Help me spend my money

[addylo]

Well, the good news is: I'm a new granddad!

My son and his better-half just had their first baby today. 7lbs, 9oz and 19" of boy to carry on the family name.

Now I've really got to get serious about getting my a DLSR. So...

PLEASE HELP ME SPEND MY MONEY!!!

I'm already decided on a D80 and I'd like to buy it new. B&H has them for $781. From what I can see this seems to be a good price and I can pay it in a couple of chunks with their "no interest for 6 month" deal. If this purchase is stupid in any way please let me know.

The biggest debate is glass. I'm leaning towards an 18-70 as an all-purpose starter lens (rather than a kit) based on my readings here and elsewhere. I'll be adding other glass soon (of course) but this would be to get me started. My immediate needs are modest: product shots, general purpose shooting, and now (of course) baby shots. Adorama has a Nikon factory refurb for $249.

Is this a decent price? Should I take a chance on used? From what I see most used lenses are around the same price as the refurb. What about grey market? I've read some threads here where folks have said they wouldn't touch them. Opinions?

 

[JerryPH]

I *highly* recommend the Sigma 18-50 DC EX HSM F/2.8. It is sharper than anything Nikon or any other company has. It is 1/3rd the price of the 17-55 Nikkor (if not even lower now!).

I have it and LOVE it.

Edit:
Oh, and this lens also does a really nice 3:1 macro, this is something that none of the competition do!