Nikon 18-200vr or 80-200 f2.8?

[siman23]

I'm thinking of a new lens, want it mainly for pet portraits.
Whats Bokeh like on the 18-200vr? Would it be suitable?
Currently use a 180mm f2.8, 75-240 f4.5-5.6 and a 50mm f1.8.
Advice would be appreciated.

Thanks

 

[SimonTALM]

I don't think the 18-200 will give you the results you want the 80-200 f2.8 is the one - no question for me. The f2.8 allows much smaller DoF so the backgrounds will be much more pleasing.

 

[Wail]

These two lenses are world apart! The 18-200VR has more range but is no where near as good as the 80-200 f2.8!

As already advised my Simon, the 80-200 f2.8 is the way to go for quality pictures, espcially if you are looking to shoot something like pets (fast) and want nice bokeh.

 

[digitalmaniac]

your forgetting the 70-200 f2.8 which has vr-but then its £1100

 

[reddeathdrinker]

Oh, 80-200mm without a second thought...

After that, a 20-something to 70-something mm f/2.8 lens would complete you nicely

 

[mattyh]

80-200 f2.8 & sigma 24-70 f2.8 I'd say.. the 18-200vr doesn't compare to the 80-200

 

[siman23]

Thanks for feedback guys, appreciated!

 

[Venomator]

... the 18 - 200mm is, after all a general purpose fit 'n forget type lens ... :shrug: ... you might also want to consider a portrait specific rather than a zoom though ...

 

[Blapto]

I use the 18-200 myself, and it's good fun for just having handy if I need to use the camera.
I wouldn't use it seriously, certainly wouldn't use it for any work I was paid for.
In your case you're probably better off with the 80-200, you already have the 50mm for the more normal/short telephoto end, and anything much wider would give odd perspective issues.