New Nikon Kit. Help

timarp000 · Oct 9, 2012

I'm Buying a new camera and 3 lenses...

I'm buying on B&H Photo Video Digital Cameras, Photography, Camcorders

They have some discounts on their lenses if you bundle them with specific cameras.

Kit

Nikon D300s with 24-85mm VR, 70-300 VR, 85mm Macro VR for $3010
Manfrotto 190XPROB - $126
Manfrotto 496RC2 - $70
Sandisk 32GB Compact Flash 45MB/s - $100

This kit is my base line...
I want 1 Macro, 1 Standard Zoom and 1 Telephoto lens.

I cant choose between the 60mm f/2.8 macro and the 85mm f/3.5 VR macro. (the 85mm is cheaper as it comes in a B&H Combo)

Im confused about the standard zoom. do i buy the 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 or the 24-84 f/3.5-4.5. At 85mm, also the 16-85 is more expensive and i get a $100 off if i buy the 24-85 with the D300s

If you want to see some of the pics that ive taken and suggest gear on that go here : Flickr: timarp000's Photostream

I take wildlife, macro(alot) and landscape photos.

greybeard · Oct 9, 2012

First, the 60mm f/2.8 will cover FX or DX but the 85mm f/3.5 will only cover DX but the 85 has VR and will afford a more comfortable working distance. The 16-85 vs 24-85 is a bit of the same thing. The 16-85 will go much wider but the 24-85 is FX/DX and 18-85 is DX only. When I say DX only, I mean that it is designed to cover only the DX sensor while the FX lens will easily cover the smaller DX sensor.

OregonT3i · Oct 9, 2012

I was going to purchase the 60mm 2.8 recently for my new D300, but decided against it after reading a lot of reviews. The lens is very sharp, but in order to shoot macro, you have to get in very close, which can disrupt your lighting, and if you are shooting a living creature, may disturb them as well.
?It seems that the 85mm and 105mm Macro lenses were recommended over the 60mm for that reason.

OregonT3i · Oct 9, 2012

And after taking a look at your Flickr page, I think you are on the right track as far as lenses go. The 85mm Macro and the 70-300mm VR will suit your needs well.

As far as landscapes go though, you may want to consider a lens other than the 24-85mm. You may want something wider for landscapes. Maybe consider the 16-85mm or the 18-70mm. Both lenses get great reviews, and will give you more on the wide end for landscapes.

Nice photos. Keep it up!

timarp000 · Oct 10, 2012

OregonT3i said:
And after taking a look at your Flickr page, I think you are on the right track as far as lenses go. The 85mm Macro and the 70-300mm VR will suit your needs well.

As far as landscapes go though, you may want to consider a lens other than the 24-85mm. You may want something wider for landscapes. Maybe consider the 16-85mm or the 18-70mm. Both lenses get great reviews, and will give you more on the wide end for landscapes.

Nice photos. Keep it up!

I would like the 18-70 but i cant find it anywhere

. also if i buy the 24-85mm with the d300s, then ill get $100 off on the lens... 16-85mm is f/5.6 at 85mm vs f/4.5 on the 24-85mm at 85mm. I do think the wild angle is needed for my landscape shots but i had to comprimise... but the 18-70 is f/4.5 at 85mm which is good...