Lens advice

[xhibit25]

I have decided to buy a Nikon D90 and need help deciding on which lense kit to go with. Assuming price is identical, which kit is going to give me the most value and versatility?

1st Kit
Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S VR DX
Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6 IF-ED AF-S VR DX
Nikon 50mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor

2nd Kit
Nikon 18-105mm AF-S DX VR Nikkor f/3.5-5.6G ED Lens
Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S VR

[K1W1]

which kit is going to give me the most value and versatility?

2nd Kit
Nikon 18-105mm AF-S DX VR Nikkor f/3.5-5.6G ED Lens
Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S VR


There is your answer.

[XaiLo]

Kit #1........

[Thronsen]

Everyone here knows more then I do, especially since they taught me everything I know.

But I think you might need to say what sort of things you are trying to take pictures of.

The best lens for chasing a toddler around a room might be different then the best lens you would need to take a picture of a landscape.

[Visual Reality]

3rd Kit

18-55 VR
55-200 VR
35 AF-S
SB-600

Barely more than your fist kit, cheaper than the second kit, and better than both.

[xhibit25]

Thanks Thronsen, I guess I didn't think of that. I will mainly be doing alot of landscape and wildlife stuff. I don't have any kids yet but I will be chasing my puppies around trying to get shots of them. I am a beginner so getting out and experimenting will obviously be the biggest thing I will need. I am also taking classes at an art school here which I am sure will help alot. As I learn more, the type of photos I like to take will likely expand. Since this is my first DSLR I just want to start with a versatile kit that will allow me the best flexibility for all kinds of shots without breaking the bank.

[XaiLo]

Since this is my first DSLR I just want to start with a versatile kit that will allow me the best flexibility for all kinds of shots without breaking the bank.

No such animal!

[kjmdrumz3]

Personally, I would get the body and pickup an 18-55 cheap and start with that. From there, you will have a better idea of what you want to do.

[Visual Reality]

No such animal!
Well depends what your definition of breaking the bank is...but I think my kit above does pretty well for the price :cool:

[XaiLo]

Since this is my first DSLR I just want to start with a versatile kit that will allow me the best flexibility for all kinds of shots without breaking the bank.


Well depends what your definition of breaking the bank is...but I think my kit above does pretty well for the price :cool:

It really depends on what he means by "all kinds of shots" that's awhole lot of room for interpretation!

[MartynJC (UK)]

I have decided to buy a Nikon D90 and need help deciding on which lense kit to go with. Assuming price is identical, which kit is going to give me the most value and versatility?

1st Kit
Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S VR DX
Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6 IF-ED AF-S VR DX
Nikon 50mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor

2nd Kit
Nikon 18-105mm AF-S DX VR Nikkor f/3.5-5.6G ED Lens
Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S VR

Can I suggest the Nikon 18-200mm f3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR DX - as an all round great lens and it has great range - especially with the DX 1.5 crop factor it's an effective 24-300mm (approx) on your D90. I used to own one of these lenses and it gives great pictures especially when stopped down a couple of stops.

I only gave it up when I went to FX - and bought a Tamron 24-135mm D as an alternative

[xhibit25]

Thanks for the tips guys. I just went out and bought my camera. I dot the D90 with the 18-105 kit lens and added the SB-600 flash . I also picked up a high speed 4gb memory card and a camera bag. I figure this will be a good start and after I learn more from classes and experimentation I will determine which other lenses to add. I really appreciate the advice.

[Cyberwlf]

Yeah thats a perfectly good starters kit, having played with the D90+18-105 combo recently myself I think it represents good value. Congrats on your purchase! :)

[Rooz]

congrats. now time to start posting images. :)

[XaiLo]

Congrats, and have fun... then you can start posting pictures.

[fionndruinne]

If you want to take pictures of puppies, nothing will serve you as well as a fast 50mm. Trust me, I ought to know :p

44784

Even the cheap 50mm f/1.8D will serve you very well.

[Rooz]

damn they are some hell cute puppies !

[xhibit25]

Very cute puppies. It's funny you mentioned that lens, because I had a few extra bucks laying around, and ordered one. I had actually ordered it before your post, and now feel very comfortable with the purchase.

[Thronsen]

Following the advice on this board I got the 50mm 1.8 a few months back. Best $100 I have ever spent.

[fionndruinne]

Yep, I'm a poor man so I've had to make do with a manually focusing fifty... for puppies! I don't want to toot my own horn but I think I developed a superpower when it came to getting a shot. You folks with in-built focus motors have it way easy. :p

Now if we only see a new 50mm f/1.8 AF-S, I'll be super happy... unless I start making enough bank to upgrade to a D90... but I don't see that happening anytime soon.

[Cyberwlf]

I want the 50mm f1.4 G after seeing Rooz's shots, love the f1.8 D, but his shots with the f1.4 are droolworthy.