Equipment purchase (sorry, lots of questions!)

[Bandit]

Firstly a big thanks to everyone on here who have submitted threads... makes researching a little easier (although more opinions too!)

OK, so I am new to the DSLR caper... but I take a lot of shots with my P&S, and the wife is supportive, so I think I may jump into the pool

I am really keen on the D200/D300 style of camera's, but money is not stupidly flash at the moment, and to be honest, I am not sure I will use the additional features or if I will the interest will wane after a couple of months.

So my plan was to purchase a 2nd hand D70s/D40/D80, and get the following lenses as a start (from many hours of reading on the forum!)

Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.4D or Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.8D
Nikkor AF-S VR 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
and a lens to take me out to 200 or so... not sure what.
Speedlight (probably an SB-600)

I am interested in most types of photography, but macro is where I see my hobby heading. However, I want a kit that will be able to do much more than that (don't we all!) But as long as I can take pictures of the kids, memories at family gatherings, and of scenery/landscapes on holidays etc I will be happy.

So here are my questions:

a) is my plan of going for a cheaper body and then looking at an upgrade later a sound one? I am thinking I could then park the old body as a back up when I upgrade. I am concerned about forking out $1.5-2.5k for a body that may be parked on the bookshelf, and the money saved now could buy some more glass if the hobby grabs me.
b) which 50mm would be a more versatile purchase?
c) any recommendations for a 200 lens that will not cost me the earth?
d) is the SB-600 the way to go, or should I adjust up/down to the 400-800?
e) in terms of filters etc, what should I be looking for
f) any recommendations to change the lenses I have selected, or any I should park in the memory to add to the kit.

Thanks in advance.

[Reschsmooth]

Just a quick suggestion:

Go for the 50 1.8 and use the extra cash to go from the SB600 to 800. I haven't used the 600, but from what others have said, the 800 gives you a much more appreciable bang for your buck (I have the 800 and love it, but only as friends).

I haven't had a lot of use of the 50 1.4, but I understand it is not a big step up (apart from half a stop) from the 1.8.

[ATJ]

Jamie,

If you think your interest may wane over the coming months, I think you'd be better off just getting one of the cameras you mention D70/D40/D80 with a kit lens and use that for a few months to see how much more interested you get. A kit lens (18-70mm or 18-55mm) will allow you to do most of the things you list: "kids, memories at family gatherings, and of scenery/landscapes on holidays etc". You can even dabble in a bit of macro photography. Note also that a diopter lens can be purchased quite cheaply to extend the macro capabilities. It is not going to be top notch quality, but will allow you to see if you like it before shelling out on specialist lenses.

Once you know you are going to keep at it, then you can build up your arsenal of lenses.

When was the last time you went diving?

[garyr]

I am a Canon owner, so take this advice from where it comes

A lens you have not mentioned is the 18-200 VR - a highly regarded lens and probably about one of the best all-round lenses anywhere. A friend has one and the pictures are incredible for a zoom of this range. It may be an option to drop some of the others in your list and get this.

Generally bodies don't hold their value but good glass does. Moving to a DSLR is a learning curve and I think your option of getting a cheaper body initially is a good one. Eventually you will push the limits of it's capability and then you know you are ready to move to the next one. There should be a few D80's out there for a reasonable price soon, great camera.

Add the 50/1.8 and maybe a macro specific lens - should keep you busy for a year or two.

[Biggzie]

So my plan was to purchase a 2nd hand D70s/D40/D80, ....

Boy are you in luck around here ... with the D3/D300 being released, its a wonder you havent had 50 offers by now

A new D40x might be a good buy at the moment too.
As for lens, I agree with ATJ about the kit lens to start with, but I would look at the 18-135mm kit lens to give yourself a bit more flexability. If you can stretch the budget and want to go VR look at the 18-200mm VR.
These lenses get you started with a little flexability, and then as you get used to the camera, and you get past the learning curve, go for specific lenses to suit. like the 50mm and macro etc
Flash ... buy the best you can afford. Id save for the 800 if you cant afford it straight away.

[Bandit]

Thanks for the repsonses so far

When was the last time you went diving?

Too long ago... need to get the regs serviced too! However, seeing the pics of the dragons under the pier may entice me to get into the bay.... brrrrrrrrr!

[Jonesy]

go and find a local camera store that will let you hold the camera before you buy...

I found the d40 to be simply to small. The d80 is a nice sized camera with a good range of features

but have a paly and see what feels right for you

[Hudo]

Hi Bandit,

We (Katie & I) are located in Belgrave. As we are only 10 mins from each other your welcome to drop over. We have a several Nikon bodies and lots of glass you can hold and play with if your keen.

Drop me an E-mail or PM.

Mark aka Hudo

[ATJ]

When was the last time you went diving?

Too long ago... need to get the regs serviced too! However, seeing the pics of the dragons under the pier may entice me to get into the bay.... brrrrrrrrr!

Jas is always looking for a buddy.

[Bandit]

am well aware, he is using my BC!

He is also removing all my excuses... he has even offered to pay to get my regs serviced!

[Bandit]

Hi Bandit,

We (Katie & I) are located in Belgrave. As we are only 10 mins from each other your welcome to drop over. We have a several Nikon bodies and lots of glass you can hold and play with if your keen.

Drop me an E-mail or PM.

Mark aka Hudo

Mark,

Thanks for the very kind offer... I may just take you up on that!

[Pa]

hi bandit, bargain section Nikon D40X 10.2 m/pixel with 18-55mm II $811.00 on special...Nikon 70-300 VR $590.00 not bad buying at that price....with the d40---d40x if the lens you buy is not af-s it will have to be manually focused.....

i have a tamron 28-200 f3.8--5.6 i use as a walk around lens

hope this helps

[Hudo]

No probs.. any time....

Hudo

[Biggzie]

Actually Jonesy raises an important point.
1 of my friends she bought the D40x because she found the D80 too big for her hands, but another 1 of my friends, he loves the D80 to hold and he also loves the battery grip so he can hold it easily in portrait.

That might be something to think of because the D40 doesnt have a battery grip available from Nikon, but I think there is an after market grip available but I dont know how good they are.

[Bluebell]

I'm new to this "caper" too but I guess I started off in a similar position to you with regard to not being sure how much I wanted to invest.

I ended up getting the D80 and haven't regretted it yet.

I also bought the Nikon 18 - 200VR because of it's versatility but since then I've become addicted and added more prime lenses which are both faster and sharper than the 18 - 200.

Don't get me wrong, I still love this 'does everything" lens, but my favorite lens would be the Tamron 90mm macro. For the stage I'm at it's a great lens for the price. Also love my Nikon 50 mm 1.8

I think the best advice is get the best you can responsibly afford, but remember you can always upgrade later if you really need to.

[who]

I would personally suggest the 18-200VR myself from HK, for the price it is a great lens and if you outgrow or replace it later you should get most if not all your money back on it (just sell on eBay).

I have a 50 f1.8 and don't use it enough to be honest.

I would also recommend the SB800.

You haven't named prices but the other option is to buy 2 top end Sigma lenses that are also fast f2.8 glass ie 24-70 f2.8 and 70-200 f2.8 - will cost more than the 18-200VR though.

Hard to say without trying and I went in unsure as to what I wanted and I am now as money permits adding to my collection of gear.

[Mj]

Ok... I'd suggest sticking to basic principles here... you are mostly interested in macro with some general photography, but have some financial limitations, so... get a second hand body to start... a d70s (as it has a wired remote option), some light... SB800 (a good general flash but you'll be looking for some macro lighting kit down the track) then probably something like the 18-200 and the 50/1.8 to start. Think hard about what kind of macro you're looking to do... working distance etc is important... buy the glass you need once, don't try to economise to save a few razoos (you'll pay twice) and upgrade the body down the track... each year there will be something new and better to choice from in bodies.

Mj.