Question about buying a camera

13 years 4 months ago #8369 by 1965 Roger
I'm looking to get into photography. I'm what you would call a late bloomer (just turned 46 this year). I have narrowed down my search to a Nikon D300. Now where I'm getting mixed views is whether I should get a kit lens or just buy the camera body by it self, then buy the lenses I want after?

Can I get some feedback/help on this please.

Thanks,

Roger


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13 years 4 months ago #8388 by Solstar
Although I use Canons the basics are the same. The kit lenses are generally very cheap and you can quickly outgrow them. If your budget allows buy an upgraded quality lens. A good lens will likely outlive your camera body. For specific lenses ask the Nikon users what they recommend. My two cents...


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13 years 4 months ago #8408 by Joves
Well since you are just starting I would say go for the kit lens.The Nikon kit lenses are not that bad. The 18-135 will give you alot to work with till you learn to use the camera well. Just remember read the manual and then read it again. I have the D300 and it isnt your basic camera. It has no Preset Shooting Modes like the lower end cameras do which is actually good. I have never used them. My other suggestion would be is to get books such as Understanding Exposure and Understanding Composition by Petersen.


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13 years 4 months ago #8420 by Rob pix4u2
As a dedicated Nikon shooter i would recommend the kit lens as a place to start but look into the used lens market as an economical way to expand your options. I use an 18-35 f3.3 , 35-70 f 3.5-4.5 , 80-200 f2.8 and 300 f4 as my lenses . some are used and some bought new. these work on my film as well as my digital camera bodies. That way i only have one "set" of lenses I have to carry but can carry my D90 and my film N90s bodies in my bag when I want both for a shoot. I like the faster "pro" f2.8 and f4 lenses because i shoot action indoors and they work very well outdoors. What you plan on shooting primarily and where( what conditions you shoot under) pretty much dictates the speed (aperture) of the lens you need. Hope this helps your choice of lenses

Remember to engage brain before putting mouth in gear
Rob Huelsman Sr.
My Facebook www.facebook.com/ImaginACTIONPhotography

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13 years 4 months ago #8446 by 1965 Roger
Big help guys, thanks for all the help. I'm going to be looking at your lens recommendations. Also what do you think of the 18-200mm f/3.5 lens?


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13 years 4 months ago #8469 by Rob pix4u2
fairly fast (large aperture) lens for low light or fast action shooting, it's a zoom(my personal preference) and should serve you well in most situations;)

Remember to engage brain before putting mouth in gear
Rob Huelsman Sr.
My Facebook www.facebook.com/ImaginACTIONPhotography

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13 years 4 months ago #8987 by 1965 Roger

Rob pix4u2 wrote: fairly fast (large aperture) lens for low light or fast action shooting, it's a zoom(my personal preference) and should serve you well in most situations;)


Thank you, I think I'm going to get that lens with the camera. ;)


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