When I got my D70 I got talked into buying the Sigma 28-300. A decision I regret. It's a terrible lens. Barrel creep, soft and - well - I don't like it. I will be buying this as soon as the lens becomes available. It's really annoying - you WANT the lens - have the money but can't get it. (August, 2006.)

Nov 13, 2006 - I GOT IT! But I had to go to Shangahi, China to buy it. I was there anyway.. and my Sigma broke down. First day on our trip the useless Sigma wouldn't focus nor zoom. I threw it out. Got the 18-200 for about the same as US retailers. So now I have something few people have! Cool.

About the 18-200mm Nikon Lens ("Dream Lens!" - Ingvar.)
	Nikon's new compact, lightweight 11.1x zoom lens that is ideal for high performance everyday photography! It incorporates advanced features such as Nikon’s Extra Low Dispersion (ED) glass, Silent Wave Motor technology (SWM) and Enhanced Vibration Reduction (VR II), in a DX-Nikkor design engineered exclusively for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras. With a remarkable 18-200mm focal length range (picture angle equivalent to a 27-300mm lens in 35mm format), the lens conveniently covers everything from wide landscapes to tight portraits and action photography. Advanced Nikon engineering has lent the lens a compact lightweight design that offers excellent handling characteristics and superb optical quality. All of Nikon’s DX Nikkor lenses are engineered exclusively for use with Nikon DX format digital SLR cameras, making the lens smaller and lighter while providing exceptional center-to-edge-to-corner image quality and overall optical performance. With the addition of the 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor lens, Nikon photographers can choose from over 50 Nikkor lenses, ranging from the amazing 10.5mm f/2.8G ED AF DX Fisheye to the astounding 600mm f/4D ED-IF AF-S II super Telephoto.

	Offers the broad 18-200mm focal range (11.1x zoom) for use in a variety of situations (equivalent to a 27-300 mm lens in 35mm format) VR II Vibration Reduction system offers the practical equivalent of using a shutter speed 4 stops faster
	Two ED glass and three complex aspherical lens elements minimize chromatic aberration, astigmatism and other forms of distortion, while ensuring high resolution and contrast Incorporates a compact SWM (Silent Wave Motor) for quiet focusing
	Delivers high-level optical performance that is specially designed for use with the Nikon digital SLRs
	Employs a seven-blade rounded diaphragm opening that achieves a natural blur for out-of-focus elements
	Enables focusing from as close as 50cm (20 in.) from the subject through its entire focal range M/A mode for rapid switching between autofocus and manual focus operation
	Internal Focusing (IF) design simplifies the use of circular polarizing filters Nikon Super Integrated Coating (SIC) offers superb color reproduction while minimizing ghosting and flare
	Flower-shaped Lens Hood HB-35 (included) greatly reduces stray light, enhancing image quality