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sameerrao · 03-28-2006, 10:25 PM

I have been considering getting an SLR and have looked over what people have in the other posts.

This is the camera and lens that I have narrowed down to:

Camera: Nikon D50 body
--> Cheapest DSLR from Nikon or Canon on the market today
--> I want to use the money saved here on the lens instead

Lens: Nikon AF-S Nikkor 18 - 200 mm f/3.5-5.6G DX ED VR
--> Lens has real good range and is nice in that I can have one lens that meets most of my requirements without too many negatives.
--> ED quality lens with Vibration Reduction

Some info on the lens here: http://kenrockwell.com/nikon/18200.htm

Well what will this be used for? Going by my 2005 experience:
- 2 car shows
- 3 auto races
- About 3-4 trips to state parks like Yosemite, other countryside photography

I believe the setup will retail for about $1400 for both lens and camera

I am ambivalent between Canon or Nikon. I want a camera and lens kit that is able to focus quickly on racecars zooming past without the use of tripods (if I can avoid it). But the lens should be also good for still photography as well.

Opinions?

nthfinity · 03-28-2006, 10:35 PM

i dont know a lot about the nikon offerings... but the range of the lens you speak of is massive!

18-200... there may be some "tunneling" near 18mm, and soft; and soft towared 200mm... but that is something you'll find out specifically when shooting... what settings make for good shots etc.

one key thing is that the lens would virtually never need to be changed! that has its own benefits

it sounds like it isn't a bad quality lens at all... and you will absolutely LOVE VR... i have only tested it so far... but good god, its magic

my own opinion.... go for it

ae86_16v · 03-28-2006, 11:26 PM

I wish I could afford that lens, but it is just too expensive. Heard that there is a massive wait list for that lens though.

But that sounds like a cool set up, and definitely you pretty much never will have to change the lens.

I just picked up the D50 myself and still trying to get familiar with it.

Goodluck!

dutchmasterflex · 03-28-2006, 11:59 PM

18-200mm lens, god damn! I havent heard anything about that lens but I'm sure the quality is good. Definitely a good idea to go with the D50 and spend the rest of your money for a good lens, you should be good for a very long time with that setup.

After reading that article that you posted I think I might have to save up for one of these..

5vz-fe · 03-29-2006, 12:39 AM

http://www.digitalreview.ca/cams/Nikkor_18200VR.shtml

"...we found ourselves being able to hand hold and use the lens at shutter speeds about four stops lower than with lenses without the VR option, (1/8 sec at 200mm focal range)."

:shock:

sameerrao · 03-29-2006, 02:08 AM

Yeah the damn lens is backordered now ... long waiting list. I guess I have to be patient and wait for it to appear on the market. The reviews seem pretty good. I would spend the $$ on the lens than on the camera where most of the features wouldnt be used much any way.

As I know very little about photography, I wanted to make sure that with my requirements for shootings still objects as well as race cars, I wouldnt be making a mistake. That's why I put to you enthusiasts

When I went to Ritz Camera to check out the camera, I was asking him how the Canon and Nikon Lens compare - he said that the Canon L lenses and Nikon ED lenses are very similar in quality. Does this seem right to you? Any of you have both Canon and Nikon?

Zot09 · 03-29-2006, 04:03 AM

You have one big flaw in your list; you're not buying a Canon

haha don't listen to my biased opinions. Wish I could help, but I don't have much experience with Nikons, best of luck!

cooperluke · 03-29-2006, 04:22 AM

I don't know that lens, but I also have, and had Nikons and they are bulletproof!!

sameerrao · 03-29-2006, 11:04 AM

Originally Posted by Zot09

You have one big flaw in your list; you're not buying a Canon

haha don't listen to my biased opinions. Wish I could help, but I don't have much experience with Nikons, best of luck!

nthfinity · 03-29-2006, 11:16 AM

well, the L series lenses seem to be the god of canon lenses; with UD glass elements... and will take some time for me to save up for

damn, some of the lenses i feel i "need" cost a lot more then the camera body did

sameerrao · 03-29-2006, 11:23 AM

Originally Posted by nthfinity

well, the L series lenses seem to be the god of canon lenses; with UD glass elements... and will take some time for me to save up for

damn, some of the lenses i feel i "need" cost a lot more then the camera body did

I agree some of these 2.8 aperture lenses with ED/L designation cost like $1500-$5000 ... mega money :shock:

Unless a miracle happens and I actually become good photographer there is no way in hell I will spend so much on a lens

dutchmasterflex · 03-29-2006, 11:41 AM

I think you've picked out a great all around setup for the money. Digital has taken Photography to the masses, I am sure you will be extremely pleased with this purchase.

DeMoN · 03-29-2006, 03:57 PM

shiet over 1000 us $ for that!

What is a good camera for less than 800? and also, wtf is SLR?

ae86_16v · 03-30-2006, 01:03 AM

^ D50 w/ Kit Lens (18-55mm ED AF-S f/3.5 - 5.6g) - Cost me $600 @ BeachCamera.com

SLR = Single-Lens Reflex