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Ideal Travel Lens
by PGW Images from Toronto, Canada
Rating: 
I have never written a recommendation for any product, so this endorsement reflects a very high regard for the product. The 18-200 DX VR is quite remarkable considering the 11.1X zoom range. I am using it with a Nikon D200. Expectedly you see noticeable distortion at various focal lengths along with some chromatic aberations (purple fringing). The images are surprisingly sharp overall and the VR II functions well except in the dimmest of light. That said, used in conjunction with DXO software for correction I have been very pleased with the D200/18-200mm combination and consider it one of the finest travel kits available. I have recently assembled dramatic framed panormas of Bryce Canyon Utah printed at 10"x48" on an Epson Pro 4800 with high picture detail and excellent colour fidelity across the entire image. I rate this lens at 4+stars when combined with DXO software in the context of travel and general purpose use. Frankly, it is much better than I expected despite some enthusiastic reviews on the web. I prevously used Canon 10D, Olympus E1/E-300/E-500 systems but recently acquired the D200/18-200 as an additional travel system. Following two months experience, I have replaced the Olympus gear with other Nikon kit. I recommend the Nikon 12-24 mm DX lens as an ideal companion and await a 105mm f2.8VR soon for macro/portrait work.
