Michael

Man! I just got put on the waiting list for this lense. I am #46 on the list.

Here it is:


By the way, it will probably be in 3 months.

Zonda

Damn, 2 months is a long time. Not released yet?

Michael

Not it has been released now for several months. The lense is just so popular and demand for it is so high that it conforms, or better yet, is an example of supply/demand.

If you go on ebay you can see that the lense is there. However, since the lense is in such high demand, people are selling it for more than what it is worth. Nikon targetted the lense to be in the $700 range, but people are selling it for 800-980 US.

The reason for this lense being so popular is the fact that it covers a range that most people want and or are pleased with. It is an 18-200mm which is basically the 'walk around lense' you would want. The lense is not the best lense in the world, but for what it can do and what it provides it is definitely a deal and saves so much money on purchasing more lenses.

I wanted to get the 80-200mm, which Rob has, but speaking to my brother, and Rob himself, I came to the realization that seldom would I have use it. The lense is great and all, but I am not going to go to air shows every day of my life.

Zonda

That's great, but so expensive!

I could get a good camera for that. I'm trying to save up for a Canon EOS-350d

Michael

Why not the 400d? Or the D80?

Lenses cost a lot. Many people will tell you that a body will be replaced many times, but lenses will stick around for a while. There is a reason why Nikon gives a 5 year warrenty on them.

Zonda

I aint rich man. Unless you can loan me some money, fast

My decision fell for the 350d because the pictures I like most are 90% of the times taken with a 350d. And I'll most likely find it cheaper than both the 400 and D80.

NevadaJack

Nice piece of glass Michael...some range. You are right about lenses holding their value...they don't wear out... I will be anxious to see some results with it...also will check out dpreview and find out more. Who is your source for buying it...have you checked B&H?

Michael

I have checked B&H and they are out of stock. Like I said before, this lense is very popuarl for now because it can cover a lot for many photographs ranging from amatuer to pro. However, I wish I could have a 17-55 but that is to much money, and an 80-200mm.

I am looking at Pitman's - ONLY REGISTERED AND ACTIVATED USERS CAN SEE ALL LINKS - CLICK HERE TO REGISTER which is in my city and I felt that I may want to support my local photography shop. What is so interesting about this shop is that they have had to alter their way of selling because of people like B&H and online camera stores. It is about time that they are offering a competitive price. The price for this lense from B&h is 745 and my local shop is selling it for 692. So, there is a local saving and advantage there.

Michael

Well, I really don't mean to come hard on you, but telling pictures apart is really hard, especially from what camera it came from. Don't get me wrong, the 350d has great pictures, but so does the 300d, and the 5d, and D80, and 400d.

Nevertheless, the 350d is a great camera, even though the 400d is replacing it. What is interesting about the 400d is that it is cheaper than the 350d when it came out.

NevadaJack

I am really pleased with the Canon 17-55mm...it is a really fine lens. A little short on the long end for a walk around but works in that capacity well. It is so sharp. The 18-200 should be a killer.

Sound like your local shop has gotten the message...a little less profit but more volume and the locals will buy. Sounds like an excellent price for that lens and local help if problems develop.