Lens advice please

[dk87]

Hi,

I am buying a new SLR camera, I was thinking of buying the D90 (or a Canon 50D) but have just been recommended by 2 friends who are professional photographers to get the D300 as they said that this is a great camera. Do you think this is a good idea? From review I have read it does seem great.

But more importantly I wanted some advice on lenses to buy. I would like to take the camera with me travelling this summer so to minimise the amount of lenses I could take! I was thinking of a wide angled lens and then a standard lens but wasn't sure which ones to go go for? Or possibly a super-zoom?

Possibly the 10-20mm Sigma lens or the 12-24mm Nikon. Then maybe the Nikon 18-200 mm? I do need to do some research on prices of these lenses too.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

[Shokinen]

If you are starting, the D90 is far than enough. Of course the D300 is a good body (using the same sensor by the way) but question is, will you used it's extra feature? I rather spend my money on other thing like lenses, tripod, flash, etc. For me it gives me more options than what the D300 offer over the D90.

As for the lens, keeping in mind you want to minimize the lens for traveling, I would recommend the 18-200. You will sacrifice the picture quality a little bit compared to other lenses (ie: my setup: 16-85 and 70-300) but you will gain in flexibility with only 1 lens.

Having that said, you wont ruin your shots. Otherwise Nikon wouldn't sell this lens and i'ts one of the most popular lens. Go on Flickr and do a search for Nikon 18-200. See if you are satisfied with the shoots. This lens was created to provide an all-around solution.

Hope this help.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by dk87

...I was thinking of buying the D90 (or a Canon 50D) but have just been recommended by 2 friends who are professional photographers to get the D300 as they said that this is a great camera. Do you think this is a good idea? From review I have read it does seem great.

The mid-range cameras (50D or D300/D300s) are probably your best all-rounder bargain in terms of features-for-price if you're an experienced photographer and you know you can afford it or write the gear off on your taxes. But if the price difference is a big deal, and this is just a hobby for you, not a professional route, then it may be overkill. Just make sure you need the additional features of the higher tier. While these are nicer cameras, chances are they won't last you much longer than the cheaper models, since digital SLRs are rather like computer gear: you tend to get the "ugprade" bug.

But more importantly I wanted some advice on lenses to buy. I would like to take the camera with me travelling this summer so to minimise the amount of lenses I could take! I was thinking of a wide angled lens and then a standard lens but wasn't sure which ones to go go for? Or possibly a super-zoom?

Possibly the 10-20mm Sigma lens or the 12-24mm Nikon. Then maybe the Nikon 18-200 mm? I do need to do some research on prices of these lenses too.

Sounds good to me for travelling light and having a lot of flexibility. The 18-200 is going to be a bit of a compromise on image quality, but probably not much more than shooting with an 18-55 kit lens, and the framing versatility and elimination of carrying separate telephoto and walkarounds probably makes it a good trade. And both of the ultrawides you've picked have good reputations. You may also want to consider the Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 if you intend to be doing much available light shooting at ultrawide.

I think the only lens you may be missing is a small fast prime, like a 50/1.8 or 35/1.8 for lower-light or portrait shots.