Customer Ratings & Reviews

First, I am using this lens with a Nikon D3300. I don't compose a lot of photos that require a telephoto lens. However, I believe you should always have one in your collection. I didn't want to break the bank and needed to maintain some competitive quality. I went with this lens because after experimenting without it in store, I was really surprised by the crispness and quality of the photos. The VR technology to help with camera shake is a definite plus. After I purchased this lens, I ventured over to Alki Beach across the water from the Seattle Space Needle and shot some sunset photos during very windy conditions using various ISO, Shutter and Aperture speed settings in A and P mode. I was shocked at the crispness and details of the results because of the windy conditions (the VR really does an excellent job of helping with camera shake). I even took some shots in my camera's Landscape automatic mode, thinking I'd get so-so results, but I was surprised that the shots I took turned out well for an automatic setting. Obviously, there are far superior Nikon telephoto lenses and matching price point, but for the rare times you need one, this is an excellent budget conscious lens.

All in all it's a great deal for a very affordable price. For a camera like the D40X it's hard to talk yourself into buying a $1000-$2000 lens, so at this price it is well worth it to add some extra zoom to your camera bag. The vibration reduction is also really helpful to help get clear photos for things like sports, animals, and anything else that would be in motion.

you get what you pay for , this lens is very good with adequate light , mainly to use in the out side with good sun light ,however indoor quality is average at best. I got this lens as I need a telephoto lens for my kids when they are playing outside , so it works for me . Autofocus is on the slow side , and build quality is average , I would say the kit lens 18-55 is better .But the bottom line for the price you get a great deal , if you want a better quality I would go for 70-300 and skip the 55-300 , ( all the reviews say the picture quality 55-300 is similar to 55-200 but with it is double the price unless you get a good deal, so if you want to pay more get the high quality 70-300 ...

I purchased this lens prior to the Christmas holiday. I couldn't pass it up since it was on sale for $149.00. I has proven to be a great addition to the standard lens that is on my Nikon D80. It has a good zoom range (55-200mm) with responsive auto focus and good image clarity. Certainly would recommend this lens to anyone who wants to add a telephoto lens and does not want to go broke doing it.

This lens is great for distant shots. It is easy to use and easy to interchange quickly between lenses. The one thing that is an issue with it is that it is not a multi-tasking lens; it really is only good for those shots that are further out than 55mm or 3.5 feet. I would also recommend using the VR function or getting a tripod. As your focal point is so much further out, even with the VR turned on it still takes a little practice to get a clear picture if you aren't using a tripod.

I needed more zoom to take pictures at my son's sporting events. This lens was very easy to put on and is user-friendly.

I bought this lens almost a year ago when I purchased my Nikon D40x (now replaced by the D60x). I just now started using it. I take pictures from the balcony in my church, so the 200mm comes in handy. It's lightweight and I use my flash so I don't how relavent the VR feature is at this point. I don't know if the 18mm -200mm was available at the time of my purchase, but I wish I had that lens instead so I wouldn't have to keep changing lenses. But it is a great lens.

I would recommend this lense for all outdoor shots. This lense is difficult to use indoors, except for distant targets (i.e wall detail in the distance). At the Alhambra Palace in Granada Spain the zoom was very difficult to use indoors. The VR will produce sharper pictures and between this and the standard shorter lense, this produces better pictures. If the range is 55mm or more, try to use this lense first regardless of the shooting location. Regardless of any price increase, the cost of this lense will always be a lot less than the 18-200mm (consider this factor, if you already have a lense that came with the camera). For the price, this lense is a must if your maximum camera range is 55mm. Most pictures seem to be at this range so, for a small cost the trade off is better pictures.

We're not photography experts and this is our first lens for our Nikon SLR, but I have to say we are very happy with it so far. We took the camera to San Francisco and found the zoom to be quite powerful and allow us to take some very nice pictures from far away. In particular, we were able to take some nice closeups of the Blue Angels air show that happened to be going on while we were there. We'd definitely recommend this lens.

Only problem I have is that it has a plastic lens mount. My camera repair shop said they can repair it for 40 bucks in about 20 minutesif it does break. Dont know why it would though unless I get rough with it. This lens takes great shots on my D3100. I mean stunning. Of course you have to know your camera to optimize the lens but once you do. Its a Giant Band for the Buck at less than 200 bucks. Go get one! I did and just love it.

This lens is great for lower-light photography of slow or stationary subjects. It's not good for sports or very low light, even with the VR, unless the sports are broad daylight, but that's not what it's intended for, so mostly 5 stars all around. I gave 4 for durability because the hood doesn't lock really firmly into place. Lightweight and relatively compact, great addition to any DX kit. If you only have one battery and aren't used to VR lenses, be warned, they use about twice as much power as the camera itself.

Great zoom lens. Really improves the picture frame quality. Great for zoom shots of people, nature, landscape, etc. 18-55 doesn't do justice to what you actually see. This lens does that!!!

This lens is great! Takes great photos! I highly recommend!!

It is well balanced on the camera. It is also easy to set up and use. So far picture taking has produced quality results. As I have only just purchased the lense, I am unable to rate its durability, but it does appear to be solidly built.

Very good product. I'm not a professional, and this is my first "zooming" lense, and I really love it. Very easy to use. I get great pictures of my kids playing sports. I cannot compare it with any other lense, but I like the results...

Good price and the image quality is great. Will have to keep your smaller lens with you b/c you can't do close up photos with this.

I've had this lense for about two weeks now and I can already tell I am going to make of it my favorite!!! Everything about it is amazing. I love it that it isn't too heavy or too long. It is just right for going out in the city, out in the country, or for indoor activities with friends and family. It is fast and efficient. I have a one year old kitty cat and if you have any pets you like to take fast and good looking pictures of this lense will be your best friend. I am a big fan of MACRO and I have taken a few pics on macro setting with this lense which have turned out really good, but sometimes it is a bit tough to get it to work. Then again I have only had it two weeks, so I am still learning it. Over all this is a great lense for an awesome camera!!!

I have only had the lens for a few weeks. I bought it so I could take closer shots of my kids in their sports. So far I have not been disappointed. Had I had the money to buy the 300mm or further I would have done that instead but that has nothing to do with the quality of the 200mm lens. I have had clear shots. I am new to the SLR so I am still practicing. I have been very pleased with my shots.

Bought this lens in addition to the standard lens that came with my camera. It provides the ability to reach out a little further than before and get some really nice pictures.

I've had this lens for about 5 months. This is a good quality lens. The zoom is pretty impressive. The image quality could be better but it is still great clarity and quality.