D5000 + Better Lens OR D90 ?????

[PShah]

Hi Everyone,

I have been following this site for the past 6 months or so. And I love it to bits. I currently have Sony P&S and am thinking of upgrdaing to a DSLR. I would be taking photos for myself and family, however, only as a hobbist rather than professional.

I was initially thinking of D90 and then backed out because of the rumours about replacement and all other things.....But the new upgraded DSLR D7000 is way out of my reach in terms of price.

Reading repsonses on different forums, some people are of the view that it is always better to invest in better lens rather than the body.... thus the question comes up.... would it be better for me to purchase D5000 (knowing that the quality of photos is almost similar to D90) and buy better lens or go for th D90 and buy new lenses later on when I know the limitations of the kit lens and am generally aware of the new world? If it is D5000, then can you please suggest some good lens as well.....

All kinds of suggestions and help would be much appreciated.....

Regards
PShah

[Exiztence]

I'd say it all comes down to your personal needs.
The D90 is a bit bigger/heavier and has more controls to be able to change your camera settings faster (two command dials, dedicated buttons for metering, shutter modes etc.)
It can also mount AF lenses due to it's built-in auto-focus motor.

The D5000 is smaller/lighter and needs AF-S or similar lenses to be able to auto-focus.

IQ-wise they are the same.

For casual shooting I personally don't think you are going to miss the extras the D90 offers.
One thing to consider is the fact that AF-S lenses are comparably more expensive and you'll have less lens choices available.
If you're seeing yourself buying more than, let's say, 3 lenses the D90 option might be the cheaper camera in the end. Especially when you want to use prime lenses.

My starting kit was a D5000 with a Sigma 17-70mm and I'm still very happy with this combo. I don't feel the need to upgrade to another lens at all, which might have been an issue if I had bought a kit-lens.

[jdgonzalez]

With the introduction of the D7000, I suspect the prices of the D90 will come down some what. The D90 is a fantastic camera. You will not be disappointed.

[RecurrentNerve]

Conventional wisdom is invest in lenses rather than bodies. For the price of a D90 you should be able to afford a couple of new lenses at least!

[PShah]

Thanks for your reply.I am basically thinking along the same lines, however, I needed some opinions on whether I was correct in my thinking or not ?

Also, if I go for D5000 without the kit lens, can you please suggest some better lens so that I basically cover most scenarios with at the most 2-3 lens?

Regards
PShah

[scootermcq]

Originally Posted by PShah

Thanks for your reply.I am basically thinking along the same lines, however, I needed some opinions on whether I was correct in my thinking or not ?

Also, if I go for D5000 without the kit lens, can you please suggest some better lens so that I basically cover most scenarios with at the most 2-3 lens?

Regards
PShah

My sister has that camera with the 18-200 vr lens, and it is a great general purpose lens. It is not as good as getting several lenses, but really it is a good walk around lens. If you are a hobbiest, it should serve you well.

[TheEagleSpirit]

I have a D90 I am proud of and have the VR 70-200 2.8 nikkor lens which I love. I also have a tamron VR 17-50 2.8 I use mostly. Both lenses do a super job.

[PShah]

Thanks everyone for your replies.

If a single lens is able to fulfil my general requirements, then I might go only only for one. However, I am open to suggestions on this case.

My feeling is to go for a 18-105 or something similar and probably get a prime lens for portraits or such photos.

Regards
PShah

[jdgonzalez]

I don't know if the 50mm 1.8 works on the D5000 but that is an excellent lens and cheap too Around $100 or so. The AF-S version is a bit more expensive at around $400 bucks. Both are superb.

[RecurrentNerve]

No, the 50mm 1.8 isn't AF-S so it won't autofocus. The best choice for a prime would be the 35mm 1.8 AF-S, still pretty good value at about $250.