AF-S Zoom-Nikkor ED 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF DX VR: Does this VR work with Nikon D50?

Question

I'm new to photography and moving up from point and shoot to dslr and planning to buy a d50 which is on sale, can I use the Vibration Reduction feature of this lens for the D50 because somebody told me it might be useless on a D50. Any comment on this lens, I want a lens with flexibility. Does it worth the price or a D80 kit. Need some help please.

Answer 1

Yes, the VR will work with the D50. Besides personal experience with putting my 18-200 VR on my wife's D50, you can look on page 106 of your owner's manual. Footnote 2 says, "Vibration reduction (VR) supported with VR lenses."

About the Nikon 18-200 VR lens... Okay, it's not the world's PERFECT lens, but it is not too shabby. Go here and read Rockwell's review:

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200.htm

Go here and look at the sample images. Click on them to view them full screen. If you click at least once in the white space, your cursor will turn into a magnifier when you scroll it back over the image. Click again over the image and it will zoom to 100% size so you can really examine the image.

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200/examples/index.htm

"Optically, this lens is the best superzoom we’ve seen, though it’s not compatible with Nikon teleconverters, extension rings, or coupled macro bellows. It also costs about $300 more than third-party digital-only glass. But are extremely rugged construction, unusually well-controlled distortion, and four extra handholdable speeds worth the extra bucks? That, and more."

http://www.popphoto.com/cameralenses/2763/lens-test-nikon-18-200mm-f35-56g-dx-vr-af-s.html

As far as the D50 vs. the D80, if you have the money, the D80 is a whole 'nuther class of camera. I love the D50, but the D80 is quite a major step above it. If you can afford it, get the D80. If not, the D50 is a very good camera that you do not have to feel bad about owning, though.

Answer 2

Listen to Alan.

Just remember, VR is great, but it will not stop blur from subject movement, only helps with camera shake.

I also agree with stepping up to the D80 if you can.