Buying a D90: go or no go?

[endless sky]

Hi there. This is my first time posting in this forum. I've learned quite a deal from all of you guys just by watching on the sidelines, so to speak. Thanks so much.

Well I'm here to get some help. I'm planning on buying my first dSLR and my mind is sold into getting a D90. At first I was thinking of getting the 18-55 kit lens because it was cheaper. But recently almost all of the kits I've been seeing have the 18-105mm one. I'm willing to take the deal with the little price difference as it is an obvious upgrade from the other kit lens. But I've been reading threads here and it seems that the 18-105mm lens is quite problematic Should I stick with the cheaper 18-55mm and upgrade later with a different lens? I'm really confused. Please help.

Also, to those who just recently (2010 perhaps) got their D90s, are there any major problems that you run into and need servicing?

Thank you in advance.

[scootermcq]

I have about 30,000 clicks on mine.... Got it in March... Not a single problem with it, or the 18-105 lens. That lens does not get much use, only when I need wider than the 28-70 which is my go to lens. I think the 18-105 is actually a very good lens to get you started as it covers a good range and is actually quite good.

[OsmosisStudios]

The 18-105 is a very good lens, and the issues you see online are blown out of proportion.

[Shokinen]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

the issues you see online are blown out of proportion.

This is so true for many so many thing these days...


Endless Sky, I would choose the 18-105 over the 18-55. Optic and build quality are similar but I think you will appreciate the longer reach it will give you. Especially if it's your first DSLR, you'll get to know what you like with time.

My 2 cents

[Bucky]

I'm not sure where you are planning on buying it, but some places let you mix and match. I purchased my d90 with the 18-200. Might be an option.

[firebox40dash5]

Originally Posted by Shokinen

This is so true for many so many thing these days...


Endless Sky, I would choose the 18-105 over the 18-55. Optic and build quality are similar but I think you will appreciate the longer reach it will give you. Especially if it's your first DSLR, you'll get to know what you like with time.

My 2 cents

And the ability to manually focus without using the lens switch. That was one of the biggest reasons I got rid of mine for the 18-105mm, along with that nice extra reach.

The 18-105 isn't perfect, but it's a great, inexpensive beginner lens. I don't regret buying it one bit.

[Aegea]

Or you could go with the 18-55 and a 55-200 ...

[endless sky]

Thanks a lot for your replies. Ever since reading the D90 problems when I was excited on buying it, I've been quite on the edge. Now I've felt quite a huge relief reading your reassurances. Thanks! I'll get the 18-105mm then. Bucky, I do think there are but how much is the 18-200mm? It might be well out of my budget. Aegea, I'll check that too, but perhaps for now, it's easier to get a single lens and practice with it for a while. Thanks still!

[TheMoons678]

Originally Posted by endless sky

Thanks a lot for your replies. Ever since reading the D90 problems when I was excited on buying it, I've been quite on the edge. Now I've felt quite a huge relief reading your reassurances. Thanks! I'll get the 18-105mm then. Bucky, I do think there are but how much is the 18-200mm? It might be well out of my budget. Aegea, I'll check that too, but perhaps for now, it's easier to get a single lens and practice with it for a while. Thanks still!

What kind of shooting will you be doing? And what is your budget?

I only know used prices, but the 18-200mm VR II goes for around $600. I personally don't shoot very much at shorter focal lengths (below 50mm), so you really need to think about what kind of shooting you will be doing.

One day I may get a 80-200mm 2.8D (~$800?) or a AF-S 70-200mm 2.8 VR ($1400), but for now I mostly use my 50mm ($100) or 55-200mm VR ($160) which suites me fine as a hobbyist. For me personally, I cant imagine having my only lens be an 18-105mm (due to the max focal length of 105mm), and I wouldnt even trade my 55-200mm for an 18-105mm despite its advantages.