would take the money for that lens, and save up some more $ for better glass.
You already seem to cover that range with your other lenses, that you stated you don't use.
I hear the 85 is a beast for portraits.

 

[manaheim]

It's a very handy lens and very decent quality, but any super zoom will have issues, as does this lens. Within 50-150 range it is really better than average and better than any kit lens. Outside that range quality drops SHARPLY. It's often called "an excellent vacation lens" ... if you want one lens and no other, you bring it.

 

[pony]

Thanks for the input. I don't mind having *A* zoom in my bag, but definitely don't need 3. Thinking I may trade this one and put the $$ towards the 85 or 60. The only time I ever use anything other than the 50 is when I put the 18-105 on and let the hubby snap pics in auto. Or I could keep this and sell the others...the more I think about it the more I am thinking I will likely not use it much

 

[KmH]

The 18-200 is Nikon's current worst lens value, IMO, but Nikon sells a lot of them to people more interested in convenience.

 

[orb9220]

Yep have to agree it not a bad lens just an overpriced for convenience lens.
I guess P&S crowd that upgraded to dslr are the blame? There so use to not having to change lenses?
And understood and great having a Leatherman for quick jobs on hand at the moment tool but wouldn't want to have to craft anything with it.
.

 

[manaheim]

"to blame"? There has been a crime committed?

That's amusing. I mean yeah, it's not an amazing lens, but it fills a purpose. I have a 24-70 2.8 and a 70-200 2.8 VR2 and I still periodically slap the 18-200 on. Not often, mind you, but it does happen.