Nikon 18-200mm F/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR II DX

The Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR II DX is the single-lens solution for crop-sensor cameras. Key features include:

• 11x range

• 4-stop vibration reduction

• Fast, nearly silent autofocus

• Compact, lightweight build

11x Range and 4-Stop Vibration Reduction. The Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S VR II DX boasts a remarkable 11x range and vibration reduction technology that provides the equivalent of 4 stops of stabilization.

High Sharpness and Contrast. This lens is surprisingly sharp and contrasty for a superzoom, while also being small and lightweight.

And now its been released in Version II! This new model comes with a ‘zoom lock’ button that keeps the lens from extending when you are walking around with it. And two ED elements . . no wait, the …

And now its been released in Version II! This new model comes with a ‘zoom lock’ button that keeps the lens from extending when you are walking around with it. And two ED elements . . no wait, the old version had those too. But the new one has Super Integrated Coating and SWM motor . . . uh . . . just like the old version. Uhm . . . well . . . . I guess that zoom lock switch is about the only difference. Nothing else has changed.

But like the original version, it’s a great walk-around lens. The range covers anything you’re likely to find, it’s surprisingly sharp for a 10x zoom, and it’s nice and small. It’s not going to be a good indoor lens unless you use a flash, though. And I have to admit, I did want a lock button for the zoom, seriously.