 Robert F. Walker |
Older Camera and a New Lens? I was considering purchasing a used #8-9 graded Nikon D80 with a NEW Lens, maybe a Nikon 18-200 lens. Would that be a wise purchase, considering I want to keep my total photo-equipment purchase at $1000.00 or below? Please include any lens you may suggest I consider purchasing.
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
I can't give you any Nikon lens suggestions (I am a Canon guy) but I agree with buying an older camera and getting better glass. It is the lens that makes the sharpness, clarity and color of a captured image. Cameras are being released all the time and whenever a new one comes out, the last model drops in price and can be bought at a much lower price - whereas quality lenses will retain their value and out-live many cameras over the years. I have some lenses that have now been on 4 different cameras since I bought them in 2005 and will be around for the next few cameras as well :) I know the 70-200mm f/2.8 Nikon lens is a fantastic lens but it's a lot more than $1000, so read a lot of reviews and get the best lens you can. I think you are making a smart decision. Cheers,
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Randy A. Myers |
A D80 and the 18-200 would be a good combo. If you could stretch the budget just a little, you can get a D200 and the 18-200 lens for about 1175 to 1200 dollars. I would base my decision on how long I anticipated keeping the camera body. If I knew I would keep the body a long time, I would opt for the rugged body of the D200. If the body is short term, say a year or so, go with the D80. They both are fine as far as image quality. If you need the extra cash for a tripod, memory cards, flash and other equipment, then I guess the D80 is the route to go. If you can live with a shorter lens, you could get a D90 with a 18-105 lens. There are many choices and you are the only one that can answer the question. Good luck with your decision.
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Janet Dietz |
Robert, I used a D-80 and a D-90 for a long time and then upgraded to the D-300. I noticed a difference in the way each camera values colors, but Carlton is correct (I believe) in that it's the lens that makes it. I think Randy is right too, in asking how long you see this body being yours? Or, what type of user are you? If you are just starting out, the 80 or 90 will be good to get you started. And, you can work up from there. Good luck, it's worse than buying a new car, I think.
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Gretchen Yengst |
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Allen M. Aisenstein |
I've been a Nikon Guy for many years and have the 18-200mm lens to which you refer. It's a fantastic lens with which I have taken thousands of wonderful photos all over the world. I use it for landscape and street photos. The D80 is a bit old but still a fine camera with respectible specs. I know guys who still use it and get great results. If you can get this combo, you will do very well. Good luck.
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Robert Sanford |
Here's a good way to think about this: marry your lenses, but have affairs with your bodies. Get good lenses, and then upgrade the bodies every two or three generational cycles. Q: What kind of typewriter did Hemingway use? A: It doesn't matter. Same here.
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- Greg Lessard Contact Greg Lessard Greg Lessard's Gallery |
Hi Robert, I own the D80 and D90. I agree that the glass is more important. However, I would absoulutely shell out the extra money for the D90. There is a huge difference between the two cameras. The D90 is worth every extra penny. Its such a difference, that if you can't afford a D90 right now, I would wait until you can save the extra money. I keep my D80 as a backup and I cringe on the rare occassion that I use it. Spend the extra money. Its worth it. Sincerely, Greg Lessard GregLessardPhotography.com
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Danny B. Head |
Hello Robert. Concerning the lens, the 18-200 stays on my D-300s most of the time. I have many "high dollar" lens including the f2.8 70-200 and the f2.8 105 macro. However, if I could only have one lens in my bag, the 18-200 would win hands down.
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Sarah G |
The 50mm f1.8 is another wonderful lens. It's great for low light conditions and is sharp. It is worth every penny and at just a bit over $100 it's really worth it. The 18-200 is a great walk around lens and if it is the only lens you can get right now that's what I'd go with. The 50mm f1.8 is the next one I'd get.
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