Best Lens/Lenses Out Of These for D80/D300?

[Graelwyn]

I am looking at bundles and am not sure which would be best for the D300 or D80, whichever I chose.

Here are the choices.


D80:

18-70mm + 70-300mm VR OR Nikon 18-200 VR


D300

18-200mm VR OR Tokina AT-X 16-50mm f2.8 PRO DX OR Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di ll LD Asph (IF) OR Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO

 

[JimmyO]

D300 + 18-200mm is what i would go with.

Although pretty much all of those lenses are only prosumer grade.

 

[Graelwyn]

Yeah, true enough, but I cannot afford (I dont think) to get the body and a better lens for the same sort of price?

 

[JimmyO]

You need to be more specific

 

[Graelwyn]

I do mostly nature, architectural and portrait photography.

 

[tirediron]

Look on the used market; an f2.8 28-70 and the AF-S f4 70-300 will cover all of your needs in the near term, and used, shouldn't dent the wallet much more than about $1200 - 1500.

If you're going to go cheap on something, go cheap on the camera, NOT the glass! You could always look at a used D200 as opposed to a new D80/D300; even a new D200 is going cheap (when you can find one).

Just my $00.02 worth - your opinion may vary.

 

[skieur]

I am looking at bundles and am not sure which would be best for the D300 or D80, whichever I chose.

Here are the choices.


D80:

18-70mm + 70-300mm VR OR Nikon 18-200 VR


D300

18-200mm VR OR Tokina AT-X 16-50mm f2.8 PRO DX OR Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di ll LD Asph (IF) OR Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO

The D300 certainly but the usual advice holds true that the 18-200mm VR because of its range is a lens where convenience supercedes top quality.

The Sigma 18 - 50mm f. 2.8 EX DC MACRO is a great lens to have on the camera most of the time, which I do.

I would also go for the 70mm to 200mm f.2.8 Sigma Macro EX which is high quality glass as well.

skieur

 

[x272221713x]

Look on the used market; an f2.8 28-70 and the AF-S f4 70-300 will cover all of your needs in the near term, and used, shouldn't dent the wallet much more than about $1200 - 1500.

If you're going to go cheap on something, go cheap on the camera, NOT the glass! You could always look at a used D200 as opposed to a new D80/D300; even a new D200 is going cheap (when you can find one).

Just my $00.02 worth - your opinion may vary.

Yup glass makes a big difference. I wish I had money to buy better lenses...:sad anim:

 

[Rhubarb]

The D300 and the Sigma 18-50mm F2.8 EX DC MACRO is a great combo, and from what you have listed that is what I would be going for.

Of course if you have the extra cash for Nikon 17-55mm f2.8 DX I prefer over the Sigma - but only just. The Sigma is excellent for the money.