D80 and which lens?

[digitelwerk]

hi everyone...my 1st post in here. i've been observing this forum for few weeks and found out u guys have been much helps to those in need so i think this is about the right time for me to ask for help.

i've been eyeing for a dslr and after much thoughts and researchs from this forum (and my friends too) so i've concluded to only focus on one brand only (yeah!! gonna be a nikonian!) and to this specific model = D80.

the problem is now...i see mostly that brand new D80 comes with a kit lens of 18-135mm with no VR. i understand that VR is quite important when considering certain lens and i've read reviews in here stating that this is not a much preferable lens due to its wide range of zoom(18-135). but as a beginner to photography...in my opinion, the range that this lens covers would be suitable for my level as it covers from wide range to telephoto zoom (correct me if i'm wrong) for me to be experimental.

my question is...
1. how much unpreferable is this lens in sense of long term because i'm not planning of buying another lens to satisfy my needs in the next 6 months.
2. or should i stick to this lens for me to explore further until i reach a conclusion on which lens to choose
3. or is there another lens worth considering for me to explore at my level

i've been stretching my budget to rm4k. so can u guys help in suggesting me the best partner (or 1st wife...haha) for my (soon) D80?

lastly, i would prefer on having a brand new camera so it is still a virgin when i 1st touch it...haha.

[ShaolinTiger]

If your budget is 4k, you can consider getting the D80 (new) + SB600 (new) + second hand 18-70mm lens.

That would be a great setup to start with and should cover most situations.

18-135mm is not really a sharp lens, is a bit slow and has no VR for the long end.

[zamrudku]

I dun you mate a new D80 with a new Tamron 17-50mm and work your way up from there. Coz from there you can always buy a 55-200 VR for reach. I guess all that will go for something like in the region of 4.4k. But you didn't mentioned anything about flash? Do u put aside ur budget for it or other accessories?

[karheng]

It does depend on what you are going to use your camera for. Usually it's harder to tell now, but like ST said, an all rounder would be the 18-70.

Get an Sb600 and ur good to go!

[digitelwerk]

cool...thanks guys for the fast replies.

never really thought on getting the accessories yet when i make that 1st purchase. i was thinking of exploring the D80 first with that 'chosen' lens :D and getting the appropriate accessories later.

but after what u masters said....makes me think twice...should i? (haha...gosh...this forum indeed poisoning)

currently, my interests mainly on landscape/architecture shots & probaly some portraits.

[zamrudku]

cool...thanks guys for the fast replies.

never really thought on getting the accessories yet when i make that 1st purchase. i was thinking of exploring the D80 first with that 'chosen' lens :D and getting the appropriate accessories later.

but after what u masters said....makes me think twice...should i? (haha...gosh...this forum indeed poisoning)

currently, my interests mainly on landscape/architecture shots & probaly some portraits.
Personally I like the contrast and color of the Nikkor 18-70, but the Tammy 17-50 is razor sharp. But with 4k, the 18-70 second hand seems to be a real bargain nowadays. It'll fit into almost anything from landscape to portraiture as well.

[forger]

if its only landscape and architecture then withour flash is fine. portrait is another story though. i agree with Sholin suggestion in getting the flash with body and 18-70mm lense.

[karheng]

Come to think of it...get the 50 1.8 and 18-55 is also not bad....

[digitelwerk]

pheww...thanks everyone. well...i think gonna do further research on those mentioned lens. not sure about having two lenses at this time because seriously i never had any experience dealing with a dslr, what more exploring two different lenses.

another thing...it's not that i'm being lazy to look really thorough in this forum...but are there any threads discussing about newbies with their new dslr. i mean the down to basic things for people like me should know when we start playing around with our new toy.

[karheng]

There are..just click on nikon thread...

[digitelwerk]

ok...i've tried browsing looking for the 18-70 lens by nikon...and it doesnt have VR. does VR play such important role when considering a lens?

and i came across to this lens - Nikon AF-S DX NIKKOR 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR that costs RM764 at yamiya and let say i buy the D80 body at 2.5k (can get ah this price for brand new?) which makes my total cost at around 3.2k-3.3k and i have extra around 700 and wait for some times...save some money then get another better lens to fill in the gap.

oh my...am i wanting too much? help!

[karheng]

Hmmm VR isn't vital for the range under 70mm.

The 18-70 is one of the best consumer lenses from Nikon....

[ShaolinTiger]

Yah VR only really important for 100mm focal length and above, below that is ok.

18-70mm is best kit lens so far.

18-55mm VR isn't really great.

If you really want a better lens in that range consider Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8.

[digitelwerk]

ok...now i understand on the VR thingy. thanks again :)

guess i can start looking at accessories now. i read somewhere in here...when taking landscape shots...ND filter and CPL is quite important right? or should i go for tripod 1st?

[ShaolinTiger]

ok...now i understand on the VR thingy. thanks again :)

guess i can start looking at accessories now. i read somewhere in here...when taking landscape shots...ND filter and CPL is quite important right? or should i go for tripod 1st?

For landscape you'll need:

Solid Tripod (Manfrotto or above around RM550)
CPL (Preferably B+W or at least Hoya Pro1d around RM300)
ND Grad filters (Can get Cokin P set around RM200)
Cable Release (Can 3rd party for about RM60).

[digitelwerk]

For landscape you'll need:

Solid Tripod (Manfrotto or above around RM550)
CPL (Preferably B+W or at least Hoya Pro1d around RM300)
ND Grad filters (Can get Cokin P set around RM200)
Cable Release (Can 3rd party for about RM60).


thanks ST for these info! also thank u guys...now i'm getting clearer in what i should get.

[karheng]

Then u will need at least a small dry cabinet, around rm 300 - 400,

a bag, rm 300-800,

and also a macbook to process ur photos, rm 5k

erm...what else?
:smashfreak:

[ShaolinTiger]

Extra batteries, different bags...flash, flash batteries, charger, cleaning stuff, super-wide lens...tele lens...macro lens...TC, ET and poisonnnn :?

[nfariz8]

ND Grad filters (Can get Cokin P set around RM200)


sorry OT but do you happen to know where got stock? been looking for the kit but no luck.. in fact only ND2's are available for the lose ones.. ND8 i can only Full.. the gradual also no stock at most shops i've been to lately..

[karheng]

sorry OT but do you happen to know where got stock? been looking for the kit but no luck.. in fact only ND2's are available for the lose ones.. ND8 i can only Full.. the gradual also no stock at most shops i've been to lately..

So far, I know Yamiya and Eng Tong sells them...Maybe even YL....

[ShaolinTiger]

I bought all mine at Eng Tong, no idea if anyone else sells.

Grad are quite hard to come by, I have all 3 ND now and Blue grad and Tobacco grad, took me quite a while to get them.

[nfariz8]

So far, I know Yamiya and Eng Tong sells them...Maybe even YL....

haven't check yamiya but i've checked Eng Tong and YL.. no stock.. Eng tong refuse to take order because they say Cokin no stock.. and its been a few months now..

so if anyone knows any shop that has ready stock, it would be a great info.. YL said if Eng Tong cannot get means they also cannot get..

[tinster]

digitalwerk,

if u r looking for a used 18-70, here's a pretty good deal for it. i got mine at a slightly higher price. http://www.photomalaysia.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54606

[super_handsome]

hi everyone...my 1st post in here. i've been observing this forum for few weeks and found out u guys have been much helps to those in need so i think this is about the right time for me to ask for help.

i've been eyeing for a dslr and after much thoughts and researchs from this forum (and my friends too) so i've concluded to only focus on one brand only (yeah!! gonna be a nikonian!) and to this specific model = D80.

the problem is now...i see mostly that brand new D80 comes with a kit lens of 18-135mm with no VR. i understand that VR is quite important when considering certain lens and i've read reviews in here stating that this is not a much preferable lens due to its wide range of zoom(18-135). but as a beginner to photography...in my opinion, the range that this lens covers would be suitable for my level as it covers from wide range to telephoto zoom (correct me if i'm wrong) for me to be experimental.

my question is...
1. how much unpreferable is this lens in sense of long term because i'm not planning of buying another lens to satisfy my needs in the next 6 months.
2. or should i stick to this lens for me to explore further until i reach a conclusion on which lens to choose
3. or is there another lens worth considering for me to explore at my level

i've been stretching my budget to rm4k. so can u guys help in suggesting me the best partner (or 1st wife...haha) for my (soon) D80?

lastly, i would prefer on having a brand new camera so it is still a virgin when i 1st touch it...haha.

Hello everybody and all the sifus!

I am new too and facing the same situation as "digitelwerk". I think having read all the sifus recommendations on the lens and equipments required for a beginner makes me realized that i have more to invest eventually! haha...

It's ok since i have interest in photography! Well, I don't planned to become a PRO so it's kinda my hobby and skill set that I'm acquiring here. Having said that, I am a bit skeptical about getting the right lens since i am not quite sure which lens is a good lens to invest so that i do not have to risk for selling it in the short term period.

Actually, my friend recommended me the 18-200mm VR which he feels that it's a good lens for me right now. But i've read from SA and other forums saying that this is a good convenient lens on the go but it may not be able to produce perfect sharpness at certain range.

1) Is this true? I was also wondering instead of investing into a 18-200mm VR (which is bit costly), will it be better and cost-effective to invest into 2 separate lenses between the 18-200 or similar range that will produce better pictures and sharpness??

2) WHAT IS THE RIGHT LENS TO INVEST FOR A BEGINNER LIKE ME? :?

3) WHAT OTHER EQUIPMENT I SHOULD ALSO INVEST INTO BESIDES THE D80 BODY? :?

Basically, my interest is traveling and shooting moments. I like to shoot portraits and sceneries too. Besides, I will attempt to shoot some wedding photos for my cousin in November too. :) Just trying only... hehe. I bet i have a lot to learn.

Hope all the sifus with plenty of experience out there can advise me since this is my first DSLR and first Nikon camera to begin with. I hope I can have a good match to start with.

Thank you very much! :D

[ShaolinTiger]

Yah 18-200mm is built for convenience not quality.

If you want a combo that costs about the same but will give you super sharp pics from 17-200mm then get the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 and the Nikkor 70-300mm VR.

Both are superb lenses, you'll also have the added advantage of a wider end of 17mm, f/2.8 aperture between 17-50mm, extra reach of 100mm to 300mm and VRII from 70-300mm.

This is a great combo and can take care of 90% of situations.

You should also look at buying a decent tripod, a decent bag and a flash.

[super_handsome]

Yah 18-200mm is built for convenience not quality.

If you want a combo that costs about the same but will give you super sharp pics from 17-200mm then get the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 and the Nikkor 70-300mm VR.

Both are superb lenses, you'll also have the added advantage of a wider end of 17mm, f/2.8 aperture between 17-50mm, extra reach of 100mm to 300mm and VRII from 70-300mm.

This is a great combo and can take care of 90% of situations.

You should also look at buying a decent tripod, a decent bag and a flash.

Wow! Thanks a lot ST.

Hmm.. In that case i shall check out the Tamron 17-50mm & the Nikon 70-300mm VRII. :) By the way, does anyone know how much is these lenses? Sigh... as usual budget constrains... :redface:

ST, can i take nice wedding photos with the 2 recommended lenses? How bout sceneries and moments? :?

[ShaolinTiger]

Yes and yes.

Tamron around RM1400.

Nikkor around RM1900.

[zamrudku]

Yes and yes.

Tamron around RM1400.

Nikkor around RM1900.

I got mine for (new):

Tammy at $1350 (Warranty by Futuromic)

Nikkor at $1700 (Warranty by Nikon Malaysia)

[digitelwerk]

am here again with another question...

i'm planning for a trip to singapore in near future. any idea on the prices of camera equipments over there (lenses, filter etc...probably body too). because if there is a significant difference between malaysia and over there...then i would 'sabar' a bit and might as well get it across the border. will there be any hassle from the taxman?

thanks :)

aiyakk....just found this by ST

"The D90 is rumoured to be coming too, the replacement for the D80 may well have it's AF motor drive removed too. It's expected to be 12.2 megapixels and come with a new 18-105mm VR kit lens."

should me and "super_handsome" wait ah?

[ShaolinTiger]

Bags, filters, accessories and some stuff like tripods are noticeably cheaper in Singapore.

Cameras and lenses are about the same, apart from the range of second hand stuff in the shops there is MUCH wider.

The biggest savings are on Lowepro bags.

[Ah Heng]

I've been following the forum quite a while, though never bother to give my views. Having seen ST repeatedly mention the 70-300 VR lens in many threads, let me add on to that... ST is absolutely correct. I have a Nikon D40X with kit lens and a 70-300mm VR lens for the last one year, ever since I started photography as a hobby a year ago. 70-300 VR is my favourite & it is fantastically sharp for outdoor environment. I love to use it to capture flowers & portraits. But, a word of caution, tripod is still necessary when zoomed to max. I'm a 110% satisfied user of 70-300 VR lens.

[super_handsome]

Yah 18-200mm is built for convenience not quality.

If you want a combo that costs about the same but will give you super sharp pics from 17-200mm then get the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 and the Nikkor 70-300mm VR.

Hmm.... by the way, isn't there a gap between the 50mm (from the Tamron 17-50mm) and 70mm (from Nikkor 70-300mm)?

So, does it mean that i have to get another lens to cover the 50mm-70mm focal point?:0

I got mine for (new):

Tammy at $1350 (Warranty by Futuromic)

Nikkor at $1700 (Warranty by Nikon Malaysia)

Oh great. Thx a lot for the reference Zamrudku. Hmm... quite pricey though... do u think a 2nd hand lens is better buy?

[ShaolinTiger]

Hmm.... by the way, isn't there a gap between the 50mm (from the Tamron 17-50mm) and 70mm (from Nikkor 70-300mm)?

So, does it mean that i have to get another lens to cover the 50mm-70mm focal point?:0

Nah it's not a very common focal length, I can't say I've ever missed it.

If you need to get closer than 50mm you can just step forwards, if you need a little wider than 70mm you can just step back.

It's not a big focal range and you won't miss it.

[digitelwerk]

my 2 cents (am i using this term correcty? haha)

i would choose the 18-70mm lens over tammy 17-50mm if u really dont want to miss out those 20mm loss between that 2 lenses. from what i understand...tammy produces sharp image while ST claims that 18-70mm is the best all rounder for beginner like us.

as a beginner....i dont think that we would be able to tell significantly the difference of sharpness between those two lenses.

[ShaolinTiger]

You won't but if you're serious, you'll upgrade to a f/2.8 lens sooner or later anyway.

If you're on a limited budget get the 18-70mm, remember it's still a kit lens even though it's AF-S and very sharp it doesn't have f/2.8.

[noruazumi]

as a beginner....i dont think that we would be able to tell significantly the difference of sharpness between those two lenses.
the sharpness difference between both lenses is very obvious.
i've used both.

[super_handsome]

Yah VR only really important for 100mm focal length and above, below that is ok.

18-70mm is best kit lens so far.

18-55mm VR isn't really great.

If you really want a better lens in that range consider Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8.


Hi ST..first of all thx for all your advices. I have a few more questions and concerns..Hope you can help.

Any ideas of the AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm ƒ/3.5-5.6G ED VR lens as compared to Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8? Well, all I know is that the Tamron is a faster lens and shoots better in low light conditions but has anyone tested or owned the Nikkor 16-85mm VR? Care to share your experience on this new lens? I think the price of this 16-85mm VR is somewhat lower than 18-200mm VR, right? :?

Besides I read from some users actually did faced some focusing problem with the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 lens... Will this be a factor to reconsider before getting this lens? :? Also I understand that there are 2 versions of this lens...what's the diff of these models and which version is better? Pls help...:(

[atim]

You won't but if you're serious, you'll upgrade to a f/2.8 lens sooner or later anyway.

If you're on a limited budget get the 18-70mm, remember it's still a kit lens even though it's AF-S and very sharp it doesn't have f/2.8.

i'm agreed with ST,sooner or later u will get a fast lense :).. im beginner also..and used 18-70mm for d70s..and now target f2.8 lense..and tamron is my target..but other thread discuss on defect on this new version of 17-50mm tamron lense make me feel :(

[waysiong]

It also appears that some users are getting some errors with the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 with nikon cameras. It was discussed in another thread. It might just be a batch defect though.

Does the 70-300mm come with VR? I've heard that a tele without VR is quite difficult to use without tripod.