Which should I go with?

[MasonDuo]

I'm looking to by my first DSLR, (FYI I have basic knowledge of photography)

First Set Up
D7000 Body with Nikon 50mm f1.8 Lens

Second Set Up
D7000 With Kit Lens (18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 )

Third Set Up
D3100 with Kit lens (18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR) & Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG HSM II

Fourth Set Up D3100 Body, Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens &Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 DG HSM II


I'm basically trying to keep under the $1500. Any help would be greatly appreciated, because I keep debating on which to go with. Also I would be able to by any additional lenses for about another year. Since I would have to start my photography fund all over again.

PLEASE HELP ME FIGURE THIS OUT

 

[Anewman]

I vote option 2...

Not the best lens, but I cant see starting out with just a prime.

Or you can get a refurbed(from adorama) D7000 and a third party walk around lens.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

For me it would be a toss up between #2 & #3. But if I was forced to decide I would go with #2.

 

[PhotographyDR]

I would also go with Option #2 D7000 With Kit Lens (18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 )

One main reason is the D7000 is a great camera body. The low level lighting capability is extremely good. You will not feel the need to "upgrade" for a long time. As far as the lens is concerned I would think the 18-105mm would be the best beginning lens. It has a wide range of focal length. It will give you an nice range to get used to taking pictures and framing. I bought a Nikon 18-200 f3.5-5.6 and still use it quite a bit even though I have much better lenses in my bag. Better lenses will come with time and as your experience grows you will find uses for better lenses. The 50 f1.8 is only $100 so you can pick one up for some really low light work or save a little to go with a 1.4. The gear will come and go but until you get to know how to understand the lighting and how to use it, it really does not pay to invest in it now. Eventually your kit lens will limit you in the pictures you want to take but for now, as a beginner, it will do just fine. I also find that changing lenses all day gets a little tedious in the Disney parks. I find using just a couple all day long is the best choice for me. Hope this helps and happy shooting.

 

[TC09]

What (or where) will you be shooting mostly... sports, automotive, portraits, indoor, outdoor?

Out of the choices, I'd go with #2. Maybe modified to be: D7000 body, 18-55 and 35 1.8 or 50 1.8.

 

[DVC Mike]

#2

 

[NLD]

If you do go with a D7000 plus a prime, can you make the prime the 35 1.8 (instead of 50 1.8)? That would probably be a more versatile focal length on that body.

Ideally I think a really nice starting kit would be D7000 plus 18-105 kit lens plus 35 1.8. Then you have some range but also have good low-light and shallow-depth-of-field ability. But if that's just not in the budget, then D7000 with one of those lenses and buy the other when able. For me personally I'd be inclined towards the 35 1.8 first but it really depends on what, where and how you shoot.