Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR IF-ED Lens

This is a fantastic lens! The glass is near professional quality and images taken with this lens are nothing short of spectacular. No, it is not a pro quality f2.8 lens, but it is also not $1500+ either. It will do 95% of what most of us need a lens for. The focus is fast and near silent (you can hear the VR working a little). It focuses amazingly close, though not a macro lens and the wide angle is plenty wide with the usual distortion...easy to fix distortion, at both ends. The VR works well and can make hand held shots look nearly as good as tripod shots...nearly. Low light performance is good, though the VR only works on static subjects (obviously). If you are going to make a living taking available light shots you are going to have to spend the big bucks...that is just the way it is. Pros will balk and point out the len's flaws, but they have the extra thousands to spend...the rest of us don't. I guarantee you that if you have just a little talent and a decent Nikon SLR you will get results that will keep you from spending your money on a professional photog. Maybe that is why they are whining so much?
Bottom line...this lens is a marvel and now every other lens maker is going to have to play catch-up. If you are expecting this lens to make you Ansel Adams...you will be disappointed. If you expect it to make your photographing life easier, less complicated and in most repects better...you will be VERY happy.