I have one too. That's why this one caught my eye...was thinking of buying it for a spare. The VR mechanism on mine sometimes comes on and doesn't at other times currently I'm waiting for it to come back from the service centre.

Not surprising due to the complexity of this lens and also the fact that it was a "hot selling" lens since it was introduced 3 years ago.

True... nowadays with digital cameras, there is no need for UV filtration. It is just a for protection when lens is used outdoors from MINOR bumps and scratches. A CPL (circular polariser) filter will be a good addition and maybe an ND (Neutral Density) filter.
This post has been edited by project-o: Nov 8 2009, 11:48 PM

CPL filter is used to "polarise" light cutting down reflection (eg. water or glass) and in the process bringing out colours. ND filter is to cut down light (like sunglasses) to that a larger aperture (eg. portraits during a sunny day)or a slower shutter speed (eg. waterfalls). The larger X number the more the light is reduced.

Price depends on the size and brand. The larger the size the more expensive it is.


The nail samples were in a glass case and I used a Hoya CPL filter to cut down the reflection.

The battery grip does have a tripod mount. But if you are using a D60, I would advise you not to buy a battery grip as the unit was not designed to use one.

Yes... better to get a spare battery instead. I used to have the YXTM grip which is similar to the Phottix one. Not practical to use.

I think I can help here. For the Tamron 18-200 there are 2 versions 1 with 1 without but from last year onwards all have built in motor the model no for 18-200 with built in motor is A14NII the older one is A14N. With the 55-200, the code is A15NII for built in motor and A15N for no motor model.

As far as I know the price is about the same. The Tamron 18-200 is a decent lens at this current price. Although there is a big difference between the Nikon and this lens, if you can accept the compromises (compared to the Nikon), you will be happy shooting with that lens as it is a compact, light and versatile lens.

If you are a beginner and want to shoot a bit of everything without changing lens and a budget of RM 1000+ then this is a good lens for you. It definitely will not perform as well as the Nikon 18-200 or even match a 2 or 3 lens combination in the 18-200 range. Also, without the stabiliser at the long end you may have to use a tripod when you can't use higher shutter speeds.

But what it will allow you to do is to take decently sharp wide angle, medium telephoto, portraits and close up shots as you experiment and improve your photo skills. As your skills and finances improve, down the road you may decide to buy the Nikon or decide to buy a 2-3 lens combination or even buy specialised lenses for the kind of shots you specialise in and you can either sell it or keep it as a spare.

My suggestion: test it and buy it if you are comfortable with the feel and the image quality. Looking forward to seeing better and better shots from you and whichever lens you decide to buy and shoot with.

If I'm not mistaken I had a test of the D3000 a few days back I don't remember seeing the same sync terminal as the D5000 or D90. I do agree that the Sigma 18-200 OS is better but it is in a different class of lens and price too. The price range is closer to the Tamron 18-270VC and considerably higher than the Tamron 18-200.

The powerful all-in-one lenses

Between RM 500 and RM 600 for a used on depending on condition. I sold mine some months back for RM 500. My advice is when you test it make sure that the VR mechanism is running and there is no scraping sound during AF. Optically a good and sharp lens for the price only.

Nice to see you got a new D3000. Anyway RM 750 not likely that you will be able to get 18-105VR yet but should be able to buy a used 18-135 which should be around RM 600-750.

Maybe to compromise you can take the AF-D 50 f1.4 and a macro extension tube or a +10 close up filter. Will give you both portrait and macro capabilities.

The + 10 close up filter (Octpus brand) RM80 if your filter thread is less than 72mm it should cost you even less from a few online stores. I'm intending to buy 1 too. The Raynox is good but it should cost much more than that.

This post has been edited by project-o: Nov 14 2009, 08:54 PM

Just based on my experience and like semaynikonian in my opinion I would hope that in future Nikon would give us first time buyers a choice of kit. As in D3000 or D5000 with 18-55 or 18-105 lens and maybe D90 with 18-105 or 18-200VRII as a kit. Another good option would be in the form of a 2 lens kit (18-55VR and 55-200VR) at a discount.

18-135 and 18-105 look the same and they function about the same only the 18-135 doesn't have VR. The class 4 Toshiba card is a good card pretty fast.

Tamron 17-50 with or without VC ?

I got this from Shashinki some months back and am using these. What I like about them is that you can leave them even for a month or more and they don't run out of charge.

I bought for RM 90 for 8pcs from Shashinki without charger.

In my school days I used to shoot with SLR also Yashica FX-3 with 50mm f1.8 lens. How times have changed.