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General discussion

Newbie lens questions

by Duncan Edment Feb 28, 2010 6:29AM PST

Folks. Hop eyou don't mind a newbie poppiing in here and asking a couple of questions.

I've used a digital camera for several years now, and I've decided to now dip my toe in the ocean that is DSLRs. A guy I work with has suggested that the Nikon D5000 is agood camera for me to start with, given my knowledge of digital cameras and my experience. However, where I'm falling down on is lenses.

I know that the suggeston of which lens to use is a personal thing, but as a newbie I'd appreciate any help you can give. So, here goes...

I'm looking for two lenses. One lens will be used for normal, everyday common or garden photography, i.e. 'snaps', local / close-up shots etc. The other will be used to shoot objects at a distance, I'm guessing a telephoto. The reason for this is, I like taking panoramic, wildlife, outdoor shots and I'm going on a safari in November...hence the desire to upgrade my camera.

So, lense wise, I have the following 4 suggestions / options, which I would appreciate your comments on as to their suitability for my needs.

For my primary lens, I'm looking at either of these two:

Nikon 18-55mm
Nikon 18-105mm

For the secondary, it's a choice between:

Sigma 70-300mm
Nikon AF-S VR 70-300mm
Tamron 70-300mm

So, as you'll see, I have a few to choose from and I'm a bit confused as to which to go with. As a beginner in the world of DSLR, what would you suggest?

Many thanks for your help.

Duncs

Discussion is locked

5 Posts
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I'd recommend going with
by damasta55r Feb 28, 2010 11:40AM PST

the kit lens and the cheap nikon 55-200vr lens. Money saved from not getting the nikon 70-300vr can be used for a 35mm prime or a tripod or a flash. Would not really recommend either the sigma or tamron, but if i had to choose i'd go with the tamron.

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I partially agree
by kalel33-20416052469708587370302374692233 Feb 28, 2010 4:16PM PST

I agree at not looking at the Tamron or Sigma, they make great lens just not that great for those two. I would disagree on the 55-200VR. It will provide a very nice lens to you, but you plan on doing wildlife and the faster AF speed and longer reach(effective focal reach is the difference between a 300mm for 55-250 and 450mm for the 70-300, at the long end). There's a big gap between 300mm and 450mm. I do agree in looking to get the 35mm F1.8 lens for indoor shots.

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Confusion!
by Duncan Edment Feb 28, 2010 11:04PM PST

Still a bit confused here! (If you knew me, you would understand that that was very easy to do!)

Jessops are doing a starter deal with a Nikon D5000 and a Nikon 18-55mm VR Lens, for

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can't say on price
by kalel33-20416052469708587370302374692233 Mar 1, 2010 4:16AM PST

I'm in the US. The kit seems fine and the 70-300VR would be a nice addition.

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Some link for DX lenses
by jump1127 Mar 3, 2010 2:02PM PST
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