First DSLR!! D90 + 18-200mm VR vs D7000 + Cheapo Lense

[c0ld]

Woah I was up last night waiting for responses, though I was not gonna get any. Yeah it doesn't worry me that much about the D7000 I could sell it back for the cash, always had the itch back when I played around with my dad's old Nikon SLR. If I already spending this much on a camera lets stretch it out and be happy with a body that I would probably never outgrow.

I plan taking a photography class next semester, I am into cars I plan on doing some car photography, landscapes and taking some nice family photos. I wont take any on Christmas because of being undecided wont get the camera by then.

So skip the 18-200mm? The Nikon 35mm 1.8 looks tempting the 18-55mm is the one that comes with the starter kit from the D3100 and D5100 right?

EDIT: Ordered the body for 950 shipped its a steal I haven't seen the D7000 this low and on the deal thread they gotten body's with around 250 actuation's.

Now for the lense got $250 to spend?? Maybe the 18-105? Or try the 18-55 + 55-200??? I cant wait

 

[MLeeK]

WHERE did you order the body for that price? I am a little concerned you are ordering from a bait and switch here. Even REFURBISHED is $1099

 

[jake337]

The Op needs to let us know what he likes to shoot. Portraiture, landscape, macro, etc... This will help with advice on lens.

I"ll be the oddball and say go with the d90 from KEH.com for $599 and spend $600 on lens, tripod and a flash.
Or $310-399 for a D80 and the $900 on lens, tripod and a flash.

D90
Nikon Digital D 90 12.3 MEGAPIXEL WITH BATTERY & CHARGER (SD CARD ) DIGITAL SLR INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA - KEH.com

D80
Nikon Digital D 80 10.2 MEGAPIXEL WITH BATTERY & CHARGER (SD CARD ) DIGITAL SLR INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA - KEH.com


D2X for $850
Nikon Digital D 2X 12 MEGAPIXEL WITH BUFFER UPGRADE, BATTERY & CHARGER (NON U.S.) (CF CARD ), DIGITAL SLR INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA - KEH.com



Nikon Autofocus fixed and zooms lens:
Nikon Autofocus Fixed Focal Length Lenses - KEH.com

Nikon Autofocus Zoom Lenses - KEH.com

Third party fixed and zoom lens:
Nikon Autofocus Non-Mfg Fixed Focal Length Lenses - KEH.com

Nikon Autofocus Non-Mfg Zoom Lenses - KEH.com

Disregard the links on bodies since you've already purchsed.

Check out Keh.com for lens

I have links to all the Nikon/3rd part autofocus prime/zoom used lens. You could also go to the Nikon manual focus section, they will also have Nikon prime/zoom and 3rd party prime/zooms.

 

[c0ld]

WHERE did you order the body for that price? I am a little concerned you are ordering from a bait and switch here. Even REFURBISHED is $1099

Here is the link various have reported good results its from Ritz camera I believe they been around for a while. Its $1000 but I used a coupon and got an extra $50 off.
Nikon D7000 factory refurb, $949 shipped from Ritz - Slickdeals.net

The Op needs to let us know what he likes to shoot. Portraiture, landscape, macro, etc... This will help with advice on lens.

I"ll be the oddball and say go with the d90 from KEH.com for $599 and spend $600 on lens, tripod and a flash.
Or $310-399 for a D80 and the $900 on lens, tripod and a flash.

D90
Nikon Digital D 90 12.3 MEGAPIXEL WITH BATTERY & CHARGER (SD CARD ) DIGITAL SLR INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA - KEH.com

D80
Nikon Digital D 80 10.2 MEGAPIXEL WITH BATTERY & CHARGER (SD CARD ) DIGITAL SLR INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA - KEH.com


D2X for $850
Nikon Digital D 2X 12 MEGAPIXEL WITH BUFFER UPGRADE, BATTERY & CHARGER (NON U.S.) (CF CARD ), DIGITAL SLR INTERCHANGEABLE LENS CAMERA - KEH.com



Nikon Autofocus fixed and zooms lens:
Nikon Autofocus Fixed Focal Length Lenses - KEH.com

Nikon Autofocus Zoom Lenses - KEH.com

Third party fixed and zoom lens:
Nikon Autofocus Non-Mfg Fixed Focal Length Lenses - KEH.com

Nikon Autofocus Non-Mfg Zoom Lenses - KEH.com

Check out Keh.com

I have links to all the Nikon/3rd part autofocus prime/zoom used lens. You could also go to the Nikon manual focus section.

They have a huge selection, what should I go with the 35mm is convincing me right now.

 

[jake337]

What do you like taking pictures of? Ask yourself that, search flickr for those types of images and see what was used. Recomendations will vary depending on your intentions with the system. Landscape? Portraiture? Macro? Product photgraphy?

Are you going to school for photography, or is it just a side class? Is the class specific to a certain type of photography or just general?

 

[c0ld]

What do you like taking pictures of? Ask yourself that, search flickr for those types of images and see what was used. Recomendations will vary depending on your intentions with the system. Landscape? Portraiture? Macro? Product photgraphy?

Are you going to school for photography, or is it just a side class? Is the class specific to a certain type of photography or just general?

I like car photography, that's why I went ahead with the D7000 for faster burst rate. I'll be doing landscape also, and all around taking pictures of the family and random stuff I walk down the street. What lense would be good for me? Also a good memory card I have no idea with the Class 6 etc which one would I need?

I just wanna take a side class since I always had interest I am studying Computer Science.

This one looks tempting: http://www.adorama.com/NK18135DXR.html

How are refurbished lenses?

 

[jake337]

What do you like taking pictures of? Ask yourself that, search flickr for those types of images and see what was used. Recomendations will vary depending on your intentions with the system. Landscape? Portraiture? Macro? Product photgraphy?

Are you going to school for photography, or is it just a side class? Is the class specific to a certain type of photography or just general?

I like car photography, that's why I went ahead with the D7000 for faster burst rate. I'll be doing landscape also, and all around taking pictures of the family and random stuff I walk down the street. What lense would be good for me? Also a good memory card I have no idea with the Class 6 etc which one would I need?

I just wanna take a side class since I always had interest I am studying Computer Science.

This one looks tempting: http://www.adorama.com/NK18135DXR.html

How are refurbished lenses?

Refurbished lens are like brand new.

Used lens in good condition can be hard to distinguish from new.

Someone more into car photography could give you some better info on what they use than me. I'm not into that much.

 

[c0ld]

Hmmm well not to get into specifics would the 35mm be good for starting?

 

[MLeeK]

Car photography as in stills or as in racing? HUGE difference in the type of photography in the two.
The 35mm is a great, much loved Nikon lens. It's pretty much a staple prime.
The 18-135 you listed isn't the greatest lens by any means, however it will give you a great lens to learn on and a great walk about lens. It will give you a good, wide view and a little bit of zoom which is what you will want for just shooting casually.
The 35 with it would allow you to shoot in much lower light. The 18-135 covers 35mm, but there is such a difference between primes and zooms. First ANY prime is sharper than a zoom. It is the sweet spot in the lens, There is no range of the zoom for the elements to have to work through and no compromise. The aperture also allows you to shoot in lower light.
So, if you can do both lenses do it. If you can't then you have to decide what is your priority: do you want something that can cover a little bit of everything to begin to learn and work with or do you want the quality of a fixed lens? There is no magnification to the 35mm, there is no zoom at all... It's great for someone who is a prime kinda person. Not great for someone who is dependent on zoom as a starter.

 

[LightSpeed]

Having said that, the D7000 is supposed to be the best thing out there at the moment and from the reviews, that is a commonly held belief. I'd probably suggest the D7000 too, but I would not hesitate to get the 18-200 either. Some will suggest getting the 18-55 (bleh--it's okay), and the 70-300mm. Probably can't go wrong this way either.

Incorrect.
The Pentax K5 is superior to the D7000.
I'm not just saying that because I have one.
The K5 makes a d7000 look and feel like a childs toy.
This is not to say the d7000 isn't a great body, but it's build quality pales, very badly, in comparison to a K5 pentax.
Not even a close race.

 

[c0ld]

Car photography as in stills or as in racing? HUGE difference in the type of photography in the two.
The 35mm is a great, much loved Nikon lens. It's pretty much a staple prime.
The 18-135 you listed isn't the greatest lens by any means, however it will give you a great lens to learn on and a great walk about lens. It will give you a good, wide view and a little bit of zoom which is what you will want for just shooting casually.
The 35 with it would allow you to shoot in much lower light. The 18-135 covers 35mm, but there is such a difference between primes and zooms. First ANY prime is sharper than a zoom. It is the sweet spot in the lens, There is no range of the zoom for the elements to have to work through and no compromise. The aperture also allows you to shoot in lower light.
So, if you can do both lenses do it. If you can't then you have to decide what is your priority: do you want something that can cover a little bit of everything to begin to learn and work with or do you want the quality of a fixed lens? There is no magnification to the 35mm, there is no zoom at all... It's great for someone who is a prime kinda person. Not great for someone who is dependent on zoom as a starter.

I like the sharpness you're referring too. Eventually I will get either one but sounds like the 35mm is the best choice for starting right now?

 

[TheFantasticG]

Incorrect.
The Pentax K5 is superior to the D7000.
I'm not just saying that because I have one.
The K5 makes a d7000 look and feel like a childs toy.
This is not to say the d7000 isn't a great body, but it's build quality pales, very badly, in comparison to a K5 pentax.
Not even a close race.

LuLz

Fanboys...

Anyway, the Nikkor 35mm 1.8G is a great lens to have. I sold the 18-105 when I bought the 35mm 1.8G (almost immediately). Great CA control, sharp at F2 and above, lightweight, and fantastic price. Not much bad to say about this lens... except the not-very-pleasing bokeh. Not a deal breaker for me or many many other hundreds (if not thousands) of users. Oh, and it's quick enough to catch focus at F8, but @ f2.8 and lower I have found it quite mediocre. Then again, it does cost under $250 brand new.

 

[Nikon_Josh]

Car photography as in stills or as in racing? HUGE difference in the type of photography in the two.
The 35mm is a great, much loved Nikon lens. It's pretty much a staple prime.
The 18-135 you listed isn't the greatest lens by any means, however it will give you a great lens to learn on and a great walk about lens. It will give you a good, wide view and a little bit of zoom which is what you will want for just shooting casually.
The 35 with it would allow you to shoot in much lower light. The 18-135 covers 35mm, but there is such a difference between primes and zooms. First ANY prime is sharper than a zoom. It is the sweet spot in the lens, There is no range of the zoom for the elements to have to work through and no compromise. The aperture also allows you to shoot in lower light.
So, if you can do both lenses do it. If you can't then you have to decide what is your priority: do you want something that can cover a little bit of everything to begin to learn and work with or do you want the quality of a fixed lens? There is no magnification to the 35mm, there is no zoom at all... It's great for someone who is a prime kinda person. Not great for someone who is dependent on zoom as a starter.

I am liking this explanation alot, this is very good advice! Take note.

And to say again, I think the 35mm 1.8 will serve you well. It really is a fun lens to learn with.

 

[Nicostorm]

I am trying to decide between the 50mm 1.8D and the 35mm 1.8. I shoot a little bit of everything. Would like to get into portraits more.

I have the D7000 and the Sony NEX5N.


http://www.flickr.com/photos/snaps-alot/

 

[LightSpeed]

Incorrect.
The Pentax K5 is superior to the D7000.
I'm not just saying that because I have one.
The K5 makes a d7000 look and feel like a childs toy.
This is not to say the d7000 isn't a great body, but it's build quality pales, very badly, in comparison to a K5 pentax.
Not even a close race.

LuLz

Fanboys...

Anyway, the Nikkor 35mm 1.8G is a great lens to have. I sold the 18-105 when I bought the 35mm 1.8G (almost immediately). Great CA control, sharp at F2 and above, lightweight, and fantastic price. Not much bad to say about this lens... except the not-very-pleasing bokeh. Not a deal breaker for me or many many other hundreds (if not thousands) of users. Oh, and it's quick enough to catch focus at F8, but @ f2.8 and lower I have found it quite mediocre. Then again, it does cost under $250 brand new.

Call me a fanboy all you like.
The op claims he wanted faster burst speeds.
The pentax is faster.
The image quality is better.
Pentax high ISO iq surpasses the D7000. It's faster.
Less shutter lag. Pentax rules the d7000 here.
More dynamic range.
Better color depth.

A hell of a lot better quality. By far.

So, you see, I am not a fanboy just because I told it like it is.
Obviously, you've never compared the two side by side. I have.
It's not even close.