Starting Lens Selection

[Soulburner]

I want you guys to tell me what you think of my starting lens selection for a Nikon D300 (http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Digital-SLR/25432/D300.html).

Main:
AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR (http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/2176/AF-S%20DX%20NIKKOR%2018-55mm%20f/3.5-5.6G%20VR.html) - $195
AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D (http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/2137/AF%20NIKKOR%2050mm%20f/1.8D.html) - $110

Zoom:
AF-S DX VR Zoom-NIKKOR 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED (http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/2166/AF-S%20DX%20VR%20Zoom-NIKKOR%2055-200mm%20f/4-5.6G%20IF-ED.html) - $250

Or

AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED (http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/2161/AF-S%20VR%20Zoom-NIKKOR%2070-300mm%20f/4.5-5.6G%20IF-ED.html) - $479

And later when I feel like spending the money...

Macro:
AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED (http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Product/Camera-Lenses/2160/AF-S%20VR%20Micro-NIKKOR%20105mm%20f/2.8G%20IF-ED.html) - $740

Or

Sigma AF 150mm f/2.8 APO EX HSM Macro DG D (http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all_details.asp?id=3283&navigator=5) - $550

I would like a prime wider than 50mm but that is as good as it gets. There are older, discontinued models but I am not sure if I could find them. The Nikkor AF 28mm f/1.4 D looks really good. I know what some may say about "cheap glass", but these are actually very good lenses for the price and should suit my needs well. I'm always open to suggestions, including other brands such as Sigma, Tamron, or Tokina :cool:

[MaxxxRacer]

There is the Sigma 35mm F1.4 for 400 dollars. Its an expensive price to pay to go wider. I wouldnt bother if you are planning on gettin the D300. For me with the D40x, the sigma is the only fast prime I have to pick from.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/sigma/30mm-f14.htm
http://www.adorama.com/SG3014NKAF.html?searchinfo=sigma%201.4&item_no=5

And the price on the 70-300 is more like 410.
http://www.us1photo.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4153

55-200 or 70-300.. I have used the 55-200 and was NOT impressed. It's just a cheap lens and the 70-300 outshines it in every way possible. I believe its worth the extra 160 (250 to 410) dollars to step up to the 70-300

For a standard zoom you MAY want to consider the 18-70mm. It is comparible to the 70-300 with regards to quality of build and feel whereas the 18-55 VR compares to the 55-200mm VR. Yes, you will loose the VR, but if I were you I would try both lenses at a local shop before you pick one.

[Soulburner]

Hmm....

55-200 Review (http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Nikkor%20/%20Nikon%20Lens%20Tests/46-nikon--nikkor-aps-c/246-nikkor-af-s-55-200mm-f4-56g-if-ed-dx-vr-review--test-report)
70-300 Review (http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/Nikkor%20/%20Nikon%20Lens%20Tests/46-nikon--nikkor-aps-c/250-nikkor-af-s-70-300mm-f45-56-g-if-ed-vr-review--test-report)

They both look like good lenses to me, but I was leaning more toward the 300 because I don't think the 200 will be long enough. I have shots that just barely work at 432mm, which would take 288mm (x1.5) on this camera.

As for the 18-70...I checked the review and wasn't impressed, plus I'd like to stick with VR lenses if possible.

[MaxxxRacer]

A good comparison review of the 70-300Vr and 55-200Vr

http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Nikkor_70-300mm_VR/index.shtml

[Soulburner]

Thanks for that link, made my choice easy.

70-300 it is.

[MaxxxRacer]

lol.. its sometimes hard to see the differences between lenses unless you see them side by side

[Soulburner]

So I'm mostly decided on the 18-55 VR and 70-300 VR.

The one I may wait on is the 50mm 1.8. I have heard some talk that Nikon is updating the primes so there may be some newer versions on the way.

Anyway I have decided to look for a used D80 to use for part of the year. I need some money for another purchase this year...so I'll do the upgrade to the D300 when I'm ready. If anyone has a used D80 in good condition let's talk.

[Soulburner]

I just made the purchase from 17th Street Photo.

The total shipped is $877 which would be about $697 for the camera and $180 for the 18-55 VR lens. The camera is new and includes all accessories.

Can't wait to get my hands on my first SLR.

[MaxxxRacer]

was that for a used d80?

[Soulburner]

New ;)

[MaxxxRacer]

thats a good deal....

[Soulburner]

I'm outgrowing the 18-55 already. It is a great lens, and very sharp (almost off the charts) though two things are limiting me in day to day usage:

1. Focal range
2. No manual focus override
3. Aperture

I am finding myself needing more range, especially after being accustomed to my S3 IS and its whopping 36-432mm range. After doing a bunch of research I think I may end up with the 18-200 VR and the 50mm 1.8 as a two lens almost do-it-all kit. I will probably pick up the 70-300 VR at a later time. The aperture I can't do anything about, and with a house purchase later this summer I can't afford the super expensive f/2.8 lenses.

Thom Hogans 18-200 VR Review (http://www.bythom.com/18200lens.htm)

Photozone (http://www.photozone.de/Reviews/46-nikon--nikkor-aps-c/242-nikkor-af-s-18-200mm-f35-56-g-if-ed-vr-ii-dx-review--test-report)

Nikonians (http://www.nikonians.org/nikon/nikkor-18-200/index.html)

[Yoxxy]

I own the 18-200 lens. Probably the best lens I have ever had.