Newbie to dSLR's - seeking opinions on lens choice for D80

[Critter]

Hi All,

I am switching to a dSLR (D80) from a long history of shooting with a Coolpix 5700 and considered getting the 18-135 kit lens as a reasonable starting walkaround lens while I get used to the new camera.

I have since read about the 24-120mm VR lens and apart from the obvious decrease in focal length range, on paper it would seem to be a better fit for me given the addition of VR.

I am hoping that there might be some out there (in addition to the helpful pm's I have already had from some of you!) that might lend me their experience with this lens, and how I might fare given my context as a beginner with SLR's.

[MHD]

There is one good thing about lenses: In general you get what you pay for!

So what is important to know is how much are you willing to spend.

The VR is a great lens and many people here use it... However, for about twice as much you can get the flagship 28-70 which is as good a lens as you can hope to get...

One thing I suggest is you postpone any purchase until you have had a chance to look around the site a bit more... perhaps post a few images for critique... you will be suprised the secrets (many that save significant bundles of cash) that lurk within these cyber walls!

Welcome to the forum and enjoy your stay!

[losfp]

Well, you don't want to go overboard when you first start, as you don't even know what you need yet, for your style of photography!!!

I have not used the 18-135, but I can recommend the 18-70 as a quality starting option. Gets rave reviews, and for good reason.

Then you can think about what you're lacking, and purchase accordingly.

Or, if you have more money than sense, buy the following:

12-24
17-35
28-70
70-200VR
10.5FE
50/1.4
85/1.4
105 Micro
SB-800

That should sort you out for sure

[Justin]

I am very happy with the 18-200 VR.

However I think the D80 kit lens is a good deal as it has (a) a wide range of focal length and (b) will be at a good price as the kit lens for the D80

The kit lens will be good for your first year as a DSLR user - then you will know what you want next!

[Glen]

Critter, I don't know if anyone here has the 18-135 yet as it is very new, Nikon kit lenses in the past such as the 18-70 have proven to be good value for money. I would probably start with a kit lens and move from there, unless you have something special in mind in terms of photography.

[Critter]

Thanks for all of your responses, I appreciate your help!

My thinking was based on the fact that my budget is around $2200, and for that I can get the D80 body and the kit lens (with change!), or i can get just the body, and by spending a couple of hundred more, I can get a lens with similar focal length but with the addition of VR.

So in reality, I get a similar outfit but with VR for only a couple of hundred dollars more than the kit.

My budget unfortunately wouldnt stretch to that magnificent list from losfp, nor would it stretch to the 28-70 or 18-200!

[Glen]

Critter, do some research on the 24-120, a big favourite of some, not all (I don't have it so don't know). If you went the kit, get a 50mm 1.8 for less than $200 and you will have low light covered too.

When are you thinking of buying? As MHD says, there are better prices for members, details of membership in the FAQ

[Yi-P]

There is one good thing about lenses: In general you get what you pay for!

Not for a 50/1.8!!

Lowest price range in Nikkors, sharpest among them.


For what I will suggest IMHO, take the D80 with the 18-70 lens and spend the spare cash on a flash unit (SB600/800), I dont think anyone have regreted not to have VR when they have a SB800 onboard (paired with the kit lens)

[Justin]

Hi Yi-p the kit lens with the D80 is I believe the 18-135

[xorl]

If you are starting out I'd recommend making sure you have a lens that goes to at least 18mm on the wide end. For general purpose photography only having a lens which goes to 24mm can be very limiting with digital (depending on your style). An 18-70mm or 18-135mm would be a good general purpose lens to start your kit. Overall they are fairly well built and aren't very expensive so it doesn't hurt to have one. Later on you will have a better idea of any gaps you might want to fill.

[Critter]

some more good thoughts there - thank you. I am thinking that I will regret losing the wide end if I went for the 24-120, so my thinking has returned to the 18-135 kit + 50mm 1.8 + SB600/800...

Thanks for your input everyone, I appreciate it...

[Yi-P]

Hi Yi-p the kit lens with the D80 is I believe the 18-135

Oh yeah, but I believe you can always get the D80+18-70...

By just seeing the 18-135 on pics, I fear its build quality compared to the 18-70. Just not even a focusing distance scale window scares me out.

[Critter]

Quick update,

I now am the proud owner of a D80 with the 18-70mm Kit lens. I think that I bought the last D80 from the first shipment in Australia and it was just the body, not the 18-135, but I decided that I couldnt wait for that lens, so I went for the 18-70mm.

I have had a long love affair with my Coolpix 5700 for the past four years, and I am looking forward to getting used to a completely different way of taking photos.

I am still getting to know how the thing works at the moment, but will post more on it once I get a better feel for it...

Thanks for everyones generous help in getting my first dSLR...

[Yi-P]

Congrats to your ner dslr...

You may be the first on this forum to own a D80

Cant wait for the pics

[Critter]

You may be the first on this forum to own a D80

Ooooooh I am famous!

It wont take long to get some pics up for me - might take a while to get some good pics though!

[cawdor]

Congrats! Post some pics when you are ready....

[Kyle]

Nice one mate, well done

Note, if youre after a 24-120, i may sell mine

[rayz]

Congrats to your ner dslr...

You may be the first on this forum to own a D80

Cant wait for the pics

I actually got my d80 and 18-200VR last Tuesday - was too bz at work to post something. So much to learn, so have been shooting auto-mode until I can comfortably move onto P and A modes

All in all, loving it!

[Yi-P]

What is difference between "Auto" and P Mode?? I thought they are the same, but diff names...

I'd have to try out the auto mode on my D70 then...

[losfp]

What is difference between "Auto" and P Mode?? I thought they are the same, but diff names...

I'd have to try out the auto mode on my D70 then...

I think P mode only decides on shutterspeed and aperture. Auto mode will decide on those, plus whether you need a flash or not, plus ISO etc.

I don't miss the auto mode on the D200 (hell, I don't even use P as it is)

[DJPriv]

Aww the old 5700 I love that lil' guy! I made the switch to dslr ealrier this year and use a VR lens most of the time. It's no gimmick, I will never go back to non-VR. I get shots I simply used to miss (blur) completely. So if you can, get the body only and spend the extra money on the VR. But don't worry to much about it. As Seinfeld remarked to Elaine regarding 1st class if you dont know what you missing, you won't miss it.

Oh and P mode is exposure priority, it's basically the same as auto I think. I dont have it on D200 however the D80 basically seems to be a D200 minus the price (grrr) meaning you should have flexible Pmode. When in cheat... i mean P mode just rotate the command dial to choose a faster shuuter speed and wider aperture or vice versa. The exposure remains the same. I use A and S modes usually. M is fun when you nail it in a tricky situation but not really practical for me.

[Aussie Dave]

VR is helpful in the right circumstances but it is not the be-all-and-end-all...IMO.

Using VR to obtain slower shutter speeds in low light may assist you in being able to get a good exposure, however if the subject is moving, you are likely to come away with a nicely exposed image of a blurry subject.

I think this is where some people find the 24-120VR limiting, because the widest aperture available is f3.5 (f5.6 if you're at 120mm). Quite a difference from the esteemed 70-200 f2.8 (which also has VR).

Don't get me wrong, VR certainly has it's place and it's fantastic technology.....I just don't think it's as often practical (depending on what you're shooting - of course). I guess it's similar to high ISO shots. Which would you prefer, a photo with noise or no photo at all ?

Also, THIS might assist in the query regarding the difference between Auto & P modes.
However, even in A & S mode, if you adjust the relevant setting the camera will still keep the same exposure....it will simply readjust the other setting to maintain correct exposure. P mode lets you choose between different shutter speed/aperture combinations and Auto mode does everything for you.

Hope this makes sense...