My view of the world

I discovered an interesting feature of the Nikon 18-200mm lens that I use as a general purpose “walk-around” lens.

If you have it extended beyond about 20mm and point it down the lens doesn’t “creep” so much as race to 200mm.

I was pointing in straight down to get an aerial view of a small object when I took my hand off the zoom ring. the next thing I know the lens is extended all the way out. –That’ll mess with your composition and for a split second, your mind.– I’ve experienced this on heavier lenses but was surprised to have it happen with this plastic lens.

This is hardly the end of the world, but it’s a little disconcerting. If you’re trying to shoot something that requires a small amount of tilt or steadying you need to find a way to do it without using your “free hand.”

As I look at my new toy and wonder why I hadn’t noticed this before I remember a zoom I used to love. It was a Nikkor 35-105mm that I used as a general purpose lens on my Nikon FE, it was worn, rattly and had enough creep that I almost instinctively compensated, but took good pictures, in fact I still have it.

Beyond the creep, which is nothing more than a minor annoyance in a world full of minor annoyances, it’s a beautiful general purpose lens.

I use it for what i refer to as drive-by shootings. I roll down my windows and point the camera at anything that looks vaguely interesting. When I get home and throw it into Photoshop I know that I’ll delete at least 80% and of the remaining 20% I know 90% will be mediocre at best, but once in a while I find a gem.

Back in the film days I composed nearly every shot because I not only had to develop the film, I had to change rolls every 24-36 frames.
– God I love digital.

While I wouldn’t suggest this lens for high end work, for websites or family albums it’s great.

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