Buying new DSLR, Nikon D80... Need lense advice

[Darren]

Hi Guys,

I'll be buying a new Nikon D80 very soon. I like that model because it has most of the D200 features but also has some automatic settings for point and shoot when I'm not being artistic. Anyway, I've read all about them and I have one main concern. The 1.5x magnification which makes my older lenses less effective. IE: my 28mm is now closer to 50mm.

Basically I'm looking for advice on a good wide angle lense with some zoom. I have a couple lenses I'd like your opinion on as well. I'm trying not to spend $1,000 on a lense but realize the good ones are in that range.

Here is what I have:
1. Sigma High-Speed Zoom (manual) multi-coated 1:3.5 f=90~200mm with macro
2. Sigma autofocus Zoom 1:3.5~4.5 =i8~70mm (older slot drive lense)

So, my 200mm zoom is effectively a 135~300mm zoom. I'm just not really sure of the quality of the lense, it's been a long time since I've used my old SLR. My smaller somewhat wide angle lense is no longer wide angle on the DSLR and would be an effective everyday point and shoot lense. I think I need a good wide angle lense to complete the set.

Questions:

1. Are the "kit" lenses as bad as the reviewers say? I'm no professional but my wife and I would like to play around with more artistic shots.

These prices seem unreal but I can't ignore them. They say they are all brand new with full warranty: http://www.thecameraprofessionals.co...p?prodid=53703

Any suggestions or advice is welcome!

Darren

[PhotoByMark]

While not a pro lens I do find that I like my Nikon 18-200 VR to be a great everyday lens on my D200 and it is somewhat wide. Or...perhaps the 17-55/2.8 or the Nikon 12-24 and I think Sigma makes a 10-20 or a Fish Eye but that is not a cheap lens and it is kind a specialty wide angle. Congrats on your new D80 that is great camera.

[PhotoByMark]

IMO, I would stay away from that place. So many scam/bait and switch places on the net when it comes to photography equipment.
See: http://www.resellerratings.com/forum/t126868.html

I prefer to stay with the more reputable places:

B&H
Adomara
Berger Bros.

Are a few that come to mind.

[Peter De Smidt]

Ken Rockwell has lots of good advice on lenses at www.kenrockwell.com. I have a D200. For wide use, I have a Tokina 12-24mm. I'm very happy with it. Ken loves the Nikon 18-200 VR. I'll add Calumet Photo, KEH, and Amazon to the list of pretty good places to buy from. (Badger Graphic is my favorite camera store, but they don't carry Nikon.)

[robthorn]

I have a d80 and got the 18-135mm lens and ended up selling the 18-135 because it just wasn't fast enough indoors to use unless there as a lot of light or flash was being used. Not very sharp either. I also had and sold the 18-200vr for the same basic reasons. Not worth the money in my opinion. For low cost lenses that work very well for their money the 18-55mm kit lens is surprising and the 18-70mm is good also but more money. I have the 70-300mm vr which I love. To me it is way better than the 18-200mm and costs a little less. Comparable nikon lenses are normally better than off brands so if you can stick with them you might be happier in the long run. f2.8 zooms are about as good as you can get these days. Nikoncafe is a forum for nikons with good quality used nikon equipment. Beachcamera.com is the best priced place I could find for the body and kits. They are also a real authorized nikon dealer. Meaning nikon will actually honor the warranty if something should arise. I called nikon personally and anyone can do the same to ask about a dealer. The dealer you listed is not likely authorized so if you have trouble you will have to ship it back to someone in japan that can make the claim for you. Most people just don't know anyone in japan so I didn't see it as an option. Then again it's a great durable camera and you are not likely to have trouble. Just make sure that all the accessories actually come with the camera and you do have to buy the strap,battery and manuals seperately. Yes those places do that sometimes.
The 18-200mm vr lens my buddy had was better than mine though if that means anything. They are all over the road with quality on that lens. if you hold the camera body with lens attached facing down the lens will extend all the way on it's own. I also didn't like this.
Good luck and enjoy your purchase.
Robert

[psyc]

i exclusively buy from b&h or samys. they have high volume, so can charge less and have great customer service. as for the lens, you want the best possible wide angle zoom for under 1000

it looks like the 17-55 is your best bet for slightly over 1000 and the 12-24 for slightly under.

honestly, it depends on what you plan on shooting. wide angle lenses are great for landscapes, but not really so much for portraits. you really want something in the 50-85 range if you're going to take pictures of people, otherwise the lens will start to give people large noses due to the angle

[Darren]

Thanks for the info guys. A lot to digest. I'll do some more research and check out the suggested sites.

Thanks again and keep the suggestions coming if you have more.