Help for final decisions on my Nikon DSLR

[AJRacca]

Alrighty everyone! So I'm getting my camera sooner than I expected, cuz my bf is the BEST!!! lol anywho I've decided on the body that I'm getting. I'm just having a little trouble deciding what lens to get. I have a 50mm lens for portraits and I'm looking for a lens for like kids sports; such as soccer, baseball, etc.
So here are my options:

Package A:
Nikon D7000 kit lens ($1,499.99)
Nikon 50-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR zoom ($310.99)
LowPro - Flipside 200 camera Backpack ($64.99)
16gb Memory Card
Filter for the 50-300mm lens

Package B:
Nikon D7000 ($1,199.99)
Nikon 50-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR zoom ($310.99)
LowPro-Flipside 200 Camera Backpack ($64.99)
16gb Memory card
Filter for Zoom Lens

Package C:
Nikon D7000 Body ($1,199.99)
Lowpro- Flipside 200 Camera Backpack ($64.99)
16gb memory card
Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Telephoto Lens ($589.99)
(if i want package B I have to wait a month or two for the zoom lens, BUT I'm not in a hurry to purchase this lens right away)

Package D:
Nikon D7000 kit lens ($1,499.99)
Lowpro- Flipside 200 Backpack ($64.99)
(2) 16gb Memory Cards

Which package do you prefer I should get? And my question is which zoom lens is better? I've read reviews on both zoom lens. The 70-300 af faster, which is better for sports. I also wanted to know which memory card do you all use or which ones do you prefer. I'm buying all my equipment at best buy because I have a best buy account with them and my limit it $1,700.00 . That's why for package C I would have to wait for the zoom lens, which I'm ok with. I appreciate everyone's input and help in advanced. :thumbup:

 

[Patrice]

I'm sure you are going to get as many different answers as responders and you'll still have to make up your own mind in the end. Almost everyone who has a particular lens or flash will recommend the same. I'm going to go against the grain.
Leave those cheap zooms at the store. You already have a decent 50mm prime and your planning to get a pretty decent body, which has a focus motor. So go and get yourself some decent af-d primes. Add a 28 f2.8, a 85 f1.8 and a 135 f2.8. You'll find these to be inexpensive on the second hand market. You'll also end up with a very versatile and high quality set of lenses. Use your Best Buy account for a flash, memory cards, tripod, bag, lens and sensor cleaning supplies, backup usb disk drive, and a filter or two. (CPL and ND). You already have had an unsatisfactory experience with kit zooms (18-55 which you sold I presume because you didn't like it) so save some dosh for a decent f2.8 afs zoom, but in the meantime you'll still have a high quality kit.

 

[jdag]

I would go with C...keep your 50 f1.8, and get the 70-300 from the Nikon Refurb store for $400 (Nikon Store - AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED (Refurbished)).

 

[AJRacca]

I'm sure you are going to get as many different answers as responders and you'll still have to make up your own mind in the end. Almost everyone who has a particular lens or flash will recommend the same. I'm going to go against the grain.
Leave those cheap zooms at the store. You already have a decent 50mm prime and your planning to get a pretty decent body, which has a focus motor. So go and get yourself some decent af-d primes. Add a 28 f2.8, a 85 f1.8 and a 135 f2.8. You'll find these to be inexpensive on the second hand market. You'll also end up with a very versatile and high quality set of lenses. Use your Best Buy account for a flash, memory cards, tripod, bag, lens and sensor cleaning supplies, backup usb disk drive, and a filter or two. (CPL and ND). You already have had an unsatisfactory experience with kit zooms (18-55 which you sold I presume because you didn't like it) so save some dosh for a decent f2.8 afs zoom, but in the meantime you'll still have a high quality kit.

Thanks very helpful. gave me good options.

 

[ladynikon]

I agree with patrice! Leave those low end zooms at the store!!! The sales guy at best buy talked my hubby into buying the 55-300 which was a wonderful and thoughtful gift to get BUT all it did was sit in my camera bag! I never had the heart to tell him that and I ended up selling it later. Don't waste ur money! If you are looking to photograph your kids u r going to need fast glass....I know cuz I have 3 kids myself! I wouldn't buy anything that's not at least a 2.8. I think best buy has some better lenses on line if you dont have the cash to spend right now. Good luck!