Looking for opinons on extended service plans and vr lens with Nikon D40?

[WendyZ]

Hello,
I was talking with my friend today who has a Nikon D40. (this is the model I'm set on getting) She was telling me about her camera and the research she did before buying it. On the extended service plans...she said that it covered everything for any reason what so ever. That the camera itself has to go in for a cleaning (which takes 3-6 wks) once a year and that cost $80. So she got the two year plan for $2?? something. Said it was worth it for the cleaning costs alone. My question is...(1)what are your guys opinons on the extended warrantys? and (2)does the camera really need to be cleaned once a yr or was the sales clerk feeding her a line?

Second...when I went to look at the bundles she reffered my too. Both have the camera, bag, DVD's and two lenses (1)18-55/55-200 or (2)18-55/vr55-200. She said the difference was vr was for stablilization. The vr bundle is $100 more. My question here is...which would be better for a novice to SLR? Is it worth it to spend the extra money for that lens or is it something I'll never miss.

Here's the links to the camera bundles if you like to check it out...
Regular Bundle -http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/SLR1160.htm

VR Bundles -http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/SLR1172.htm

Thanks for your help and opinions.

 

[adabob]

I got that same package and i think if your are a first time SLR user you would be fine not spending the extra $100 and just not getting the VR

But that is just me

 

[Gdad]

I would reccomend the VR if it is in your budget.

The Ritz package is $1045.98 with the 2yr warranty and the 18-55 is not VR.

At B&H you can get a D60 (newer better model) with the 18-55vr and 55-200vr for $983.94 and it includes a 3yr warranty.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543638-REG/Nikon_00009609_D60_SLR_Digital_Camera.html

And Beach Camera is even lower at $849.99 with a 5yr warranty, free 2gb card...and free shipping.

http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=NKD60KT2

 

[MonoManBlue]

if you are willing to spend $1045 on the D40 with two lenses, then personally, I think you'd be better off with the D80 and the single 18-135. D80 has substantial amount of improvements most importantly includes the AF motor in the body, allowing those cheap and awesome prime lenses to focus. Just my opinion, although personally, if you are still set on the D40 or D60, then I don't find VR to be worth the money.

 

[MICKEY88]

I would reccomend the VR if it is in your budget.

The Ritz package is $1045.98 with the 2yr warranty and the 18-55 is not VR.

At B&H you can get a D60 (newer better model) with the 18-55vr and 55-200vr for $983.94 and it includes a 3yr warranty.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543638-REG/Nikon_00009609_D60_SLR_Digital_Camera.html

And Beach Camera is even lower at $849.99 with a 5yr warranty, free 2gb card...and free shipping.

http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=NKD60KT2

are the warranties similar, most extended warranties, are just that, an extension of the manufacturers warranty, covering things that wear out, but not accidental damage..

the ritz warranty covers eveything but fire, brackish water and nuclear war..

so basically you can run over the camera with your car and get a new one..

 

[frugal_mar]

If you have a Costco membership, you can get the following for $849.99
Nikon D60; 18-55 VR & 55-200 VR;1GB SD Card; and DSLR Camera Bag

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11279309&whse=BC&topnav=&browse=&lang=en-US

You may also want to look at getting an external flash. It makes a world of difference.

I just noticed that the local camera store, CameraLand now has an on-line store --> http://www.cameralandnh.com/products.html Not sure how they stack up against other on-line retailers, but they are a good family owned and operated store.