Lens Advice???

[rmh159]

I've posted a few questions on lenses recently and I'm CLOSER to making the final decision. So, I apologize for the multiple posts but this is my first lens/dSLR so if I seem overly anal, that's why.

I'm set on getting the D50 but the store I'm looking at offers different lenses with it. Both are Nikkors... a 28 - 80 mm or a 18 - 55 mm. The 18 - 55 is about $100 more expensive.

Since they're both Nikkors I would assume they're of similar quality but this is really where my lack of knowledge starts to show up. Any advice or recommendations?

Very much appreciated.

 

[Bondseye]

Congratulations on the new Nikon! If you're stuck with one lens you'll want to pick the 18-55. Digital SLR's like the D50 magnify the image thus that 18 will translate to roughly a 33mm. That should give you some flexibility as a starting point. the 28 - 80 will be closer to 50mm on the wide end. For my taste that's a bit too narrow in many situations. Next save up for a more telephoto lens, and finally break the bank for a wide angle and you're all set. Welcome to the budget ravishing world of photography

 

[Big Mike]

Go into a store and ask to try both lenses (or similar) on a D50 or other Nikon digital body. This should tell you right away if you want a wider lens or a longer lens. As Bondseye mentioned, the D50 has a crop factor (not actually a magnification)...so the lenses seem longer than they would on a 35mm camera...however, if you have no notion of what they would be like on a 35mm camera...then this really has no meaning for you. That's why I suggest trying both of them out before you buy.

 

[Bondseye]

Yes crop, that's what i meant:er:
Any way - it's nice to see a hockey fan on the forum. I hope we can be friends even though I'm a huge carolina fan. The Oilers had a great run, and it was fun to watch them beat Detroit.

 

[Big Mike]

I'm still a little bitter about loosing The Cup, but I'll give you a chance

Right now I'm more worried about stupid Chris Pronger. If you haven't heard, he has asked for a trade out of Edmonton.

 

[Bondseye]

I'm still a little bitter about loosing The Cup, but I'll give you a chance

Right now I'm more worried about stupid Chris Pronger. If you haven't heard, he has asked for a trade out of Edmonton.

Yes, I did... I'm hoping if he does get traded it's somewhere in the west. I'd hate to see him four times a year that guy's a beast. The oilers should be able to get a quality player or two for him.

 

[dsp921]

If you can swing the extra cash, I would recommend the Nikkor 18-70mm over both of those other lenses. It's around $300. For that price range the 18-70mm is a very good lens.