I learnt something today..
This right here is the new Nikkor AF-S 18-200 f/3.5-5.6G ED VRII, with just a few grams heavier than it's predecessor, and the buttons in the same position save for the new lock switch!
Looking closer at it, the ergonomics of the lens are excellent just as the previous one was, a nicely spaced out zoom ring that allows easy framing for the photographer, and like the original copy, the barrel does extend out a fair bit that warrants fair precaution, as it is made of plastic, and I doubt Nikon made it for heavy use and abuse.
The outer shell of the lens is purely plastic save for the lens mount with what looks to be like either brass or stainless steel. As you can see from the picture below, the lens still retains the weather sealing function of the "ass gasket" which is the rubber seal right along the lens mount that prevents dirt or water from getting between the lens and the camera. What's nice to know is that this "ass gasket" is only found on Nikkor's professional lenses or the more pricey kit lens like the Nikkor AF-S 16-85 f3.5-5.6G ED VRII.
The auto focus speed is terrifyingly fast for a "kit lens", as long as you have the focusing on tracking mode, this little speed demon is able to lock onto it and keep its focus pretty accurately!
It's silent wave motor produces minimal sound, at the very most a slight swivel maybe heard, but compared to an AF-D lens, this is worlds better.
