Recommendation Needed for Newbie: Nikkor Lenses

[schnurbart22]

Hi all,

After much research, have decided to go for a D80 body (Lord's selling at $1420) but can't decide on the lenses combination. This is because:

1) My budget in total is only S$3,000
2) It's my first time on DSLR and would like to dabble in all sorts of photography, but particularly wedding, family portrait, product, interior and architecture.
3) It seems most professionals use f/2.8G lenses but I realized these are extremely expensive.

Many thanks in advance for lens-combi suggestion.

Cheers!

 

[Randius]

My suggestion will actually be for you to get the D80 kit and spend the rest on flash, tripod, camera bag, dry cabinet and other accessories such as extra battery, memory card, cleaning kit etc. if you do not have them.

You can then explore your preferences and use the money saved (if any) to purchase your next lens.

 

[stinkyfoot17]

I may not b in a good position to advise u , but if u r just starting out, i suggest that u slowly find out yr area of interest in photography. If u have friends u who r also into photography, ask if u can borrow their lenses and try out if the focal range is suitable for yr area of interest. U may not necessary need all lenses with f/2.8. Yr budget may not be able to cover a couple of lenses after u factor in a good tripod, ballhead, memory cards, extra batts, may b a grip, a good bag, etc ...

 

[schnurbart22]

Thanks guys.

Forgot to mention that $3000 excl. the accessories (extra batt, tripod, flash, etc). Am setting aside another $1000 for that.

What do you think of this combi instead: D200 + 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G lens + 50mm f1.8 lens? I think the combi comes up to $3000. But would this cover the various topics for the next 3-6 mths?

Many thanks!

 

[slooow]

D80 body
12-24mm f/4.0
50mm f/1.8

like that can or not?

 

[bahibo]

i think may be the D80 + 18-200 VR is quite good .

 

[jmmtn4aj]

Nikkor 12-24 + Nikkor 18-70

The 18-70 is fantastically sharp and distortion free for it's price, and the only reason it's not a pro glass is because it's not 2.8. But it should work perfectly fine for weddings and portraits for when you can use a flash. If need be, add a 85mm f/1.8 for portraits.

 

[lsisaxon]

D80 body
12-24mm f/4.0
50mm f/1.8

like that can or not?

I think the 18-135 is better for TS. 12-24 not good for weddings. The rectilinear projection makes people at the corners look wierd.

 

[esmondng]

i think may be the D80 + 18-200 VR is quite good .

i second that.

u can grow into other lenses later on and still keep the 18-200 as a good walkabout/travel lense.

i have the 50mm/1.8 too but i dun use it tat often. and when i do, i seldom shoot at 1.8 either. but overall, it's still a gd and cheap lense to keep.

 

[kidlai]

Thanks guys.

Forgot to mention that $3000 excl. the accessories (extra batt, tripod, flash, etc). Am setting aside another $1000 for that.

What do you think of this combi instead: D200 + 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G lens + 50mm f1.8 lens? I think the combi comes up to $3000. But would this cover the various topics for the next 3-6 mths?

Many thanks!

D80 Kit (w/18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G lens)
50mm f1.8
tokina 12-24mm f4 (cathay promo w/ free mini haversack)

 

[Randius]

I think the TS should stick to his setup of kit lens + 50/1.8. He can choose to get the Tokina/Nikon 12-24 should he need to shoot wider and the 85/1.8 should he feel comfortable shooting with prime lens and love portraits.

No point getting other lenses and discover that you don't shoot certain situations (interior, wedding, macro) to warrant the cost of the lens. The 18-135 + 50/1.8 are enough for you to find out your preferences. Save the money for future top glasses.

 

[kenthsg]

D80+Tokina 12-24 f/4+Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 = Less than $3k

 

[acidbyte]

First, decide what you like to shoot, very important. A good walk about lens, would be the range of 18-135 or 18-200 for a start. Flash unit would be nice if you think you can do more with it rather than using the built in flash of a D80. Take your time, don't rush into buying your lenses. Do a little research on the forums and see photos posted by the CSers here with their own gear. Join AG outings, mingle around and sometimes can even have hands on with other CSers gear(s) with their permission. Somethings are just good to have but not necessary to own them if you under utilised them. Welcome to the world of photography.

 

[Hobbesyeo]

I would suggest that the TS go for the D80 instead of the D200. And use the cost difference towards a better lens.

If I had a budget of 3k to spend, my combo would be a D80 body and a second-hand f2.8 17-55. That should fit nicely within 3k, and satisfy most of your shooting needs.

And the 1k you have for accessories, after the SB800 flash, should be just nice for the remaining items.

 

[jimbok]

D80 kit is around $1900
50mm $160

You still got about $1000 to spend. Or D80 body + 18-200VR + 50mm, that's near $3000, best setup to start with.

 

[ortega]

D80 + kit lens (i prefer the 18-70 or a 3rd party 2.8 lens)
sb800 + sd-8a
MB-D80
SD-HC cards
Bag
Tripod
Dry Cabi

 

[Synergyworld]

D80
Tamron 17-50mm f2.8
Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6 VR
SB800
Total ard $3K

:angel:

 

[Scaglietti]

My suggestion is to stick to the D80 with kit lens. It is quite a capable lens for many situation. Throw in a good tripod and a SB-800, you can covered for many shooting situation.

As you mentioned that this is your first DSLR and would like to dable with sorts of photography. By alll means, do that. Identify your area of interest and plan your lens purchase according to that.

IMO, you don't have to spend your $3000 right away. Well, unless your $3000 expires next week.

BC

 

[zac08]

D80
Tamron 17-50mm f2.8
Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6 VR
SB800
Total ard $3K

:angel:

I'd agree with this but remove the 55-200 and add in a Tripod instead....

 

[catchlights]

D80 + kit lens (i prefer the 18-70 or a 3rd party 2.8 lens)
sb800 + sd-8a
MB-D80
SD-HC cards
Bag
Tripod
Dry Cabi

good advice.. :thumbsup: :thumbsup: