What lens for first SLR?

Beef

Hi all,

I've decided (I think) to go an buy a digital SLR camera and I'm planning on getting the Nikon D50 (apparently a good start-out camera). What I'm wondering is - should I buy it with the standard kit lens (AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G) or should I buy the body only and get a different lens? I'lll be using it for landscapes and a bit of wildlife shooting hopefully, so I'll need a bit of zoom capability I think... Is there a more "all-round" lens (if there is such a thing) I could buy? I'm a complete noob so sorry if this makes no sense!!!

Cheers,
Beef.

rymus

Id stick with the kit lens until you decide what you really want... I worked off the 18-55 kit for a few months before I decided what lenses I wanted.

eas

I second that.

The D50 kit lens is very good value for money and a good performer.

It wont really suit for wildlife (unless you're talking ducks or swans) but as Rymus said, get used to the camera and get a bit of experience/knowledge before investing in another lens.

digitalbeginner

I'd recommend you try to get the 18-70 Nikon lens instead. It comes as standard with the D70s. The 70mm end (x 1.5 crop factor = 105mm in 135mm equiv) is great for portraiture and when you need to get a bit further.

The 18-55 does not have the reach and you might get a deal with the camera shop.

Beef

Nice one, good enough for me! Cheers for the quick replies. Just another thing - I was looking at the prices online and technikdireckt.com seem to be fairly reasonable. Has anyone had any experiences with these guys? Pixmaina are a bit cheaper but after reading some of the horror stories, I'm inclined to stay away from them...

davmigil

Hi Beef,

Been looking at similar myself. Just to give you a heads up: wouldn't normally be the first to recommend Dixons, but was in Blanchardstown Centre and they had reduced the D50 + 18-55mm kits lens to €580 . If you include shipping from Pixmania, this has to be a good deal. Alternatively Argos also have same listed for €580 in catalogue.

Neither do body only.

Best of luck,

Roen

Unless you possess uber SAS 'blend in with the scenery skills' (like me) you're going to need a pretty long lens to capture wildlife effectively.
You basically should follow the advice above and then decide. It will also rely on what sort of wildlife you want to shoot. Getting a good pic of a wren is a little more difficult than a heron and you're going to need different gear accordingly.
As for Pixmania I never had any problems, but have since moved to Hong Kong eBay sellers for increased savings.

davmigil

As a matter of interest: did you rule out the Canon 350D?

But in response to your original question:

Yes, you can get do-it all lenses which go from wide(ish) angle to long(ish) range zoom (say 200/300mm) . They tend to be either very expensive or not very good (or combination of two). Seems better off getting range of lenses and also a way of staggering payment

davmigil

Roen wrote:

As for Pixmania I never had any problems, but have since moved to Hong Kong eBay sellers for increased savings.

Which HK sellers do you use/found good?

Beef

Cheers davmagil, I'll defo take a look in Argos and Dixons if that's that's what they're charging... I'm living in Ardee at the moment so a trip down that new Ashbourne bypass could be well worth my while! I'd much prefer to walk into a store and buy the kit as opposed to shipping and all that hassle if possible.

Yeah my cousin has the 350D but for some reason the D50 just appeals to me. Don't know why really. Also, I'm headin to New York for a week in February, so by that time I should have a better of idea of what lenses etc. I want so I can go mental at that stage! Cheers for all the pointers lads... I'll let ye know how I get on.

ciaranhickey

davmigil wrote:

Which HK sellers do you use/found good?

http://stores.ebay.ie/Kea-Photo

Have found these guys great. Purchased 3 Lenses from them, great service, delivery and prices.

Would highly recommend them.

Roen

davmigil wrote:

Which HK sellers do you use/found good?

Lazy git they're in the sticky.
I swear by these lads and Rymus by these and someone else by these

davmigil

Roen wrote:

Lazy git they're in the sticky.
I swear by these lads and Rymus by these and someone else by these

Lazy, that would be me

Thanks though

440Hz

Kea certainly have the best prices and very friendly guy running the show, very helpful. Im still waiting to place my first order with them though, lens not in stock

Roen

davmigil wrote:

Lazy, that would be me

Thanks though

No probs, I'm lazy too, that's why I don't like all that clicking and typing and cutting and pasting