Taking the next step

[stetow]

I didn't say you did fsquare, Infinite_day did.

My Nikon 18-55mm will sell for no more than £60. It came with the 5000, so doubt it will sell for much

 

[Infinite_Day]

Stay away from the 18-200mm unless you just want an acceptable lens with a lot of zoom range. It's not top end glass and most of the time IQ will suffer on a lens with that much zoom range built into it.

I did a quick eBay search and found several good condition used 70-200mm f/2.8 VR (Original not VR II) lenses in the UK in the 1000 GBP range. I would sell the Tamron if I bought a 70-200 and buy a good teleconverter to go with it if I wanted more range. Don't be afraid of used glass. Just make sure it's in good condition for the price, not misreperesented, and that you can return it for a refund if it's not as described.

 

[stetow]

Like this one?

Nikon AF-S 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF VR Lens (0018208021390) | eBay

 

[sm4him]

I stand corrected. You did NOT use the word "mastered" and I should not have put it in quotes. I apologize.

However, the *inference* in your posts seems to ME to suggest strongly that you feel you have surpassed the abilities of that particular camera, hence the term "master." But it should definitely NOT have been in quotes.

I still stand by the entirety of my post, sans quotes.

 

[Infinite_Day]

Sure - I saw that one. Looks pretty good for the price. A few small scuffs on the outside but the glass looks clean. If you're close enough you could always e-mail the seller and see if you could go take a look at the lens before you buy it. It says there's a problem with the filter threads but I don't use filters and probably won't until I get a wide-angle and want to use a ND for landscape shots. These are just suggestions for lenses, though. I'm not sure if there are any stores that sell used in the UK like Adorama or B&H over here in the states but you could look there as well.

 

[stetow]

No problem SM

I just feel that moving forward with photography, and the evening classes, the upgraded camera would of been the better option. But as the thread shows, I am now looking at newer lenses

It will never fix the fact that the 5000 is small for my large man hands!

 

[stetow]

So apart from that lense, is there any other you would recommend, that would suit my needs? What is it that I should look up to find what lense I want??

 

[sm4him]

No problem SM

I just feel that moving forward with photography, and the evening classes, the upgraded camera would of been the better option. But as the thread shows, I am now looking at newer lenses

It will never fix the fact that the 5000 is small for my large man hands!

Get a grip!!

No, not like that. I mean, seriously, get a grip for the camera. I don't think Nikon makes one for the D5000/5100, but there are some off-brands out there. I don't have one so can't advise you on that, but others here can.

 

[Infinite_Day]

Put a good quality lens on it and you'll be wanting a monopod to shoot with in no time. Pro-quality glass is a different world of heavy when compared to the lenses you have. If you want to make the D5000 more substantial so it feels more comfortable to you, you could always put a battery grip on it.

 

[Sherm]

I concur with sm4him on this. My suggestion would also be to first buy yourself a good lens. You may be able to pick up a used 70-200mm f/2.8 VR-I with that 1000 pounds you are looking to spend on a new body. You could also look at a used 17-55 f/2.8 DX lens which would be good for shooting events closer up and landscape as well. Your images will benefit more right away from getting better glass. A new body can wait longer - I only got a D7000 because my D50 was getting pretty old. I wish at this point that I had A LOT more money to get better glass. Would I like to upgrade to a D4 when it comes out? Sure. I'd rather keep my D7000 and buy a couple grand worth of better lenses instead. Glass is key and glass holds value if you buy Nikon. You can then save up and buy a new body next year. The D7000 has actually gone UP in price since I bought mine last spring. If you use yours another year it may have come down by then or you can get a nice used body for much less. Your D5000 will hold up for another year.

P

 

[Thunder_o_b]

Look, the way I see it buy what you want. But you need to understand photography is as much as a science as it is an art. If you are going to try to get people to pay you for photo work you had better have a very solid footing in it. Hobbyists that step into the pro world without the pro skills often end up in court. Doing weddings requires a significant dollar figure in gear. If you think that one camera and a lens will work you are heading for big trouble. Remember, this is a once in a lifetime event to the bride and groom, and if it gets screwed up they will come after you with everything they have. Generally a pro wedding photographer will have at least two pro bodies in use with different range lenses with another as a back-up. Then there are the flashes, light modifiers, post processing programs, printing, permits, insurance etc.

I'm not trying to shoot you down here, just want you to go into this with your eyes wide open.

Good luck, and best wishes to you.