A couple of Nikon Questions

[just-shari]

I'm thinking of getting a refurbished Nikon DSLR. Probably a 3000. I'm under no illusions that I will ever become professional, but would like to take good landscapes and macros, mostly to putter with in photo art.
I have a Tokina SD 35-200 mm lens and a Vivitar MC Teleconverter both of which have Nikon mounts. I understand that they would work with a DSLR but wouldn't autofocus which is fine with me.
Any thoughts about refurbished equipment?
Any problems with using those lenses with DSLR?
Which lens would you recommend? Which Nikon body? I want a decent but not too complicated or expensive DSLR.
Shari

[jdepould]

The TC will make the 35-200 extremely dark. I think it's a 2x converter? You'll be losing (I think) 2 stops of aperture using it. It's not a problem for actually shooting, but it'll be near impossible to focus.

The refurb should be fine, just check it thoroughly when you receive it.

Sounds like the D3000 would be fine for you, there are a bunch of relatively cheap DSLRs, but they're all pretty similar.

[just-shari]

Thanks, Jamie. I probably wouldn't use the lens and doubler until I figure out the camera. I was just trying to find out if they would work.
Being a newbie to DSLR, I'm just trying to find a camera that is user friendly and still makes better pictures than a P&S.
Shari

[megkunert]

Originally Posted by just-shari

Any thoughts about refurbished equipment?
Shari

I bought my first DSLR (a D40) from B&H... it was refurbished. It looked brand new when I received it. It even had the plastic on it and a 1 year warranty. If you're going to buy refurbed, get it from B&H.