Nikon Kit Lenses - Are they worth it?

jank · 17-03-2010 08:52AM #1

Going to be buy a Nikon D90 soon here in OZ or Hong Kong.
Now at the moment Nikon are doing a 200 dollar cash back so its a good time to buy but what about the lenses that come with them

For example
The Nikkor 18-55vr Lens seems to the one always on sale with the D90 but I have no idea if it's any good? Some offers have the 55-200VR lens too.

http://www.jbhifi.com.au/photo/digital-cameras/nikon/12-3mp-digital-slr-twin-vr-lens-kit-sku-17833/

I presume there are just standard lens that Nikon provide.

What are the things I should look out for. Should I make sure all Nikon lens are DX or are they all DX lens now?
Are there any sites that review lenses? Dont want to buy a camera only to find out the lens is crap.

jank · 17-03-2010 08:58AM

http://www.digitalcamerawarehouse.com.au/category148_1.htm

More lenses here.

CabanSail · 17-03-2010 09:52AM

The Nikon Kit Lenses are generally good quality lenses but not excellent. The more expensive lenses will be of better quality but you pay for that & you will tend to buy more specialist glass when you need it. If it were Canon you were looking at I would not be as keen as their Kit Lenses are of a lower quality, but their higher end lenses are still excellent.

The lenses you are looking at are DX lenses, but a lot of their top glass is FX. At this stage you don't need to worry about FX Glass unless you are considering getting a full frame body (D700, D3)

DP Review have a good section on Lens reviews. There should be a link in the FAQ.

I have just been checking out gear prices in HK and was surprised that the shops there are no longer that cheap. I have done better on high end glass in the UK & Gibraltar.

In Australia I used to buy my Nikon gear from DD Photographics, but they were a small operation then. They seem to have grown a lot since I have been away.

pixbyjohn · 17-03-2010 11:16AM

A Nikon 17-55 f2.8 is a superb lens for your D90 but expensive

Mike Litoris · 17-03-2010 01:28PM

Dont worry about it, Nikons kit lenses are among the best. The two you mentioned are good lenses considering their price. Again, google some reviews.

alexlyons · 17-03-2010 02:27PM

I have the D90 with an 18-105 VR. It's an incredible lens, much better than the older 18-55 I have. The 55-200 is meant to be quite good, but be aware of the fact if it is your only lens you loose out on a good bit of wide shots.

Nikon Kit Lenses - Are they worth it?

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