Yet another lens question...

[Redpb]

Okay, I think this will be the last one from me...
Is the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
a good lens choice for someone who is doing it as a convenient hobby, using it for family pics, etc...?
Is it too much? I'm pretty confident no one will tell me it's not enough.
I have a Nikon D40x.

edit: I just found this new lens: AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR (5.8x)
Is this more of what I'm looking for?

[DiscGo]

Sorry, I've just joined the world of Canon, so we can't be friends :).

Seriously though, I have been wondering similarly how much lens I need as a recreational camera user.

[R]

Okay, I think this will be the last one from me...
Is the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
a good lens choice for someone who is doing it as a convenient hobby, using it for family pics, etc...?
Is it too much? I'm pretty confident no one will tell me it's not enough.
I have a Nikon D40x.

edit: I just found this new lens: AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED VR (5.8x)
Is this more of what I'm looking for?

I just got an 18-200mm for my wife as an all-in-one. She doesn't like carrying multiple lenses, and she isn't confident changing lenses all the time. And it generally lightens her load when she is hiking and such. For someone like her or you, I think it's probably a perfect choice.

I find that what I like the least about zooms with huge ranges like that is that they are dark, especially at the long end. When you get spoiled with f/2.8 all day like I do, it's hard to look through the viewfinder at f/5.6 or f/6.3. Distortion is pretty complex with those lenses, and although they are sharp in bright sunlight or with gobs of flash, as soon as you "stress" them (like I do all the time as a news photographer) by shooting them in marginal conditions, they don't really measure up to pro glass.

My .$02.

[kirk]

Redpb, I would totally recommend the 18-200 for what you are talking about using it for. Granted, there are cheaper lenses out there, but as good all around "hobby" lens you really can't beat it. You can get it at www.bhphotovideo.com for $669 brand spaken new or find a used one for probably $150 off of the new price. I have the 18-200 and have owned it ever since buying the D200 a couple of years ago. I own a bunch of primes as well as the 24-70 and the 70-200, but the 18-200 is a good little lens if you don't want the bulk or PRICE of these other lenses. Go for it. You won't be disappointed.