Do I really need the lens kits on a D80?

[Muse]

Originally posted by: ivan2
Nikon's kit lenses are very good. However D80 is a bit long in the tooth though, I concur with jpeyton that used market is where you should be looking at for a D80. eBay's 25% off from MSN will get you a pretty good deal, got my 30D there and loved it.

How does that work? How to you avail yourself of that?

Chaotic, do you have a hosts file? Maybe that's blocking your hitting that site.

 

[virtuamike]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42

Originally posted by: virtuamike
[If you want options beyond just AF-S (like fast primes), then go with a D80 (or a used D200, or a used D2h, or whatever actually works with AF lenses).

Well, the AF-S lenses would still be usable with future cameras, correct? If so, the D60 might be the best bet for me. I could use it with the lower-end lenses and then upgrade the body and buy some better lenses later on.

The problem is that the AF-S line of lenses is zoom centric and doesn't offer the fast prime options that exist in only AF form. No one can say which direction Nikon will go in. Personally, I'd rather shoot with what's available rather than trying to future proof or purchase according to hypothetical roadmaps.

But you have the right idea - don't invest too much into it for now. You can always switch it up later.

 

[virtuamike]

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: virtuamike

Originally posted by: dug777

Originally posted by: virtuamike
You can get a used 18-70/3.5-4.5 for under $200. I'd rather shoot with that than any of the lenses you have listed.

I suspect that optically only the most dedicated pixel peeper could tell the difference between them in real world shooting conditions outside the lab between 18-70mm, and you get an very useful extra 65mm of range with the 18-135mm, as well as better magnification ratio for close-up

From Thom

Maximum aperture doesn't change the way you might expect with focal length. The relevant values are:

* 18mm f/3.5
* 24mm f/4
* 35mm f/4.5
* 50mm f/5
* 70mm and higher f/5.6

You're right - you probably can't tell the difference in terms of optics. But it's very easy to pick out which lens is faster

Sometimes range isn't all that it's cracked up to be, not when you're stuck at f/5.6.

That's not quite true, according to photozone it's f/5.3 at 70mm

Even if it's faster at 70mm, that it doesn't magically make up for the extra 65mm of range.

I'm not a pro like you, but I'm very happy with the results I get out of that extra 65mm even if it is limited in aperture. It's also usually bright enough here that I'm targeting f/8 or above even at 135mm.

I've personally never noticed a CA issue, which Thom lists as the only reason he'd prefer the 18-70mm over the 18-135mm in his conclusion (and which is child's play to fix as I understand it).

Thom's conclusion with regard to the 18-200mm makes very little sense if you throw price into the equation, the 18-200mm is at least twice the price of the 18-135mm. You'd damn well hope it did EVERYTHING better (which it doesn't, it's not as sharp at least).

He wants a good-value all purpose lens. In my opinion the 18-135mm is a more flexible and versatile lens than the 18-70mm, and in the real world I haven't felt 'hamstrung' by it's relative lack of speed very often, and I certainly appreciate the extra reach.

Using both side by side would be the best way to see if it really bothered you I suppose, and I've only used them in separate instances.

Ah ok, f/5.3

I admit I haven't used the 18-135, but I have used the 24-120, 18-70, 18-55, and 17-55/2.8 (along with most of the fast primes from 20mm up to 105mm). The biggest problem I see is that from 70mm on up, there are plenty of faster options available (like the 70-210/4, good buy), and unless all you're doing is shooting tele outdoors in bright ambient conditions, then chances are f/5.3 is going to be a limiting factor especially on a lens that doesn't have VR (even though I'm not a huge VR fan). Speed with length is a good thing - not everyone shoots when it's sunny out all the time

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: virtuamike

Originally posted by: Chaotic42

Originally posted by: virtuamike
[If you want options beyond just AF-S (like fast primes), then go with a D80 (or a used D200, or a used D2h, or whatever actually works with AF lenses).

Well, the AF-S lenses would still be usable with future cameras, correct? If so, the D60 might be the best bet for me. I could use it with the lower-end lenses and then upgrade the body and buy some better lenses later on.

The problem is that the AF-S line of lenses is zoom centric and doesn't offer the fast prime options that exist in only AF form. No one can say which direction Nikon will go in. Personally, I'd rather shoot with what's available rather than trying to future proof or purchase according to hypothetical roadmaps.

But you have the right idea - don't invest too much into it for now. You can always switch it up later.

Cool. I'll probably end up picking the D60.

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42

Originally posted by: jpeyton
The D60 is a nice camera; I have one. LMK if you want any samples.

I certainly wouldn't mind a few samples of outdoors pics if that wouldn't be too much trouble. I really appreciate all of the help that you all are giving me.

Here are a couple of quick snaps I just took in my yard; the lens attached is a 30 year old Nikon Series E 50mm f/1.8 that I got off eBay for $30. I can get some shots using the 18-55mm kit lens too, if you want.

Both pictures were RAW converted to JPG (full size, 60% quality) using Lightroom 2; both taken at f/2.8.

DSC_0030.jpg

DSC_0036.jpg

 

[troytime]

i also think the 18-135 is an awesome lens

sure its not amazingly fast...but its certainly good enough to shoot indoors, even with less than perfect lighting
outdoors without sunlight is ok too

i also have a f/4 70-210, 210 at f4 rocks...but for the lower end i still use the 18-135
i might not be fast enough on those dark rainy days - but i don't walk around outside much with my camera on those dark rainy days

 

[Chaotic42]

I found a D80 w/ 18-135mm for $900 from somewhere called dbuys.com. Has anyone bought anything from them?

I've found some pretty good deals out there, especially on refurbed D80s and D60s. I'm still very torn between the two.

 

[jpeyton]

Congrats. I also recommend you pick up a cheap, fast-aperture lens. The Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.8 is a good inexpensive option.

 

[soydios]

They have the same sensor, but the D80 is more camera than the D60. They'll both take the same picture in the end, it's just the D80 enables you to do it faster, with a better autofocus system and direct-access buttons for adjusting settings. Not to mention the fact that the D80 has a built-in autofocus motor, so that "plastic fantastic" 50mm f/1.8 will autofocus for you.

 

[alfa147x]

congrats
and i expect to see some pictures for the contest ....

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: jpeyton
Congrats. I also recommend you pick up a cheap, fast-aperture lens. The Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.8 is a good inexpensive option.

Yeah, I'm going to hit up some more lenses later. My uncle is trying to sell me some lens for $600. Seems like too much.

 

[virtuamike]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42

Originally posted by: jpeyton
Congrats. I also recommend you pick up a cheap, fast-aperture lens. The Nikkor AF 50mm f/1.8 is a good inexpensive option.

Yeah, I'm going to hit up some more lenses later. My uncle is trying to sell me some lens for $600. Seems like too much.

Depends. Which lenses?

 

[Chaotic42]

Sorry, I got carried away by the sounds of dogs breaking stuff in the living room, so I posted too early. I believe it's this one: Link, but I'm not sure. I can ask him for the model. I might pick it up or have him sell it on the forums.

He's so proud of his D2x. :roll:

 

[soydios]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42
Sorry, I got carried away by the sounds of dogs breaking stuff in the living room, so I posted too early. I believe it's this one: Link, but I'm not sure. I can ask him for the model. I might pick it up or have him sell it on the forums.

He's so proud of his D2x. :roll:

$600 is a bargain for that lens, but it might be more than you need right now. If, however, you plan to go on a safari any time soon that requires a moderately compact long telephoto zoom, then this would be a good lens to get.

Otherwise, just get some kit lenses and the AF 50mm f/1.8D.

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: soydios
$600 is a bargain for that lens, but it might be more than you need right now. If, however, you plan to go on a safari any time soon that requires a moderately compact long telephoto zoom, then this would be a good lens to get.

Otherwise, just get some kit lenses and the AF 50mm f/1.8D.

Yeah, other than the beach down here, there's not much that's really so far away that I'd need that lens. I played with it on his D2x though. *Very* cool.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42
I found a D80 w/ 18-135mm for $900 from somewhere called dbuys.com. Has anyone bought anything from them?

I've found some pretty good deals out there, especially on refurbed D80s and D60s. I'm still very torn between the two.

i hope you didn't give them any of your money

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: ElFenix

Originally posted by: Chaotic42
I found a D80 w/ 18-135mm for $900 from somewhere called dbuys.com. Has anyone bought anything from them?

I've found some pretty good deals out there, especially on refurbed D80s and D60s. I'm still very torn between the two.

i hope you didn't give them any of your money

Nah, I ended up ordering from Cameta Camera through Amazon.com.

 

[Chaotic42]

Well, I just got the camera today. I'm of course babying it right now. It's going to be hard to get used to using the viewfinder. I need to pick up an SDHC reader tomorrow since my Dell monitor can't read them.

I'll post some pics once I can get outside and get used to it.

Edit: Mother of God.

100% crop taken from across the room

 

[dug777]

Enjoy mate :beer:

 

[Chaotic42]

Originally posted by: dug777
Enjoy mate :beer:

Thanks!

Here are some pics I took around my area.

 

[troytime]

Originally posted by: Chaotic42

Originally posted by: dug777
Enjoy mate :beer:

Thanks!

Here are some pics I took around my area.

i like this one
http://www.bigplasticfork.org/...ic42/GulfCoast/108.jpg

 

[Kirby64]

Nice pictures. Just be careful... those lenses aren't going to be enough soon.

Soon you'll be swapping them for some real glass. Just don't get too carried away... I know I have.

<-- Proud Canon 30D owner

 

[Chaotic42]

Thanks guys. I plan to try and go shooting once a week if I can. There is a lot of nature down here.