17 out of 17 people found this review helpful.
May Not Be Right for You
Date of Review: Jul 2, 2006
The Bottom Line: A good snapshot lens, but not recommended for more thoughtful photography. The zoom range and the VR are nice; but, considering design limitations, it is priced too high.
I love VR, I like the versatility of zoom lenses, and needed a wide angle; so, this lens looked like a dream lens. However, after four months, several outings, and experiences with this lens, I find it is not a lens for everyone. Two design features are problematic.
The first problem is zoom creep. This is not a problem if you are shooting snapshots. However, if you want to set up tripod shots with the lens pointing up or down, the lens will slowly retract or extend unless you hold the lens. Translated to examples: shooting low light exposures of cliff dwellings below you or ornate cathedral ceilings overhead, both best shot with a tripod and hands off, is not recommended with this lens. Zoom creep is a part of this lens' design. Nikon comments on it on their website under Nikon Knowledge, Data Base, "What is zoom creep?"
The second problem is light fall off (or vignetting) when using a filter. Once again, this is not a problem if you do not use filters. Using a 72mm slim Nikon circular polarizing filter, I had to correct images in for vignetting. Using a generic 72mm UV filter, the vignetting was horrible. It was particularly bad on the telephoto shots and shots with the sky in the picture. For me, landscapes require a filter or two. My experience is that this lens does not support the use of 72mm screw on filters.
Before you shell out the big bucks for this lens, decide what you want to do with the lens. The VR works great, but, there are still shots which need a tripod. A UV filter is always nice to protect the lens; but you will have to deal with significant light fall off in many of your shots if you use a filter.
I have sold this lens to someone who accepts the lens design "problems" I have mentioned. The lens was not right for how I use a lens and the shots I like to take. Nikon makes other wonderful zooms without these problems, I have three of them.
