Did you read the line, if you want an all in one lens buy the Nikon,
accept no substitutes. I think Nikon did a marvelous job with that
lens, given its range, it is just not a lens I want. The dust thing is
no lie, I have seen several threads complaining about dust with the
18-200. I just like single focal length lenses, small and as
unobtrusive as a D200 can get. Came from shooting Leicas, just how I
am.  If you like the lens enjoy it.

Tom

Clearly you don't own it, which probably has much to do with your disdain [as
opposed to having disdain so you don't own it].  

It is a variable apeture zoom lens, it will suck air, as about any other
variable apeture lens will.  Yes, that may eventually mean dust on the sensor
... part of owning a DSLR.

I, for one, like the lens as an all around lens.  I have not put it through
extensive trial yet, but it seems to do a pretty good job and the VR seems to
work VERY well.  I have had sharp images well into the telephoto range with no
obvious defects [that weren't caused directly by me].  I prefer my Tokina
80-200 f/2.8 when I need absolute sharpness and speed [and can use a tripod]
and I prefer my Tokina 12-24 f/4 for wide angle.  The 18-200 from Nikon does
what it is supposed to do and it does it well.

On May 17, 8:16 pm, " banjo`s" <-
deeeenoregist...@hotmail.co.uk_not_this_bit> wrote:

A lot of folks like this lens, I have seen a few good photos with it,
but not that many. I have also seen a lot of complaints of dust on the
sensor, with "I have kept my 18-200 on the camera and not changed
lenses much". Sounds like a dust bellows. If i wanted an all in one
lens I'd buy the Nikon 18-200 accept no substitutes, but why buy a
DSLR with only one lens, or use only one lens. But then again I like
single focal length lenses.

tom

ok so what is??

But, battery drain is not the major defect in this lens.

not that i can tell.

Many people have used this lens.
Is there any noticeable extra drain on the camera battery from the VR
mechanism?