Beginner Lenses

[andy]

G'day

I've finally picked up a DSLR. Well...it's in the post, and I can't wait for it to arrive. A secondhand D70s.

So basically - g'day to you all, and I'm looking forward to learning from you


To get a kit together I've been looking at 18-55 VR (~250), 55-200 VR (~$260) and 50mm 1.8 (~$150). I am on a budget...but think I can stretch it to cover the above. Essentially I'll be taking photos of my bub when he arrives in August. And other than that it's usually landscape/holiday snaps. So how do these lenses sound? Can anyone offer suggestions of similar zoom, similar (or cheaper) priced lenses that do as good or a better job? For instance, I note you can get a sigma 18-50 mm f2.8 for $470 - which could potentially replace the 18-55 and 50..? I guess I'm just after kit lenses that provide the best bang for my bucks.

Any and all advice is welcome.

Cheers
Andy.

[Alpha_7]

Andy - Like I said on the weekend I think your best served borrowing my 18-200VR and 50 1.4 and getting a feel for the ranges so you make a more informed decision. I'd say the 50 1.8 will still be in your list, as its a great bang for buck lens, and with a newborn in August the perfect lens for low light, natural light and shallow depth of field (arty) shots of the little fella. Give the lens a trial first (like a road test) before you commit any cash (unless you pick up the 50mm as you can't go wrong there).

[Glen]

I would back Craig's comments. Buy the 50 1.8 as there is space in every kit for it and will serve well for the low light images, then after some use decide what you need

[surenj]

I have the 50mm 1.8 and have never looked back

[losfp]

The 18-200VR is a solid one-lens solution that will come in useful in most situations. The 18-55Vr/55-200VR combo is not bad on a budget, or so I have heard.

The 18-70/3.5-4.5 is IMO one of the better lenses out there in terms of bang for buck (the D70 kit lens)

The 50/1.8 is a no-brainer as well. Cheap as hell, light, small, sharp, fast. Stick extension tubes on it and you can do macro.

[andy]

Well thanks for your advice guys. I've taken some of your advice and opted for the 18-70 instead of 18-55 - it seems to be a better made lens from what I've read. I've ordered one of these, as well as the 50mm prime for now. I'll wait on the zoom until I'm sure if I need it - but in the mean time the 18-70 will give me at least 15 extra reach...

And Alpha - as always I appreciate your generosity and willingness to help - however I'm too impatient! I have to have my own lenses - and now! As we speak they are in the mail. In fact my D70s is still in the mail.....we play the waiting game.

[k3Ke]

i have a 50/1.8 for sale in melbourne

good lens, but im planning to get a 70-200mm/2.8, so....

rarely used, all original package as new

pm if you want

[andy]

Thanks anyway but I ordered a coupl of days ago.