I keep this lens on my camera 95% of the time. A little heavier than the 18-55 but it's worth it. Great clarity in detail even hand held at 200mm.

The lens have very fast focus, takes clear pictures even on low light, the VR does well on long zoom and is not that heavy.

I was seeking a new zoom lens to replace my Nikon 55-200 VRi with my D7100. I didn't really need something wide (have the Tokina 11-20) and the research boiled down to this lens. It has not disappointed. It is a little on the heavy side but I don't mind that because to me it feels more well built than my very light and cheap feeling 55-200 it is replacing. The zoom ring is a bit tight and not consistent throughout the zoom and it will "creep" while you're carrying it unless you engage the handy lock switch. But these aren't huge deals for me. The image quality is very good, especially at higher F stops (8, 11, etc.). It does ok in low light too but of course the 35mm 1.8 or 50mm 1.8 are much better in these cases. I considered the newer 55-200 VRII but gave this a try when I found it on sale at BB. (I lucked out in that one of my local Best Buys was closing and some merchandise that was not going to the newer store was on sale at really good prices). At full price, I would probably say it would not be worth it as 3rd party lenses or the Nikon 55-200 would be a better buy...at least for what I use it for. It is nice to have that wide focal range but you pay for it and it may be quite heavy to use as an all day walk around lens. For the same $ (or most likely less), you can buy the Nikon 35mm or 50mm which give excellent image quality, are cheap, and very lightweight and the Nikon 55-200 which is also light, cheap, and has good image quality.

Some people say, I take a lot of pictures, I do. I use the 18-200 zoom on my camera of the day, as my everyday lens! I keep my D5200 at an arms length and this is lens I keep on it, to be ready for anything! The lens also works wonderfully on my D7100, for events such as weddings and high school reunions. This is the one lens, I just can't be without! Great size and weight but the results are the reason it is my main lens!

I am no professional, but this lens help me take better shots. i installed a polarizer filter and took great pictures on my recent carribean vacation.