After comparing, my decision is Nikon D200 w/18-200 lens, your thoughts before I click BUY button?

Question

Here is my order..any other MUST HAVE items you would add to list right now?

Nikon D200 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Nikkor Zoom Lens

SanDisk SDCFX3-2048-901 2 GB Extreme III CompactFlash Card

Nikon MB-D200 Multi-Power Battery Pack for the D200 Digital Camera

Nikon EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery for D200 Digital SLR Camera

Nikon Digital & Film SLR System Case Gadget Bag for D200

Hoya 72mm DMC PRO1 Digital Multi-Coated UV (Ultra Violet) Filter

Nikon Lens Pen Cleaning System

Nikon Micro Fiber Cleaning Cloth

Introduction to the Nikon D200 DVD

Nikon D200 Digital Field Guide

Total price with shipping: $2643.06 from Amazon.com

Answer 1

This is the exact camera and lens that I use probably 80-90% of the time. I think Amazon has bumped up the "kit" with a few things that they get practically for free to cover the real expense of finding and selling the lens, which has been going for about $200 over retail. As long as you can accept the fact that you probably can't get it any other way, I say go for it.

Now... You can probably do without the multi-battery pack, the lens cleaning stuff, the field guide, the DVD and the gadget bag. If you could only FIND the D200 and 18-200 lens at "retail" price, you could save about $500. The fact of the matter is simply that you can't find it, though. So I say buy what makes you happy. If you buy anything less, you will always look back and regret your decision. Who knows when the 18-200 will become widely available again?

Okay, it's not the world's PERFECT lens, but it is not too shabby. As I said, unless I am doing something really critical, it is my choice for a casual "walk-around" lens. 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

Answer 2

Alan M really great with camera. Always bump to his answer and he's on spot.

There's only 2 things I would like to add. UV is filter that you will put on the camera all the time for protection purpose. However you will need a Circular Polarizer it's one most important filter you will use most of the time. If you want to save money by buying only 1 CPL for few lenses then I would recommend you to get a 77mm and a 72-77 step up ring. Most of the best lens and Wide Angle are using 77mm so in the end you're saving some fortune.

Second Rather then using cloth (which you have to once in a while) it would be better if you use blower. Blower will not touch the surface of your lens (and coating) so it will stay in prime condition for longer time.

That's all for me. It's a good choice and have fun with the new gear :)

Answer 3

also check in with http://www.bhphotovideo.com

I've bought several cameras from them and I will continue to do so in future purchases.

Answer 4

go to adorama.com
and shopzilla.com
for better prices