Nikon users, I need some pointers.

[M_Six]

Good friend of mine is thinking of buying a D5100 with a AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR II lens. That lens has some not-so-hot reviews about bad lens creep and for $800, it seems it should be in the same quality category as Canon's entry-level L lenses. I know diddly about Nikon. Can you Nikon folks recommend a better alternative in that price range? I know he'll be looking for something with a decent zoom range as he's not the type to be changing lenses all the time. His daughter plays soccer, so I know he'll want something with decent long range.

Conversely, is the lens creep issue not such a big deal? I mean if this is a decent lens with just that one issue, then so be it.

[Doctor J]

The first version of this lens had lens creep. I owned one and it was annoying

The new version (with VRII) is way better built and has an additional lock on it to prevent lens creep during transporting. I just picked a new 18-200 up last week (my old one broke cause I dropped it)

Unless you go with the really expensive F2.8 lenses -- they are ALL going to have soft parts -- but for the money the Nikkor lens is the best bang for the buck all rounder

[rodi]

if he's just using it on his family, he'll be more than happy with that combo. tell him to also get a SB-600 or SB-700 to go with it.

although, if he's limited to spending a certain amount, he'd be better off getting a nice point and shoot like the P9000 or whatever.

[M_Six]

He's got the P7000, but I think he's ready to move up.

[TL]

like what Dr J said, the first version does have lens creep
i have the 18-200 vr (first version) the second version is about the same with just a lock button so no creep. i used it on my last trip to NYC cause i was lazy to carry all of my other lens. it's a good walk around lens.

[BillLee]

i have the first 18-200 vr. barely any lens creep on mine, its not like you're going to shoot down/up at things 24/7.

[M_Six]

Originally Posted by BillLee

i have the first 18-200 vr. barely any lens creep on mine, its not like you're going to shoot down/up at things 24/7.

Yeah, I figured most of those folks complaining about it were being overly picky about such things. I guess if you do a lot of shooting the Grand Canyon from spots along the rim you might have a right to complain about creep. But the majority of us shoot level most often.

[TL]

lens creep only happens when im carrying the camera on my side

[tolkino]

My copy of VR II had a lens creep and it was pretty annoying. I didn't like the way the barrel extends when you zoom it. It's not that good of a lens too. I wouldn't buy it again (for that price at least). A friend of mine just got a 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR and its a really sweet sharp lens. Although it does not have the reach of 18-200,it is wider and has way better glass. It is smaller in size and I think would be better fit for the d5100.

[- Paul -]

I have band round mine that stops the creep - simples

[Chewy734]

a band of electrical tape Paul?

[- Paul -]

no its a wide elastic band - just enough tension to stop the creep - perfect