Quick test of the Nikon 18-200mm VR Nikkor sharpness

[David Chin]

This quick test is performed in response to this thread on DPReview.

Three shots (attached to this post) were taken at ISO 200, with the D300 in Aperture priority. f-stops were f/36, f/16 and f/8. The 18-200mm lens was zoomed to 200mm.

For some reason, my D300 metered the f/16 shot slightly brighter, but of the three, I'd say that the f/16 shots seem the sharpest with the best contrast (probably influenced by the brighter exposure).

Settings and equipment:

1. Gitzo GT1931 tripod
2. Markins P300u camera plate
3. Triopo ballhead
4. Mirror lockup (MLU) used
5. Phottix Cleon N8 radio shutter release remote
6. 12-bit compressed RAW files were processed in Nikon Capture NX with Neutral Picture Control and sharpness at 7, noise reduction turned off
7. VR off, and no re-focusing was performed between shots

[Ray Roberts]

Nothing wrong with your copy. Nice sharp pics.

[David Chin]

Ray - I was fortunate to be able to test the lens before purchasing it at a local camera shop.

[Raymond]

Hi David,

I am new to DPL and actually totally new to photography in general. Got myself a D300 and wanting to learn heaps about DP. May I ask what the Markins P300u and the Triopo ballhead are for? Also is there good reason to buy a top quality tripod as opposed to a tripod that appears stable and useable and not so expensive? Looking forward to hearing from you.

Regards,
Ray.

[Brett]

Raymond,
The GITZO tripod that David used to hold his camera while he tested the 18-200 lens does not have a head to hold the camera. The TRIOPO ball head is a component fitted to the top of the GITZO tripod to hold the camera to the tripod and allow it to be panned and tilted. The MARKINS P300U is a fitting that is screwed into the cameras threaded tripod socket. It mates with the TRIOPO ball head and allows the camera to be quickly clipped onto and off the ball head, saves having to screw the camera on then screw it off the Tripod every time you use the tripod.
A stable useable Tripod is all you need until you specialise in a field of photography that demands a tripod. You may then need to select a tripod that is similarly specialised, until then a cheap light and stable tripod will surfice.

[Raymond]

Hi Brett (reply 2),
Tried to attach photo for your perusal earlier, not sure if I did it right so I am trying again. Hope you get to see the photo to allow you to comment on it.
Regards,
Raymond.

[Raymond]

Hi Brett (reply 1),
Thanks for the explanation on tripods and ball heads. Would appreciate your comment on the attached photo of my pet cat and dog playing. The photo was taken in my room with the use of Nikon D300 and only its built-in pop-up flash. The lens used was the Nikon 18-200mm VR zoom on full manual mode. Why does it look fake ....like it was cut and pasted from another printed source? Your input is much appreciated.
Regards,
Raymond.

[Brett]

Hi Raymond,
Your camera mounted flash has created a shadow behind your cat. The shadow is slightly larger than the cat and so it is visible. This black shadow isolates the cat from the background making it look like a cut out. Besides this you do have photogenic pets, your camera has controlled the exposure nicely, preserving good detail in your dogs coat.
Your camera is top notch, start shooting and show us your view of the world.
Regards Brett.