Lens or Body

[thesoracle]

So I currently only own a nikon D60 with the 18-55mm lens that came with the kit. I'm more of a hobbyist but am considering expanding on what I own.

Would it make more sense to buy more lenses first or a better body?

If so what lenses would be suggested in terms of price and versatility?

Thanks.

-Steven

 

[rehab]

Are you sticking with nikon? if so it technically would hurt to do both but i always ask if you are using the body to its full potential? Do you find yourself needing video or external flash hookups, etc. If you are then upgrade your body, if not then definately the lens. A majority of picture quality comes from the lens but if you have outgrown the d60 then it may be time to do both.

as far as suggestions do you have a budget? I have used the d7000 a few times and i like it especially since its at a reasonable price range and a huge upgrade from the d60. What kind of photography do you do? Try to be less vague and you will see more responses.

 

[photocist]

Tell us why you would want either.

The major reason to upgrade the body would be for in camera autofocus motor and low light capabilities. There is no real major reason to upgrade a lens, other than the more money you spend the sharper and generally more versatile the lens is (eg. sharper over all apertures, faster lens).

 

[ghache]

Have you consider buying a flash? I started with the camera and lens you have. after using it for a while, i bought my first sb-600 (sb-700 now) and this is probably the best thing you could do. They are cheap and versatile. you could also look for an cheaper alternative that supports TTL mounted on your camera since the d60 doesnt have the commander.

 

[KmH]

So I currently only own a nikon D60 with the 18-55mm lens that came with the kit. I'm more of a hobbyist but am considering expanding on what I own.

Would it make more sense to buy more lenses first or a better body?

When I had a D60 I went with better lenses until I knew the D60 was holding me back.

If so what lenses would be suggested in terms of price and versatility?

It depends what you shoot, your photographic goals, and your budget.

The 18-55 has wide angle and standard focal lengths covered.

Most people then opt for more reach like the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX VR [Vibration Reduction] Nikkor Zoom Lens
A good trio of zoom lenses to have is Nikon's Budget trinity and you would be set lens wise for years and years, but 2 of the 3 (not being AF-S or AF-I) won't auto focus on a D60, and you would need to step up to at least a used D70, D80, or a D90 because they can auto focus AF lenses.

• Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF Autofocus DX Nikkor Zoom Lens
• Nikon 24-85mm f/2.8-4.0D IF AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
• Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED AF Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras

You may want to go with prime lenses, instead of zoom lenses, but agin, you don't say what kind of photographs you like to shoot.

 

[imagemaker46]

I would go with the best body you can afford, you can always add the lenses after, and you can always rent lenses if you have something special you want to shoot. It also works like a rental car, before I buy new cars I try and rent the cars I'm thinking of buying, you can always test run different lenses, or dfferent bodies for that matter.

 

[Nikon_Dude]

It all depends what you want to shoot, but I would second the flash idea, especially if you're going to be shooting indoors a lot. And or a sharp prime lens like the 35mm f1.8 (will autofocus on your camera), or the 50mm f1.8 (will not autofocus).

 

[Ginu]

I would go with a flash. Can get a SB600 for about $200 on Craigslist and its a great and quite versatile flash (awesome for indoors)and right after I would personally go for better lens. Better lens will give you better images and that's what we want.
The body should be upgraded when the need is there, so if you've outgrown the D60, then by all means upgrade to a better body D90, D7000 or D700; if you would like to go full frame (keep in mind for FX you will need FX lens and it gets costly)

 

[Derrel]

A hobbyist with the D60 and 18-55 kit lens definitely could benefit from a good NIkon flash. I do however think that more, and better lenses would be the better investment for a D60 owner.