It took about 2 months to wait for my zoom lens to arrive. It was meant to be part of my original Nikon D40x kit, but apparently, there was a shortage of the Nikkor 55-200mm 1:4-5.6G ED VR lens in Australia at one time. Or at least, that was what my camera seller told me.
In any case, the 55-200mm VR has finally come. And yes, this is now the fourth glass added to my photography gear. And, here are some sample shots:
Overall, I’m quite pleased with it. I love that even though it’s a zoom lens, it’s still pretty compact. It doesn’t overpower my small Nikon D40x. And, it’s quite fast. I love that I can also do portraits with it. I think it will especially be a good portrait lens, if I want to have a bit of space between me and the subject matter.
Well, I’m looking forwarding to testing this lens out a bit more. To see what else I can do with it.
If you want to read a more comprehensive review of this piece of glass, read Ken Rockwell’s review of the 55-200mm VR.
And yes, I’m now only lusting for 3 more lenses. Heh. 
But, seriously, once I get a decent wide angle lens (possibly, a Sigma 10-20mm) next, I should be okay for a long while. After all, a Nikon 105mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor is really more of a ‘wishful thinking’ lens. And, a longer zoom lens (Nikon 70-300 VR is sort of reasonable, but the alternative Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D VR is more along the lines of ‘wishful thinking’ too) - is still way out of the question at this stage.
Note: For those who’re not familiar with the terminology, VR stands for Vibration Reduction. It basically helps to remove ‘camera shake’, especially if you’re shooting without tripods. Canons, I believe, uses the term IS (or Image Stabilizer) for the same technology. While some photographers swear by this new technology, some pros like Scott Kelby actually advised against using this in his Digital Photography Book.
PHOTO COLLAGE/MOSAIC NOTES:
1. Day 61 - Project 365 - 1st Mar 08: Sailing in Glenelg, 2. Bath Time for Birds: Views in Glenelg, 3. Scrambling for Food, 4. Clock in Glenelg (Closer), 5. Clock in Glenelg, 6. 1st Mar 08: Views in Glenelg, 7. Gotta Be First…, 8. Daylight Moon, 9. Glenelg Jetty View, 10. Day 61 - 365 Days - 1 Mar 08: Natural Head Dress, 11. Day 59 - Project 365 - 28th Feb 08 : ELECTRIC BLUE, 12. Day 54 - Project 365 - 23rd Feb 08 : BIRD ON WIRES
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Kari 03.03.08 at 2:26 am
Personally I am a fan of the shake reduction because I am horribly shaky. That is one technological advancement I won’t shy away from
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Shai Coggins reply on March 3rd, 2008:
Kari: Definitely all for it too.
Actually, that’s one of the reasons I had to wait. I already had the non-VR in my hands. But, after much consideration, I decided that I prefer to have the VR option. So, I had to wait 2 months and pay an extra $100 to get it. Quite happy anyway. 
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Ian 03.03.08 at 1:20 pm
Yes, Canon uses IS. I’ve only ever had Canon cameras, at the moment I’ve been using a S2 IS (for a while now). I haven’t gone to a digital SLR yet … I like the preview I get on the display screen of the compact digitals, and as far as I’m aware, digital SLRs don’t have that preview function. I do miss the ability to interchange lenses with an SLR, but I like the convenience of the compact digital.
And yes, I do need the IS … I’m quite shaky, too.
[Reply]
Shai Coggins reply on March 3rd, 2008:
Ian: Yeah - most dslrs, I believe, need to take photos using the viewfinder. The LCD screen’s used for reviewing photos already taken, looking at menus, etc. It took me some time to get used to that, as I got used to the ‘preview’ of my point-and-shoot. But, I’m definitely loving DSLR.
VR/IS is definitely an interesting new technology!
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Lynn Stevens 03.15.08 at 3:40 am
I just ran across this quick and dirty solution to shake:
Watch Video
Thought it might be of interest to readers.
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