8. Lenses: The Widest Choice

The D200 can make the most of all Nikon lenses (and other lenses with Nikon F mounts) except the oldest "fork" type and a few very special lenses. A table in the user's manual runs it all down for you, but the upshot is that the D200, in addition to using the various versions of AF lenses, can also use AI and AI-S lenses, and get the benefit of metering and even matrix metering. Since these lenses have no microprocessor, you have to inform the camera of their focal length and their maximum aperture, but you'll get the benefit of functions close to those of modern lenses, and also see the focal length and aperture data in the EXIF information.

Nikon's range of lenses is immense, but if you want a basic lens with good capability, you can narrow your choice down to the 17-55mm f/2.8. This lens covers the film-equivalent range of 25.5 to 82.5 mm, making it the "DX" version of the 28-70mm film lens, the basic model used by many professionals. It's a very fine AF-S lens, albeit a little bulky and heavy, and not very discreet if you add the sunshade. If you want to stick with fast (wide-aperture) lenses, a much less expensive alternative is the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8; it has a 27-75mm film equivalent focal length range, and is also less bulky and more discreet. This lens is a standard AF, but for this range of focal lengths, its being noisier and not as quick to focus is not really a problem for most uses. The minimum focusing distance (from the sensor plane and not the front lens!) is 14" (36 cm) for the Nikon and just 11" (28 cm) for the Sigma. That means you'll be able to shoot small objects without using an extension tube. Both are very good all-around lenses.

Comparison between a D200 fitted with a Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8, and a D100 with the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8. The camera bodies are of comparable size, but the Nikon lens (especially with the sunshade) is much bulkier.

Many seasoned travelers will undoubtedly prefer the new AF-S DX VR 18-200 mm f/3.5-5.6 "superzoom," which covers film equivalent focal lengths of 27 to 300 mm. This lens features next-generation optical stabilization, which Nikon claims is worth two stops, so it will let you shoot at shutter speeds four times slower than with a traditional lens. Brighter than other superzoom models on the market, this zoom is still compact while giving you a range of focal lengths that meets practically all needs. While its maximum aperture might not satisfy the most demanding users, it's bound to be the choice of quite a few!