I bought my D50 at Best Buy last night

[SVTGolfer]

I really wanted one this week and I knew that I would have to wait till the end of the week with shipping time........so I paid 665 for the body with the Nikkor 18-55. Probably an impulse purchase - but I got the camera I wanted and the price was decent.

I also purchased a UV filter and circular polarizer there..........the polarizer was $20 - I know, I have read good things about Hoya - but I would rather spend the difference on lenses rather than shell out 80-100 for a polarizer.

Now - I have 300 for another lens...........I am going with a 200 -300 zoom. - Give me your INPUT please !!
From what I have read - the sigma 70-300 APO is the best bang for the buck. Is this true ?
Thanks - you guys and this site have been a wealth of info !!

[toriaj]

Congratulations on your new D50! I love mine. I just bought the Sigma 70 - 300 APO DG and so far I am reallly pleased with it. What I have learned about it so far: (and keep in mind I am a total newbie)

1. Bright light is necessary unless you use a tripod.

2. Trying to find a small object at 300 mm is very difficult. Frame it right smack in the middle at 70 mm and then zoom in on it. I think trying to capture a moving subject at 300 mm would be really tough because the object would move out of the frame so quickly.

You can see some samples of the zoom reach in this post: http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=21960&highlight=sigma

Post some shots, enjoy your new camera!!