Nikon 18-200 not auto focusing

James Blonde

James Blonde

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Scott
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ARGH!

Just checking my kit before going on a photography course tomorrow, and my go-to Nikon 18-200 VR lens is playing up on both my cameras. The lens won't auto-focus, and makes a horrible "hissing" sound when it tries. I can manually focus on both bodies, but only my colour body (D7100) allows me to change aperture - my IR body (D90) won't allow the aperture to be set.

Both cameras are fine with other lenses.

Any suggestions, or is this going to be an RTM? If RTM, how long is the usual turn-around time?

The other problem is I'm off to Scotland in less than a month for 2 weeks, and Italy straight after as part of that same trip! So I need this sort of general purpose lens for the Italy portion of the trip. So if I stand no chance of getting the lens back in time, are there any cheap alternatives? I've got a Tamron 28-75 F2.8, Sigma 105 Macro F2.8, Sigma 10-20, Nikon 70-300VR and a Nikon 50 F1.8. The Tamron tends to be attached to one body. The 18-200 replaced my 18-105 which I broke a few years ago, and was my original go-to lens.
 
You can pick up a good used 18-200 VR1 for around £250 or less, may be your best option?
Allan
 
Yeh, maybe. Although if I send mines off for repair then having 2 may be a problem! On the other hand, I use it on both cameras enough that maybe that's the best option!
 
If you pick up a decent one at a decent price 2nd hand, you should be able to shift it on with little loss.
 
Alternatively, you might be able to borrow one from a Devon based member on a "you bend it, you mend it" basis for your trip... Drop me a PM if you want to borrow one. I'll be on holiday for much of the time you'll be away and will be taking the Fujis rather than any Nikon Dx stuff so won't be needing the 18-200 (which is on a 4th system rather than any of the main ones.)
 
Very kind gesture there Nod.

OP you have the lens covered with your other zoom lenses, cant you just take these and foot zoom when needed?
 
That's damn generous of you Nod! Thanks! :D I'll see how I get on and let you know if I don't get anywhere!

I took it with me on the course today and ended up using it manually, which worked mostly fine, thought it was a bit hit and miss on my IR body.
 
We might well be able to come to a mutually agreeable arrangement if I can have a few days with your IR converted body at some point!
 
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