Is this a good kit to start with?

[Mickey Fliers]

Nikon D80 Digital SLR Camera Two Lens Kit, with 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom & 55mm - 200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR (Vibration Reduction) - USA Warranty

$1249.90

Of course, then I have to add card, bag and extra battery. Ugh.


Or, I could go with this:

Nikon D80 Digital Digital SLR Camera Two Lens Kit, with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G 6G ED II AF-S DX & 55mm - 200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S DX VR (Vibration Reduction) - USA Warranty

$1095

I also want to add the 50mm/1.8. I could also just go with one lens (probably the 18-135 for $979) then add the prime.

I am just starting so I don't necessarily need to go "full out" quite yet. KWIM? So, what to buy? What to buy?

 

[YEKCIM]

IMO, there is not enough difference in magnification between 135mm and 200mm to justify an 18-135mm + 55-200mm combo. The 18-55mm + 55-200vr combo makes more sense, but you may find that you are changing lenses a lot.

My suggestion would be to go with the 18-135 and 50/1.8 now, and add a 70-300vr when you can.

~Y

 

[jann1033]

if the lenses are comparable quality, i'd also go with the 135 and then the 50...then go with the 70 when you can...that way you have a lower light option now and except for wildlife i can usually get by with 135 even though i tend to shoot longer...the 55 would be way to short( for me at least) to use for a general walk around

 

[SueInBoston]

I agree with post above. get the 18-135 now and wait and see if you want the extra reach of 300mm.

As to the 50mm, I also suggest waiting. I bought it because of the reviews and the price. But I rarely find myself using it. If I'm doing pictures outside, I find that I need some sort of zoom, if I'm inside, my dining room space is too small for the 50mm and my living room size is perfect for the 85mm.

Sue

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I'd get the 18-135 and 50mm 1.8 for low light. Later you could get the 70-300VR for about $470. It's got a better reach than the 55-200VR. I bought this exct configuration as my first few lenses and I'm very happy with it. I'm able to use the 18-135 as a decent-good walkaround lens. If I know I'll need extra reach than I bring the 70-300VR with me. If I know I'm doing low light photos I make sure to carry the 50mm (it's very light and easy to carry). The 50mm and 85mm lenses are also very good portrait lenses for close up head shots, etc. Or if you prefer, you could wait to get the Sigma 30mm1.4 w/ HSM but it's not anywhere near as cheap as the 50mm; so if you want a decent cheap lens for low light and portraits, the 50mm is the way to go. I still use mine, especially in Disney. I got the 85mm to get me a little closer to the action when taking concert and dance photos. It's great! I love it. It's about $399, solid and takes great low light photos. So if you're looking for something that works in that scenario, this is also a good lens. I have a few acquaintences that use it for sports photography and it works great for that as well.
Shoot, when I bought the D80 w/ 18-135 it was still going for $1149 plus shipping (online) and more than that at the local retail stores w/ just the 18-55 , so yeah, you're getting a great deal! You can get both the 18-135 + the 50mm for less than I paid for just the 18-135 kit.
good luck!

 

[Zoesmama03]

I love my 50mm so I would say go for it for sure and get exactly the lens you want most and think you will use most.

Oh and I have only the one battery so I think that is something you can probably add on later if it frees up some cash for the lens you want.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I love my 50mm so I would say go for it for sure and get exactly the lens you want most and think you will use most.

Oh and I have only the one battery so I think that is something you can probably add on later if it frees up some cash for the lens you want.

I agree. I have 2 batteries and I have never had to use the 2nd battery because the other one died. I don't even bother to carry it w/ me anymore to DL. I can easily take 1000 photos on 1 battery (I have). However, I like to use natural light so I'm not sure how using a flash more would effect battery life. I believe it eats up more battery power and that's why some people use the battery grip??? I've never needed it, though I thought it would be good to have in case I did (like if I forgot to recharge my other battery). Something else to consider....

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

One more thing...I'm not sure what you're intending on using the 55-200VR for, but in all honesty, I only use my 70-300VR for zooming in on animals or whale watching. I've never had to take it with me to DL for example. The 18-135 and 50mm was perfect for that. I agree w/ yeckim the 55-200VR is too similar of a reach to even bother with. You could just move in a few feet and that would make up the difference in the focal length between 135-200. I would definitely save up for the 70-300VR later if you decide you need more focal length. 18-55 is too short, imo.

 

[Steve's Girl]

My suggestion would be to go with the 18-135 and 50/1.8 now, and add a 70-300vr when you can.

~Y

Great advice!

Oh and I have only the one battery so I think that is something you can probably add on later if it frees up some cash for the lens you want.

I have had to change batteries towards the end of the day at WDW. So, I would recommend a backup battery for trips, etc. But probably not needed for everyday type stuff.

 

[Mickey Fliers]

You guys rock! Exactly the info I was looking for.
Thanks a million.

 

[Gdad]

My suggestion would be to go with the 18-135 and 50/1.8 now, and add a 70-300vr when you can.

~Y

^^^ Yeah. What Ed said.

 

[handicap18]

^^^ Yeah. What Ed said.

Yep, What Jeff said, which is what Ed said.