Starting

[KmH]

The 3 identical, cross-posted threads you started in 3 separate forums have now been merged into 1 thread.

 

[gribur]

Nikon's lens mount is essentially unchanged since 1959.

Most camera makers changed their design of their lens mounts in the late 1980's to accommodate auto focus. Nikon and Pentax are the only that didn't.

Canon's EF lens mount appeared in 1987 as their EOS system. EOS eliminated all camera to lens mechanical connections. None of Canon's EOS cameras have had an auto focus motor in the camera since the EOS intro in 1987.
Canon's EF-S lens mount appeared in 2003. Canon's entry-level DSLR's can use both EF and EF-S lenses. Canon EF-S lenses will not mount on Canon EF camera bodies. EF-S lenses are designed to project the smaller image circle Canon crop sensor (APS-C size) cameras use.

In 2006, Nikon introduced a camera, the D40, that was designed to appeal to women. A major design criteria target to increase d-SLR appeal to women was to make the camera compact and lightweight. To that goal, Nikon eliminates the auto focus motor and screw dive mechanism in their compact, entry-level cameras - D40, D40x, D60, D3000, D3100, D3200, D5000, D5100, and D5200.

Nikon introduced lenses having an auto focus motor in the lens in 1996. Nikon lenses that have an auto focus motor in them are designated AF-S, or AF-I lenses. AF-S/AF-I lenses have the same mount as other Nikon lenses that do not have a focus motor in the lens (AF and AF-D).

Canon EF-S is equivelent to Nikon's DX (for crop sensor cameras) and Canon's EF is equivelent to Nikon's FX (for full frame cameras). However, Nikon's DX lenses will mount and fully function on Nikon's FX camera bodies, though the APS-C size image circle the DX lenses produce may not fully illuminate an FX (full size), size sensor.

wow, excellent input, enough to boggle the beginners mind . so what is the better option, having the focus motor in the lens or the camera? which is the best camera for the beginner maybe even the d5200 would work, i am at an impass, just want to get the basics correct then figure out the small stuff.

 

[KmH]

Nikon provides better access to legacy lenses.

Camera makers usually provide 2 grades of lens auto focus motors.
The least expensive, slower, less precise auto focus motors get put in the consumer grade lenses. The more expensive, faster, more precise auto focus motors get put in the prosumer and pro grade lenses.

Nikon has not introduced any new lenses (AF/AF-D) without an auto focus motor in quite some time. However, Nikon still sells new versions of AF-D lenses.
For example:
Nikon AF 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Nikon AF 35mm f/2D AF Wide-Angle Nikkor Lens for Nikon 35mm and Digital SLR Cameras
Nikon AF 80-200mm f/2.8D ED Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
(Note: some Nikon specialty Micro (AKA - Macro) lenses are manual focus only.)

 

[gw2424]

Canon EOS 60D 18 0 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF 50mm Lens 3 Batteries Mint 0013803129052 | eBay


Spend the extra money on a 70-200 f4 and you will be set for awhile.

 

[gribur]

i posted the original subject in a couple of forums so i could reach different members in different forums and i got them deleted and a note from the admin, here is my response.
I am new here, I am hoping to meet many new people with great ideas and great views on the subject of photography. I am in the process of buying my first DSLR, yes you have one, not very exciting, but i need more info. I am just a little perplexed that in a website such as this where different views are encouraged that when I went looking for different views it was considered spamming. There are a couple of accepted definitions of spam the first being

1) Forum spam is the creating of messages that are advertisements on Internet forums

And the second

2)(Verb) The act if obnoxiously doing something repeatedly for attention or in order to disturb others.

I was told to view the FAQ where it states "Spamming is not tolerated. Do not cross-post messages in multiple forums in an effort to gain attention."

If we apply the above two definitions to my post it is clearly not spam. As for cross posting to gain attention? I did post the same question 3x. In The beginners thread, the canon thread and the Nikon thread to ellicit 3 seperate responses from three seperate groups of individuals.

The FAQ also states "No digital vs. traditional arguments or debates are allowed. We have separate forums where the virtues of both mediums are discussed" which one would assume would apply to each forum on the website, be it canon vs nikon or photography for beginners vs beyond the basics, All forums are based on different topics to draw different responses from individuals whom are experienced in different areas of photography. I therefore did not post in the separate forums to "SPAM" and I am disappointed that the chance to get different opinions from different members who frequent different forums has been denied. I will try to " Avoid any further TPF Staff sanctions"

 

[pgriz]

gribur, if you don't yet know what you want/like to shoot, then making major equipment purchases is premature. I'd get a general medium-zoom lens, a crop body, a tripod and a flash. That would get you a lot of shooting potential. After about 5,000 shots, have a look at what you seem to be shooting more, and that will then guide you in terms of upgrade.

 

[Rafterman]

the 55-200 is...not that great.

The 70-300mm VR may be better, but the 55-200mm is certainly not the worst lens you can buy...


FWIW, this shot was taken on a Nikon D3100.

 

[bunny99123]

I was wondering...if you buy a camera from a different company then the one you practiced on, wouldn't you have to learn about it? Wouldn't those would be clients have to wait until you educated yourself about the camera? Just wondering...

 

[gribur]

I was wondering...if you buy a camera from a different company then the one you practiced on, wouldn't you have to learn about it? Wouldn't those would be clients have to wait until you educated yourself about the camera? Just wondering...

I have to disagree, it's not rocket science , all of the cameras in the same price range are set to compete therefore have basically the same features. A function may be an extra step away but your not learning how to drive a manual. I pick
things up quickly, others maybe not so much.

 

[JDFlood]

I'd go for a Nikon D7000 with the kit lens, B&H has them on sale. The kit will take you through the learning stage... They are darn good lenses. Get a flash if required, Nikon 600 or smaller. You could use this combo for a long long time. Get expensive glass when you know you are committed to DX or FX. JD