I have a 70-200VR lens and it takes great pictures. I also have a 17-55. I plan on buying the D300s and I almost think about getting the 18-200vr so a have a all purpose lens. But for important work I'd just take two cameras.

The weight of the 70-200vr is what I get tired of.

The 18-200 is a great all around lens for the D200/300 family for sure. When you don't want to lug two lenses its very nice to have. Of course it's not nearly as good an action lens as the 70-200, but that's to be expected.--David

Assuming that I have no problem with my budget, you think its better to get the 24-70mm as my all around? Or its too heavy, I will be better off with the 18-200?

How about the 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR instead ? I had the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED and I used it on my D300, but I liked the 16-85 much better. Not only because of the weight, but because of the quality too. My 16-85 was just better than the 24-70 which I had. First I thought there is something wrong with the 24-70. I send it to Nikon. But the lens came back with the statement from Nikon that it is "within its specs". So, I sold it and kept the 16-85. I assume it had to do with this particular version. If you read the reviews on the net, all other photographer seam to be happy with the AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED. Assuming you don't use a FF camera I think you can't go wrong with the 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR.

Styx

car--One important thing to remember is that the 18-200 is a DX lens, so it will not work fully with a full frame body if you plan to buy one. It'll take pictures, but only using the middle half or so of the sensor (about 6MP vs 12MP, for example).--David

David,

same thing with the 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR.

Styx

Oh. No silver bullet I guess!

I was fortunate enough to briefly see and hold the new 70-200 2.8 VR. It is a sweet lens and totally redesigned. New focusing system and Nano coated glass. Should be a sweet upgrade....but pricey.

Tom--Ouch. As much as it's great to hear that there is a reason to upgrade I was really hoping not to have to think about spending the money:-)