What lens to buy for new d90

[jdwilliams1]

I am getting ready to buy my first nikon d90 body and was wondering what lense you all would recommend if i was going to buy my first lense. I am an amatuer right now so I do not need anything too advanced but would like to buy something pretty versitile.

Would you recommend VR lenses.

Also I was thinking of buying a package with a couple lenses, tripod, memory card etc but wanted to get your take as to whether these packages were a good idea or if it was better to just peice what i need together as I go along.

Thanks

[jdwilliams1]

by the way I would prefer to stay under $400

[LostMahbles]

The packages can sometimes come with rubbish stuff. The memory cards aren't always fast (need Class VI for burst shooting or if you're going to use the HD video) and I've heard lots of horror stories about wide angle and telephoto converters being terrible glass. Not to mention the filters are generally bargain quality. Think about it this way, each piece of glass you put in front of your lens causes some amount of multiplicative degradation in quality. Why put the worst quality glass in front where it'll have the greatest effect?

I ended up paying a bit more for my setup than I would've paid for the eBay type packages by going to my local photo shop, but the peace of mind of knowing I was getting good advice and I'd always have a place to go to get some help really sold it for me. Also, a lot of shops are willing to barter on price if they know they're getting a lifelong customer. My shop was at least able to match the B&H prices on all of my gear and in some cases gave me some extra discounts.

Now, as for lenses, I find the 18-105mm kit lens to be pretty versatile. I also got the 70-200mm telephoto. Right now I'm on a kick of sticking to a 50mm f/1.8 because I love the low-light capabilities, but if not for that, I'd use my 18-105mm lens 90% of the time.

That suggestion is of course based on the assumption that you're not looking to spend a ton of money up front. If you see the lens as an investment and you're willing to drop some dough, I've been drooling over the 24-70mm f/2.8 :-)

Hope that helps.

Edit -- Just saw your price range. I'd suggest the 18-105mm, and a 50mm f/1.8 to get started. Also, VR is great.

[Shokinen]

Originally Posted by LostMahbles

Now, as for lenses, I find the 18-105mm kit lens to be pretty versatile.

I agree. Versatile enough until you want more technical glass (you may stick with that forever too, there is a guy that works with me using the 1st generetion of Canon Rebel and he as no plan to change it) and also below your budget.

Do yourself a favor... get VR !

[radityopradipto]

Yeah... you should go with 18-105 + 50 1.8 as a starting point.
They're quite cheap and the qualities are great
Then after you decided which branch you'll move on, you can see what lens you will need

Just for sharing, I got my D90 + 18-200 last year... I bought the 18-200 coz last year the Australian Dollar dropped a lot, so 18-200 is basically like 30-40% cheaper than right now...
Just adding an ultra wide last July coz I shot lots of landscape

[FDCPR]

Originally Posted by jdwilliams1

I am getting ready to buy my first nikon d90 body and was wondering what lense you all would recommend if i was going to buy my first lense. I am an amatuer right now so I do not need anything too advanced but would like to buy something pretty versitile.

Would you recommend VR lenses.

Also I was thinking of buying a package with a couple lenses, tripod, memory card etc but wanted to get your take as to whether these packages were a good idea or if it was better to just peice what i need together as I go along.

Thanks

I recommend purchasing the d90 with the one kit lens only. The larger packages are mostly a lot of junk that you will end up replacing anyway. If you just get a body and kit lens, then you can start shooting and determine what you like to shoot. I think it is impossible to recommend a lens until it is determined what you like to photograph. After shooting a while you will know the type of lens you need. VR is a nice addition to any lens, so waiting a bit to purchase will allow you to save up the needed cash to purchase the exact lens you need. Just my two cents, take it for what it's worth.

[kirbinster]

If you will only have one lens for general shooting the 18-200vr is a good choice. You would probably be best to buy just the body and you can find used 18-200VR lenses for $500- $600. If you don't mind changes lenses the kit 18-55 and the 55-200VR are not bad lenses for the money.

[jdwilliams1]

Hey everyone, thanks for the input. This all makes perfect sense, as I certainly do not have a clue what I might end up enjoy shooting.

I will get myself the body first and then pursue a nice lense. Would the 18-105 + 50 1.8 or the 18-200 make for good lenses for my son sporting action events.

[Shokinen]

Originally Posted by jdwilliams1

Would the 18-105 + 50 1.8 or the 18-200 make for good lenses for my son sporting action events.

I would personnaly only get the 18-105mm. Get the 50mm after couple months if you realize you really like composing images and you are looking for smooth bokeh.

Many people like the 18-200 because they don't have to switch. You will also be closer of your subject but you will sacrifice Image Quality.

[kirbinster]

A 50mm is not very good for most sports as you can only get so close. None of these lenses are very fast, i.e. they don't have a very large aperature and need a fair amount of light. Depending on what types of sports you are talking about you might want / need a faster lens. unfortunately fast lenses mean dollars. The 70-200 f/2.8 AF-S VR is a great lens for sports, but its list price is somewhere around $1,900.