Nikon D60 Apples to Apples

[dweitzel0]

I am looking ot buy a D60 and have found what looks to be a great deal at Ritz Camera. $749 for the package, which includes an additional 55-200 lens. The price is quite a bit cheaper than everyone else but I am wondering if I am comparing the same two packages. At B&H they have the camera for $839 but they specify the 55-200 lens is VR (which I think is image stabilaization). Are these two packages the same or is the Ritz deal better because the second lens doesn't have image stabilization?

Ritz listing
http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/SLR1182.htm

B&H listing
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/543638-REG/Nikon_9609_D60_SLR_Digital_Camera.html

I'm a photography novice so if I have mis-spoken somewhere please forgive me.

 

[Code]

You are correct that the B&H kit has the VR version of the 55-200 while the Ritz kit does not, and the VR feature is (IMO) a very worthwhile thing to have, especially on a slower tele lens. (You are also right that VR is image stabilization)

 

[fitzperry]

Vibration reduction is a useful feature on a lens with that focal length. Remember though that VR helps to counteract the effects of the camera vibrating due to the photographer's shaky hands, long shutter speeds, long focal lengths or various combinations thereof. It won't help with moving subjects. I have the non-VR version of that lens (purchased before the VR version was introduced), and it's a decent lens, but I'd probably use it more if it had VR.

The B&H kit seems like a good deal, but if I were you I'd price out the individual components of the package just to be sure. On B&H the non-VR version of the 55-200 is about $60 less than the VR, which is less than the difference between the two kits you're considering, but it still might be a good deal depending on the price of the body plus one lens.

 

[blackears]

I just got the Ritz package the other week and got the VR 55-200 for $50 more....I was comparing the Cannon Rebel XTi. I went there to actually put my hands on them, to swap the lenses and such. I figured that since I was dropping that much $$$, the extra 50 for the VR was worth it. Sor far I like it.

 

[scottie]

Here is a link to a PDF posted on the Nikon site for a special promotion that is running now to save some $ on a body and lens purchase. I didnt read thru the details but maybe it will help you save a little cash, if the retailer is not already offering this deal.
Nikon Special

 

[dweitzel0]

Thanks everyone for the advice. I went ahead and got bought the D60 from Ritz.com. It came with the 55/200, non-image stabilized lens, but the price was good. I don't think I'll regret the decision to go with the standard rather than the VR but only time will tell.