my hood was damaged-got a new one all is good!

@tcole1983 ...I probably should have sent my bad copy back,but instead I just packed it away and moved on......wish mine had been as sharp as yours ;>)

I have found this to be a problem actually with these lenses and hoods made in Thailand. My advice is to go to a shop and try to get another one (made in Thailand) to see how it fits. I had to do this for the HB-28. Its not as bad as you think it cost just $20 although I'm not sure if it might be more in your area. I think the threading simply goes on them...

shutterdancer said:

A good reason for them to move to version two eh? :>)

I have had one of each, I believe the optics are the same

Version two has VRII, and a zoom lock

they seemed sharp at the time

That is SHARP tcole! I checked it full size on Flickr. If that is the kit that got dropped, it still works well!

shutterdancer said:
My opinion is that if Nikon spent as much on R&D for their hoods and lens feet (where applicable),as they actually do on lens glass,they would have a near perfect product.

Having said that,I spent around a month with the original 18-200VR and found that everything was soft at all apertures,and I do mean ALL of them.....I haven't used it in a couple of years!!

A good reason for them to move to version two eh? :>)

I haven't figured it out, but some must have gotten bad copies of the 18-200 because it seems like every once in a while someone detests the lens. I have never found mine to be soft even wide open and if any at all it would be at 200 mm. I have the first version...mine doesn't creep at all and I use it all the time.

Wide open @ 200mm

Sorry for the thread jack...
If it is the hood then you might be able to tape it or glue the broken part. If it is the ridge on the lens it might take a bit more work of sorts..or not sure it can be fixed without a repair shop doing it. I know some have complained of loose hoods from the get go...

Gosh, I thought everyone used Gaffer's tape to make certain the hood does not fall off. And it can hold the zoom length as well. Sometimes, it just seems good to make certain I do not have too many obstacles in place when I start a shoot.

And, if the hood breaks off completely, I have used Gaffer's tape to create a new one entirely. Needless to say, it only is a one time use as once it gets crushed, it does not want to come out to full size again.

My opinion is that if Nikon spent as much on R&D for their hoods and lens feet (where applicable),as they actually do on lens glass,they would have a near perfect product.

Having said that,I spent around a month with the original 18-200VR and found that everything was soft at all apertures,and I do mean ALL of them.....I haven't used it in a couple of years!!

A good reason for them to move to version two eh? :>)

I find that holding the lens hood across from the detent teeth and squeezing it slightly before turning helps it lock and unlock easily.

try to borrow a new one, the plastic clips do break off and it is difficult to see the break
I have broken 3 Nikon lens hoods ( although not from the 18-200) I suspect they are a weak link, breaking before damaging the lens

are you sure you are turning the hood until it "clicks" into place?

I have the newer 18-200vr lens,the lens hood never stays on. It falls off easily when moving around. it does'nt seem to be warped or broken,just not tight.I'm not looking forward to buying another hood- any ideas or tricks?