Eighteen to Two Hundred VR again....

[La Fontaine]

Tamron is giving 6 year warranty in the US. That says something about their confidence on the durability of their lenses.

Tokina - every one knows about the legendary mechanical quality of their lenses.

Nikon - in terms of optics, :thumbsup::thumbsup: But then, in terms of cost, :sweat::sweat::, often 3x that of an equivalent Tokina or Sigma.

 

[lsisaxon]

Feedback - I am very sure that Nikon has got a feedback system from their service centres around the world. And then, with the feedback, they would improve their products, if it doesn't cost them much in terms of labour or material.

Most establishments have feedback system in place. It's just a matter of whether action is taken with respect to the feedback responses or not. I'm not referring to Nikon and I certainly hope Nikon doesn't fall into this category I'm referring to.

 

[rAzEr85]

Oh man... I am intending to get 1 all-round zoom lens.. Was actually intending to get the new nikon 18-200 and now knew that the old 18-200 got problem.. Also heard about the tamron 18-270 nt bad.. Any feedback on which 1 shld i get? Thx thx..

 

[lsisaxon]

Oh man... I am intending to get 1 all-round zoom lens.. Was actually intending to get the new nikon 18-200 and now knew that the old 18-200 got problem.. Also heard about the tamron 18-270 nt bad.. Any feedback on which 1 shld i get? Thx thx..

Optics wise. I think I'd still swear by the Nikkor.. Just that this problem with the FPC is getting on my nerve and will do my pocket. Maybe wait a while to see if Nikon responds. There has to be a reason why I have 2 copies of this lens. The 2nd lens certainly come in handy in situations like this where I need to send one in for repairs. But obviously, it was not the original reason. If I knew this lens had such a problem in the first place, I would not have gotten a 2nd one for my dad to use.

Yes, the Tamron is very tempting but I'd probably have to face a different set of problems.

 

[Omega23]

well, isnt it the same problem with the AF 80-200 D f2.8 lens?

It is OBVIOUSLY a manufacturer's defect in that the Manual/Auto focus ring was not designed to last. Even though, I seldom switch to manual, the M/A ring still began to have hairline crack after a while and then I realise my manual focus does not work anymore. Sending it in will obviously cost a couple hundreds for something like a piece of plastic. I wonder why they did not rectify this earlier by machining out a similar piece of ring in metal or something. Its just so frustrating to see problems resurfacing and Nikon not doing anything to justify it. Nikonians stand by Nikon products, so why is Nikon not standing by their supporters? Weird....

I did emailed Nikon Japan and guess what they "push" it to Nikon Singapore.. whom replied that it is due to wear and tear.. Tell me how many percent of the users here always change to manual focus.. if thats the case might as well get a manual lens instead... It is already well known that Nikon has lousy customer service they simply avoid their own problems. Their way of doing is unlike other japanese firms like Sigma and mitsubishi.. yes i emailed both japanese companies and they responses are totally different.. Sometime i wonder is Nikon a true Japanese company who value Quality and customers..:think:

 

[Omega23]

Tamron is giving 6 year warranty in the US. That says something about their confidence on the durability of their lenses.

Tokina - every one knows about the legendary mechanical quality of their lenses.

Nikon - in terms of optics, :thumbsup::thumbsup: But then, in terms of cost, :sweat::sweat::, often 3x that of an equivalent Tokina or Sigma.

Nikon in general their build quality is pretty solid just that some of their parts the use of materials etc are flawed.

 

[Omega23]

It may be the case. Cos I understand your case was fed back to Japan. The Service Centre ppl can just do as much to fix it for you. Unfortunately, they are only the frontline ppl who have to face the wrath of the customers and do their best to ratify the immediate issues, it is Japan that have a say in the design and manufacturing

Perhaps it will also help them if you can write in to Japan and raise this issue too.

Drop the idea.. i have tried they simply refered the case to the Singapore side:thumbsd:

 

[chngpe01]

I did emailed Nikon Japan and guess what they "push" it to Nikon Singapore.. whom replied that it is due to wear and tear.. Tell me how many percent of the users here always change to manual focus.. if thats the case might as well get a manual lens instead... It is already well known that Nikon has lousy customer service they simply avoid their own problems. Their way of doing is unlike other japanese firms like Sigma and mitsubishi.. yes i emailed both japanese companies and they responses are totally different.. Sometime i wonder is Nikon a true Japanese company who value Quality and customers..:think:

Understand your predicament, but seriously we are talking about the 18-200. So why the AFD 80-200 is in the picture. And also it is already an old copy, we are already seeing the 70-200mm AFS II. Some amount of wear and tear do come in, and plastic parts? on AFD 80-200, I used to own one and it is built more solid than a AFS 70-200, can't recall any plastic parts? IMO.

Perhaps you can show a image of the defect cos not many issues hear about this lens as far as what you have experienced.

 

[Omega23]

Understand your predicament, but seriously we are talking about the 18-200. So why the AFD 80-200 is in the picture. And also it is already an old copy, we are already seeing the 70-200mm AFS II. Some amount of wear and tear do come in, and plastic parts? on AFD 80-200, I used to own one and it is built more solid than a AFS 70-200, can't recall any plastic parts? IMO.

Perhaps you can show a image of the defect cos not many issues hear about this lens as far as what you have experienced.

Perhaps you really miss it.. the AF/MF switch of the AFD 80-200 F2.8 is made of plastic. The part where it is famous for the "self crack" is near to the button where the plastic ring is holding to the AF/MF lever by a tiny screw.

 

[chngpe01]

Perhaps you really miss it.. the AF/MF switch of the AFD 80-200 F2.8 is made of plastic. The part where it is famous for the "self crack" is near to the button where the plastic ring is holding to the AF/MF lever by a tiny screw.

Yes I think I miss it.

It should have been improved in the AFS 70-200 VR. Cos my 70-200 is pretty bashed up(scratches, some dent etc) and so far works perfectly no issues.

 

[lsisaxon]

Perhaps you really miss it.. the AF/MF switch of the AFD 80-200 F2.8 is made of plastic. The part where it is famous for the "self crack" is near to the button where the plastic ring is holding to the AF/MF lever by a tiny screw.

Didn't have a problem with the one touch also because if I remember correctly, the entire zoom scale turns. I've been using the 18-200 most of the time to even bother with the 80-200. ;p

 

[lsisaxon]

I did emailed Nikon Japan and guess what they "push" it to Nikon Singapore.. whom replied that it is due to wear and tear.. Tell me how many percent of the users here always change to manual focus.. if thats the case might as well get a manual lens instead... It is already well known that Nikon has lousy customer service they simply avoid their own problems. Their way of doing is unlike other japanese firms like Sigma and mitsubishi.. yes i emailed both japanese companies and they responses are totally different.. Sometime i wonder is Nikon a true Japanese company who value Quality and customers..:think:

Hmm....... Nikon is owned by the Mitsubishi group if I do recall correctly. ;p

 

[lsisaxon]

I did emailed Nikon Japan and guess what they "push" it to Nikon Singapore.. whom replied that it is due to wear and tear.. Tell me how many percent of the users here always change to manual focus.. if thats the case might as well get a manual lens instead... It is already well known that Nikon has lousy customer service they simply avoid their own problems. Their way of doing is unlike other japanese firms like Sigma and mitsubishi.. yes i emailed both japanese companies and they responses are totally different.. Sometime i wonder is Nikon a true Japanese company who value Quality and customers..:think:

I think Singapore is too small a market for them to care. Who asked us to be just a tiny dot in the middle of a hot and humid region where glue and other materials don't work well?

 

[lsisaxon]

Understand your predicament, but seriously we are talking about the 18-200. So why the AFD 80-200 is in the picture. And also it is already an old copy, we are already seeing the 70-200mm AFS II. Some amount of wear and tear do come in, and plastic parts? on AFD 80-200, I used to own one and it is built more solid than a AFS 70-200, can't recall any plastic parts? IMO.

Perhaps you can show a image of the defect cos not many issues hear about this lens as far as what you have experienced.

I think we should bring in the number of 18-135 and 18-105VR which have problems with the CPU contacts as well.. IMO, there is nothing wrong with using cheaper material. Just that the characteristics of these materials need to be understood better so that they don't give surprises. Many a times, engineers just rely too much on supplier data....

 

[KingOfNoobs]

wth...?? planning to get 18-200mm VR as well... but realize that many negative comments about this lens... should probably wait and see how's the conditions going to be... thanks anyway for raising this problem... :thumbsup:

 

[lsisaxon]

Yes I think I miss it.

It should have been improved in the AFS 70-200 VR. Cos my 70-200 is pretty bashed up(scratches, some dent etc) and so far works perfectly no issues.

What's the email for Nikon JP? I'd like to email them this thread and all the related threads to see what they have to say.

If it's as Omega23 mentioned, Nikon JP referring back to NSC, then could NSC make the final decision as to how to fix the problem to prevent it from recurring and gain some 'initiative' recognition since Nikon JP would want to shove the responsibility to NSC?

I do hope they have a fix soon, even if the problem only affects users in this region. I'm suspecting that the glue that holds the FPC down does not react well to higher temperature and humidity like the climate in SG. But again, I think the problem could be avoided if the design could be modified a little.

Edit: Searched dpreview but could not find a similar complaint. People complained about the front element loosening and zoom creep though.. So I guess it's probably a localized problem in this region, highly likely due to humidity and temperature.

 

[tkbonz]

Will support this thread (same predicament last year although "fixed").

Hoping for a good reply from Nikon Japan.

 

[tltan]

Yes I think I miss it.

It should have been improved in the AFS 70-200 VR. Cos my 70-200 is pretty bashed up(scratches, some dent etc) and so far works perfectly no issues.

Chngpe,

I understand that the 70-200 is a bashable, etc lens. And optically or AF speed wise, its better. However, I am not a professional and the 80-200 f2.8 AFD is so far my most expensive lens to date. That said, if its due to wear and tear, I got nothing to say.

However, it is such a common problem. I, for one, dont shoot with manual focus at all. But recently, one situation at the zoo occured whereby, I just had to MF due to the fences (never thought I would need MF and never switched from AF before, except perhaps the day I bought it to test). If it was a frequent switch I always meddled with, I would have reckon it to be wear and tear. But so many users around the world have ccame across this problem...yet, Nikon did not come in to resolve this issue despite these complains. Not everyone can afford to upgrade as and when.

The issue about whether we are talking about 18-200 or 80-200 is not about the lens, but as to whether Nikon takes ownership and pride for its own products, and stand by them. I mean, if its such a common problem, there must be something wrong. No recall is needed I guess, but a simple new part replacement (or looking into making a more solid AF/MF ring (different materials perhaps)) is not such a big deal for such a big company.

I still support Nikon no less. And I respect the work you have put through for Nikon users in Singapore. However, this issue is about Nikon being, or trying to be the BEST in the market. Service is very important. Listening to the consumers too.

But of course, then again, who are we? Small fry with puny cameras and little lenses...who cares? Hopefully Nikon does.

Just my thoughts...but like the many, I have already come to term with the MF ring issue and come to live with it (since replacement parts have been known to crack after a while and the cost is not exactly cheap with labor, especially in the USA now). But then, when the situation comes whereby I need MF again, the curse and swear will always kick in. hahaha.

Colin

 

[tltan]

I think Singapore is too small a market for them to care. Who asked us to be just a tiny dot in the middle of a hot and humid region where glue and other materials don't work well?

Seriously, I think although Singapore is small, the amount of DSLR users I have seen are WOW! hahaha.

But as you say, humidity might be an issue for certain products. Hope your problem gets resolved for the better of all Nikonians.

 

[alantkh]

I think the most impt thing people is asking is the NEW 18-200 fixed? anyone can verify this so it can help with purchase decisions.