Nikon 5200 - buy or bust?

[erinmarie2224]

Does this seem like a good deal? Nikon 5200 w/ lense - $548l: http://www.abesofmaine.com/item.do?item=NKD52001855K

I had wanted the 5 series but had to settle for the 3 series due to cost. I found this version today and is only about $50 more then what I was okay paying for the 5300.

I'm still very much a beginner so would love any advice from those much more knowledgeable: thumbsup2 My guess is that it is 1-2 years old and maybe the lens isn't that great.

 

[photo_chick]

As far as the lens... the 18-55 is a standard kit lens. It's generally what all the DSLR's in that class will come with. While it doesn't have a wide aperture and isn't as sharp as a $1000+ professional lens, it's still a really solid lens and a great starting point. I think many end up blaming all the shortcomings with their new DSLR on the kit lens and as a result you get a lot of people saying the kit lenses are bad. Don't get me wrong, there comes a point where high end glass does make a difference. However, it doesn't mean you can't get great shots with entry level lenses.

If the camera has the features you want, feels good in your hands and is at a price you can afford then it may be a good deal for you. On Canon and Nikon both the prices really don't fluctuate all that much because the manufacturers have pretty tight control over that. The specific deal you're looking at is cheaper because it's gray market. That means it will not carry a US warranty.

 

[havoc315]

I don't believe Abe's is gray market. Should come with full US warranty.

 

[xlxo]

• Be aware that this model has been replaced by the D5300.
• yes the 18-55mm is a 3x lens
• I prefer the 18-200mm or 18-300mm as a travel lens. However your cost increases and you might need an external flash to minimize a shadow from the longer lens.

 

[erinmarie2224]

thanks for all your advise. I'm okay with it being an older version to the 5300. That is out of my price range and the only feature I'm really interested in is the wifi which I can do with the adapter.

Interesting about the warranty. Some of their products say "international product" this one didn't so I didn't think that would be an issue. I might contact them or look elsewhere.

Thanks all!

 

[photo_chick]

I don't believe Abe's is gray market. Should come with full US warranty.

It states specifically in the product description that it is an import.

 

[fairy oma]

Does this seem like a good deal? Nikon 5200 w/ lense - $548l: http://www.abesofmaine.com/item.do?item=NKD52001855K

I had wanted the 5 series but had to settle for the 3 series due to cost. I found this version today and is only about $50 more then what I was okay paying for the 5300.

I'm still very much a beginner so would love any advice from those much more knowledgeable: thumbsup2 My guess is that it is 1-2 years old and maybe the lens isn't that great.

I got my D5200 for our 1st WDW in Sept. 2013. The kit 18-105 lens is a good walk around lens. My walk around lens for the trip was 18-200mm and got great shots. I took my 10-24mm and never took it out of the bag. DH took his 18-140mm for his walk around lens and was very happy with it also. As a side note...I purchased the SB400 flash for the trip...it is lightweight and does the trick for some of those night shots also.


I do not think you will regret buying the D5200 one bit.

 

[CaitlinMarie13]

My Dad has the 5200 and he loves it! He has been using the kit lens for a year or so now, and it works perfectly for his needs.

If it's what you can afford, go for it! If you want to upgrade your lens later, you always have that option.