682 replies to this topic

[dixon cox]

good choice!

- 8GB i presume you mean, lol (instead of 8MB)

Yes you're right 8GB

what are you looking for in the lens? ill do have a look at a good zoom lens tonight and come back to you.

Cheers DC, to be honest I don't know, but I think I'd prefer to stick with one of Nikon's own lenses (Nikkor).

The AF-S Nikkor 18-135mm VR (stabilised zoom lens) is approx £199 on it's own, but alot less if bought with the body and without the 18-55VR.

Do you think the Nikkor 18-135mm VR will function as a decent enough all-rounder (within reason) as the one and only lens?

It is the one at the top of my list with regard to affordability, but I wonder if the zoom will be enough for me as I like to get in close to my subjects without being too intrusive.

[dixon cox]

DC you're squeezing my budget big-time but I do thank you very much

I want that Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR DX lens so badly now

The two comparison images of Tower Bridge halfway down this page are precisely what I needed to help me understand exactly what the lens is capable of in terms of zoomability.
http://www.dpreview....5p6_vr_afs_n15/

I'm also happy to hear you say before that the standard 18-55mm VR lens is not worth wasting my money on.

Although this is more money than I thought I'd initially spend it is always what happens with me when I look at buying a new device or product. I inevitably creep up the scale so I end up buying something only once and not have to trade up in a year or so's time.

I'll let you know when I make the purchase, although it won't be immediately, as I like to sleep on decisions like this for a week or so first before taking the plunge.

Hopefully this combination will introduce me to a new world of photography that I am currently oblivious too and this equipment will very much outweigh my own personal photographic abilities, but I want to learn with quality equipment.

I recently sold my Scalextric slot car collection for £3750 and I also want to sell my Roland W30, Roland M12E Mixer and other associated MIDI musical accessories for a complete change of hobby.

I'm almost ready for my transformation

[rxpharm]

Dixon, there are some very good 3rd party lenses that you should also consider as well. Tamron makes an excellent 18-270 VR zoom for Nikon and Canon mounts.

I have the Sony 18-250mm version of this lens and it is what I use 80% of the time. The Miss Tiffany contest photos were shot with this lens. Have a look at the review here: Tamrom 18-270 VC zoom

I still suggest you do some more thorough testing before you buy. When you are gripped with equipment lust you may not consider all the factors thoroughly. While VR lenses can be excellent, think about what you may be shooting. Prime lenses can also give excellent results - I have a 50 mm Minolta 1.7 that does a great job shooting portraits that can isolate the subject with shallow depth of field the zoom lens cannot match. Also prime lenses are generally sharper than a zoom, because there is no need to compromise as a zoom lens must do. If you want to shoot with a macro lens be aware that Nikon and Canon do not offer image stablized macro lenses, while the Sony does this with the in body stabilization.

Also as I mentioned be sure you can easily make adjustments with the interface.

[dixon cox]

Guys, thanks again for lending me your experience. I must admit alot of the numbers and tech-talk goes over my head, I hope it will mean more to me when I eventually get some equipment in my own hands in my own time so I can experiment.

The physical nature of the more compact bodies, such as the D60, definately appeal to me. It's the question of which lens or lenses to choose remains undecided and the initial excitement (see above post) of seeing a particular lens can often be stomped on when considering the total price of all components put together.

The Tamron lenses, especially those with VR and healthy zoom capabilities, are definately under consideration, so I appreciate them getting a good mention. I was aware of the existence of the brand but to hear and read positive comments about them is good news.

I openly admit I'm a newbie to the vast majority of potential settings offered by such cameras and lenses, but if I don't make some sort of commitment I will never learn.

I will try to contain my current excitement in order to allow more time to make my choices before parting with any money.

[rxpharm]

Dixon, that's good to hear. It's better not to rush into things when buying a dSLR system. Here is an excellent article from the Dyxum forum Basic DSLR Techniques. Lots of other information, advice and some amazing galleries of photos taken with the Maxxum/Alpha systems.

[Josh69]

Thank you Dutchcowboy and Rxpharm for those advice
Much appreciated!

If you have a look at my trips reports you'll notice i tried to do my best to take proper pics. I like that!!!Though i used a compact Sony, i have some basic knowledge about the subject. In the past i was interested in a dSLR and i must admit that this thread made me read forums and specialized websites. And...i also think it is now time for me to step into a "new world".

Three interesting dSLR (according to specialists: amateur and professional)
Sony Alpha 350 (510€ with a 18-80 Lens)
Nikon D60 (420€ with a 18-55 Lens)
Canon EOS 450D (590€ with a 18-55 Lens)

I read that in some case a Lens sold with a body can be a good Lens so i keep that in mind...

Like Dixon, i was first interested in the Alpha series (Sony) and specially the 350 for its performances (though more expensive than my initial budget).
Now i also prefer the compact look of the Nikon D60 for only 471gr. With a Lens (18-80) the alpha 350 reaches 1.150kg :? and his finish is lout (basic quality material).But its performances are better in many aspects compared with the D60. Obvious because i should compare the D60 with the alpha 200 not the latest A350!

On forums i read numerous bad comments about the D60 Nikon: bad system against dust, no liveview, lcd 2,5'' only, no stabilization (though no problem with a VR Lens), already outdated etc :? People expect more from Nikon and tell the D60 is just a little upgrade of the D40X (No real innovation). Their advice would be to invest a little bit more money and turn towards the Canon EOS 450D. I read two tests and i have to admit it is a really good option/compromise (probably my choice), i don't know yet.

Concerning Lenses, either i find a good Lens sold with the Canon and buy another one (70-200) or i only buy the body and invest in a Sigma 18-200: i'm not sure about that kind of Lens. It's really practical as Rxpharm told us he's using it 80% of the time. According to specialists, only top range Lenses of that kind are really good...Guys, what's your opinion on that subject.
One thing is sure (and Dutchcowboy already mentioned it); invest in a good Lens is really important, it's the big part of the quality of the photo. Your camera (the body) in a few years will be outdated whereas your Lens won't... :idea: (it's not from me...)

Well, i have many things to read...I'll also try the Canon before any decision...come back to you soon!!!

[dixon cox]

On forums i read numerous bad comments about the D60 Nikon: bad system against dust, no liveview, lcd 2,5'' only, no stabilization (though no problem with a VR Lens), already outdated etc :? People expect more from Nikon and tell the D60 is just a little upgrade of the D40X (No real innovation). Their advice would be to invest a little bit more money and turn towards the Canon EOS 450D. I read two tests and i have to admit it is a really good option probably my choice, i don't know yet!

Josh, I understand exactly where you're coming from regarding comments about the D60 in some user reviews.

I have been reading reviews for hours online recently and it seems the negative reviews are from those looking at it from higher level cameras and the positive reviews are from realistic people looking at it as an entry level from a point & shoot or perhaps the D40 etc.

What I do know is that it is one hell of a lot better than what I have right now, a Sony DSC-T10, and within a price range I am willing to pay for my first dSLR. I also want a decent all-round VR zoom lens too, so I am forfeiting money on the camera to spend on the lens which I hope to carry over to my next Nikon dSLR should I get bitten by the bug.

If money were no object I might buy the much raved about D90 and definately a Nikon 18-200mm AF-S VR DX. But as I am not prepared to spend that much at this time the D60 is probably where I will start my dSLR experience. Plus I really like the D60's size, some of the other dSLRs look way too bulky.