New member needing first time buyer advise

[Graywritingdog]

Hi,

I've enjoyed reading posts and have learned alot considering I knew nothing about DSLR's a few weeks ago, I've always used a point/shoot camera.

My birthday is comming up and I've decided that I want a DSLR camera. After alot of reading and research I've decided on a Nikon D90. I want something that I can learn quickly but grow into...if that makes any sense.

(I've purchased a few dvd's: magic lantern & Blue Crane and also the D90 cheat-sheet)

I'm torn between 2 diff set ups.


#1. D90 kit with 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S VR
and
Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF
and
Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S



Or

D90 body
Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S ED VR II


If I chose this option I would be able to get the other lens within 2 months.

Interested in" portraits, landscapes and such. I won't be taking photographs of sporting events and such.

Thanks ahead of time for your input.

Jennifer

[OsmosisStudios]

Oh, god, no question: OPTION A. Though I would opt for the 70-300 over the 55-200. Its more expensive but a better range and a better lens.

[sk66]

Option #2 if you have the ability to add a fast lens soon.

IMO, there is no better lens for "general use" than the 18-200. (My experience is with Sigma Ex version). And, to be honest, those other lenses are not the ones I would choose to add later. I would decide on what I "needed" to add then buy that...maybe an 85mm f/2 macro, or 10-20mm wide angle, or 300mm something....but I would not arbitrarily add a 50mm f/1.8 nor a 55-200. I think the 18-200 can do most of that quite well. The "fab 50" was always the least used lens in my kit, and I don't even own one now. It doesn't suit ME.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Oh, god, no question: OPTION A. Though I would opt for the 70-300 over the 55-200. Its more expensive but a better range and a better lens.

No, B! No question!

[Almond.Butterscotch]

definately option A- you'll get the range you'll want, but much, MUCH more importantly, you'll get the very fast 50mm.

[Aegea]

It really depends on what/how you like to shoot. I'd suggest just the D90 body with the kit lens to start, and take a raincheck on additional lenses for a couple of months, if possible. Two reasons - first, there's a lot to learn going from a point and shoot to a DSLR like the D90, and having multiple lenses to choose from may be more confusing than helpful, but also, and more important, after a while you will know what you want that the 18-105 doesn't give you - longer? wider? faster? - then you can choose another lens or two with more confidence.

[vandergus]

If you don't need the tele (and from your description it sounds like you won't), I'd ditch the 55-200mm all together. And replace the 50mm f1.8 with the 35mm f1.8 as it's a better general purpose fast lens. Then wait. Shoot a lot and figure out what you're interested in. Are you fascinated by the bugs in your backyard? Do you like taking photographs of people downtown? Maybe you like doing portraits for friends and family. Try to let you personal interests determine any future purchases rather than buying gear to cover every possible situation.

[GadgetRick]

I'd pick up the 18-200mm for sure. You'll find it's a great general purpose, "walkaround," lens. Does a lot well but nothing spectacular.

Unless you're shooting and selling, the 18-200mm will be fine for you to learn on and will give you an idea of what other lens(es) you may want/need as it covers a wide range. I have the Sigma and I love it for what it is.