Originally Posted by skyline889
What do you guys think of the Nikkor 55-200?
Well, like the 18-55, it has a plastic lens mount and really is produced as an "introductory" lens. That said, I like the 18-55 better than this lens. Slower focus at the long end, combined with the lens having to be wide open most of the time (maximum aperture) create some inconsistent focusing and lower performance. I definitely has its place, though, and performs pretty well stopped down.
Originally Posted by skyline889
this really is worse than audio!
You have recognized NAS and it is clawing at your door, begging to come in.
Originally Posted by kin0kin
Why not the 70-200mm VR? That's an easy question:
1 X 70-200mm = 2 X 18-200mm = 4-5 X 18-70mm
I'd actually thought of the 80-200m before coz the bokeh is a serious killer for me! but these long focal length telephoto lens is not quite practical for daily use imho. So yeah, the 18-200mm vr is a good compromise.
You can do the pricing math all day long, and it will drive you bonkers, since companies like Nikon and Canon are masterful at creating price levels where it is almost better to "step up" to another model, while (sometimes) paying too much for a base model. The only exceptions seem to be the kit lenses, since they want you to get the more expensive body.
Anyway, for a D50/D70/D80 etc user, there seem to be three Nikkor lenses for that mid/long telephoto range and in the low to mid price range for quality telephotos (I'm ignoring the $1000+ category)
AF-S Zoom-Nikkor ED 55-200mm f/4-5.6G DX $250 street
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor ED 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF $500 street
AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED $850 street
I feel that the 70-300 offers the best compromise for quality and an affordable lens in that range. Plus, you get VR and AF-S. That said, keep in mind that constant aperture zooms are really worth the money if you are planning on keeping the lens for life. Constant aperture means the lens does not have to be wide open for an average light condition, improving the image quality.
Good luck with your choices!