Once a very popular lens selling even above MSRP not too long ago, the Nikon AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED has lost its charm somewhat. I guess the demands drop as most people who wanted it already got it. It can now be easily found at most photography equipment places for less than MSRP.

It appears that DPReview just started doing lens reviews but I am a little surprised to see the review of this lens coming from DPReview at this time (two years after its release), when many people are waiting for an already-late Nikon D300 review.

Based on the review, the lens is “about making some optical compromises to provide the broadest possible range in a single lens”. It is “nothing more than an expensive snapshot lens”, and it is for “he photographer who wants to shoot a little bit of everything and not have to change lenses”. I guess that’s quite accurate.

For reference, here are some other reviews of this lens:

• Review by Thom Hogan
• Review by Ken Rockwell
• Review by Camera Labs