Hello Folks.

You never see me in this forum only because I don't currently own any Nikon gear.

But, every year at this time, I get asked by my clients and people who know me:

"What camera should I buy?"

To be fair, I don't have any preference for brands. I think they all make nice products. I could just as easily see myself using Nikon or Canon etc..

I always try to help them the best I can, but when they start talking about Nikon models (I don't track), then I cannot provide them the help I would like.

So, I am asking you Nikon experts.

What CURRENT Nikon models of body and lens would you recommend for the following budgets. Please focus on just what is readily available TODAY and NEW. Please don't recommend OLD technology, or OLD manual lenses, or OLD film cameras, or USED gear. Those are alternatives, but not what I will suggest first, because these suggestions are for someone just starting out.

I suppose one could just say: "Buy the entry level Nikon kit at Costco."

But....

I personally like to recommend fast prime such as a 50mm (f1.8 or f1.4) as a good "first" lens. I consider it a good idea to learn about DOF using a faster lens than the typical f5.6 kit zoom. So, for a typical newbie who wants to get started I might say:

"Buy a Rebel (Canon 500D) and in addition to the kit lens, if you buy a kit, get a 50mm or a 24mm lens too." This would be about $750 - $900 depending on the model of body and lens you select.
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Since "budget" is really what seems to be the limiting factor for most buyers, and lately the megapixel wars have raised the numbers, I would appreciate it if you would focus on Budgets too. Such as:

My budget is $750. What should I get?


My budget is $1000. What should I get?


My budget is $1500. What should I get?


My budget is $2000. What should I get?

Anything over $2000 becomes a "wish list" for many people who are just entering the DSLR world. So focus on the newbies budgets if you will. They are the ones most often asking me what they should buy. After they get started, they naturally will come here and ask the same question, just with a different starting point.

Your help is appreciated.

Finally, I know that there are many variables (what subject, what light, what skills, etc.). Just imagine it is a typical "parent" who wants to get started taking nice pics of their family.

And what will be your answer if people ask for alternativs? You can give only advice about things you know all the ins- and outs about. An advice: I don't know, but go there to ask is better than some 2nd hand advice, without any background info.

I don't think recommendations have to be that complicated for the average person. They're not like us - they won't be pining over having better gear as much as we do, they'll just shoot. I have a great lineup of lenses (11-16, 17-55, 85 1.4, 70-200), yet all I can think about is a 200 f2

I don't see what the point in asking about what to buy for $750 - the bodies will all be relatively the same and the glass will be crappy and slow. Once you hit the $2K mark, opportunities to choose correctly/incorrectly open up. I'd say D90, 50mm 1.8, 18-200, maybe an 85mm 1.8 if it's in the budget. That will allow them to cover the whole consumer range with a relatively decent lens, and give them a couple of superb lenses for the shots that really matter; and, at focal lengths that are perfect for the average parent (50m, 85mm).

Whatever you recommend, I think learning the fundamentals of light/photography will be the most important step when moving into SLR territory . . .

Welcome to the Nikon board Steady.

My budget is $750. What should I get?

D3000 body + 35 f1.8 DX

Should run < $700. The catch is the D3000 body only may be hard to find, but Amazon is listing it for $430... apparently they have taken the kit box and separated the body and kit lens, all other accessories and warranty intact.

I personally dislike the 'tutorial' feature of the D3000, but then again it might work great for other folk.

Hi Again.

Thanks for the responses.

SAng, that is just what I was hoping to see. Thanks for the welcome too.

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The fact is, most people think a "pro" photographer knows it all.

I know differently.

I often refer people to THIS forum. I ENCOURAGE them to visit, join, and participate...to learn.

BUT...when that mother or father is face to face with you....and asks: "What should I buy?"

That takes a moment of balancing a suggestion (go look on the net) with a practical "starting point" based on their budget.

Hey, if everyone could afford to buy a 200mm f2 lens and a top of the line system, I would NOT have to ask these questions.

As it is, I get asked by people who are DETERMINED to buy a camera for Christmas and they want to know NOW.

Think they get that advice at Costco? No.

Think they get knowledgeable advice in a mall camera store. Possibly.

Think they get great (unbiased) advice from a temporary clerk just getting some hours at minimum wage for the holidays (wherever)? Possibly.

One could call B&H. I know that IF they (buyer) is lucky enough to get through to a salesperson who is not SWAMPED during the holidays, they could get some advice. But, it may be rushed, and they may not feel comfortable with the long distance source of info.

So...advice to take a course at a local college, buy a book and spend hours reading arcane stuff, or "visit your local Wolf Store" are NOT what they want.

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OK....one Starter Budget Level down...who will play and put up something that fits those other budget levels in my OP.

My budget is $750. What should I get?

D3000 + Kit Lens. I'd say the 35 f/1.8 as well, but we're talking about beginners and they want a "zoom".

My budget is $1000. What should I get?

D3000 + Kit Lens + 35 f/1.8. Got it in there this time!

My budget is $1500. What should I get?

D90 + 18-70 (if possible) or 18-105 as kit lens. I believe there's room in there for a 35 f/1.8 as well! If not, then the 50 f/1.8 is a solid choice.

My budget is $2000. What should I get?

D90 + 18-70 + 35 f/1.8 + SB600. Got the kit lens, got the low-light option, got the flash in there.

These budgets are for complete newbies to photography.

If someone actually knows what they're doing, then the $2000 budget changes to D300 + 18-70 (or another kit lens in that 18-xxx range) and a 50 f/1.8 and SB600.

I say go for the kit lens first out because Nikon's kit lenses are good to excellent for the price range (not quite f/2.8 glass quality, but very nice for the money). Then the second thing to add is a low-light option. Which is either the 35 or the 50/1.8. The lower end bodies cannot take the 50/1.8 so the 35 is the choice there. Then I say add flash because indoors, flash makes a nice difference.

Avi B wrote:

My budget is $750. What should I get?

D3000 + Kit Lens. I'd say the 35 f/1.8 as well, but we're talking about beginners and they want a "zoom".

My budget is $1000. What should I get?

D3000 + Kit Lens + 35 f/1.8. Got it in there this time!

My budget is $1500. What should I get?

D90 + 18-70 (if possible) or 18-105 as kit lens. I believe there's room in there for a 35 f/1.8 as well! If not, then the 50 f/1.8 is a solid choice.

My budget is $2000. What should I get?

D90 + 18-70 + 35 f/1.8 + SB600. Got the kit lens, got the low-light option, got the flash in there.

These budgets are for complete newbies to photography.

If someone actually knows what they're doing, then the $2000 budget changes to D300 + 18-70 (or another kit lens in that 18-xxx range) and a 50 f/1.8 and SB600.

I say go for the kit lens first out because Nikon's kit lenses are good to excellent for the price range (not quite f/2.8 glass quality, but very nice for the money). Then the second thing to add is a low-light option. Which is either the 35 or the 50/1.8. The lower end bodies cannot take the 50/1.8 so the 35 is the choice there. Then I say add flash because indoors, flash makes a nice difference.



Hi Avi,

Thanks for the complete suggestions. Very helpful.

I notice you mention that the 50/1.8 will NOT work on the lower end bodies. I was NOT aware of that. Thanks for pointing that out to me.

On Canon bodies, the lower end bodies can take the 50mm f1.8 or 50mm f1.4 lenses, so I did not expect there to be a restriction in Nikon gear.

If you or someone else has a moment, could you give me (the newbie) a very brief reason why that lens does not fit the lower bodies (just so I know and to satisfy the curiosity).

Thanks again.

I knew you guys would have some favorites to recommend.

Okay, well, the 50 f/1.8 will mount and meter. But will not AF on the lower-end bodies due to the fact that the lower-end bodies do not have focus motors inside. Now, to a newbie, that means "not working"

I did a Canon To Nikon FAQ thread. Please search for it. May be helpful. I don't have a link offhand.

Steady Hand wrote:
Avi B wrote:

My budget is $750. What should I get?

D3000 + Kit Lens. I'd say the 35 f/1.8 as well, but we're talking about beginners and they want a "zoom".

My budget is $1000. What should I get?

D3000 + Kit Lens + 35 f/1.8. Got it in there this time!

My budget is $1500. What should I get?

D90 + 18-70 (if possible) or 18-105 as kit lens. I believe there's room in there for a 35 f/1.8 as well! If not, then the 50 f/1.8 is a solid choice.

My budget is $2000. What should I get?

D90 + 18-70 + 35 f/1.8 + SB600. Got the kit lens, got the low-light option, got the flash in there.

These budgets are for complete newbies to photography.

If someone actually knows what they're doing, then the $2000 budget changes to D300 + 18-70 (or another kit lens in that 18-xxx range) and a 50 f/1.8 and SB600.

I say go for the kit lens first out because Nikon's kit lenses are good to excellent for the price range (not quite f/2.8 glass quality, but very nice for the money). Then the second thing to add is a low-light option. Which is either the 35 or the 50/1.8. The lower end bodies cannot take the 50/1.8 so the 35 is the choice there. Then I say add flash because indoors, flash makes a nice difference.



Hi Avi,

Thanks for the complete suggestions. Very helpful.

I notice you mention that the 50/1.8 will NOT work on the lower end bodies. I was NOT aware of that. Thanks for pointing that out to me.

On Canon bodies, the lower end bodies can take the 50mm f1.8 or 50mm f1.4 lenses, so I did not expect there to be a restriction in Nikon gear.

If you or someone else has a moment, could you give me (the newbie) a very brief reason why that lens does not fit the lower bodies (just so I know and to satisfy the curiosity).

Thanks again.

I knew you guys would have some favorites to recommend.


Any Nikon lens that's af and only say's af or af-d will not auto focus with the D40/40x/60 5000. They need af-s or lenses with focus motors in them to focus. There is no screwdrive motor in the body.

The 35 1.8 is an af-s as well as the new 50 1.5 af-s, the 50 1.8d and 50 1.4d will not focus. As well as tons of other older lenses. These primarily will be of little interest to beginners with small budgets accept for the 50 1.8d, that's the one that the would like to use but can't. The other's all have newer cheap alternatives for beginners for the most part. I would nix the 18-70 recommendation and add the 18-55 vr or 18-105vr instead. While optically better some people find the 18-70, a newer shooter will apriciate the vr more than a little more edge to edge sharpness.

Avi B wrote:

D3000 + Kit Lens. I'd say the 35 f/1.8 as well, but we're talking about beginners and they want a "zoom".



I'm reminded of a buddy of mine who I handed my D60+35DX to at my daughter's piano recital (I had been volunteered to play a duet with my daughter and asked him to snap some pictures for me). He had handled my D700 with 35-70 2.8D before and had been duly impressed, so I asked him later how the D60 felt.

He wrinkled his nose, as one does when something stinks. "No zoom! WHY couldn't I zoom?"

Any beginner's kit should include a 18-105VR and a 35/1.8AFS. The body is simply adjusted to correct for the budget. Anything else is redundant until the n00b figures out what they need.

)


Any Nikon lens that's af and only say's af or af-d will not auto focus with the D40/40x/60 5000. They need af-s or lenses with focus motors in them to focus. There is no screwdrive motor in the body.

The 35 1.8 is an af-s as well as the new 50 1.5 af-s, the 50 1.8d and 50 1.4d will not focus. As well as tons of other older lenses. These primarily will be of little interest to beginners with small budgets accept for the 50 1.8d, that's the one that the would like to use but can't. The other's all have newer cheap alternatives for beginners for the most part. I would nix the 18-70 recommendation and add the 18-55 vr or 18-105vr instead. While optically better some people find the 18-70, a newer shooter will apriciate the vr more than a little more edge to edge sharpness.

Thanks!

I will use that explanation. You made it clear to me. Now I will try...try...to make it as clear as possible to others.

Thank you for the details and writing to this Newbs level.

SAng wrote:
Avi B wrote:

D3000 + Kit Lens. I'd say the 35 f/1.8 as well, but we're talking about beginners and they want a "zoom".



I'm reminded of a buddy of mine who I handed my D60+35DX to at my daughter's piano recital (I had been volunteered to play a duet with my daughter and asked him to snap some pictures for me). He had handled my D700 with 35-70 2.8D before and had been duly impressed, so I asked him later how the D60 felt.

He wrinkled his nose, as one does when something stinks. "No zoom! WHY couldn't I zoom?"

I have had a very similar experience. Thanks for sharing yours.

panos.v wrote:
Any beginner's kit should include a 18-105VR and a 35/1.8AFS. The body is simply adjusted to correct for the budget. Anything else is redundant until the n00b figures out what they need.

Hi Panos,

OK. I will check into those too.

Thanks for your opinion.

Hi Steady, its good to hear that you've also considered Nikon for your wish list.

Welcome to the Dark Side

PeeWee29 wrote:
Hi Steady, its good to hear that you've also considered Nikon for your wish list.

Welcome to the Dark Side




Hey PW.

It is really up to Santa.

Thanks for the welcome.

D3000 + 18-105mm VR

D3000 + 18-105mm VR + 35mm f/1.8

D3000 + 18-105mm VR + 35mm f/1.8 + SB-400 (or 600)

Gaylon Holmes wrote:
D3000 + 18-105mm VR + 35mm f/1.8 + SB-400 (or 600)

i'm a noob, and this is the setup i have, sans the 18-105... i'm currently using the kit lens, but plan on switching out to the 18-105mm once i'm able to sell the 18-55.

eventually i'd probably trade up for the 18-200mm vr, and be done with it... that is, until i get to the point where i actually will benefit from a better setup (which might be never!).

another route is the d5000, which incorporates live view and HD video... people recommended this to me, but felt like i was paying extra for bells and whistles that really have nothing to do with understanding photography (ie, live view and had video!).

just a noob's perspective!

oh and fyi, $530 for d3000 kit, $430 for d3000 body only... i think it's worth going with the kit lens and snapping shots for a while. and then while you're getting familiarized with the setup, you can decide what other lens/lens combo might be better for you. i'd imagine that you could get more than $100 for the kit lens, so you're not losing any money going that route.

at least, that's what i'm doing, and it's working out well so far!

For 1000 bucks I'd go with a D90 and 50 f/1.8 AF-D.
In fact that's what I went with about 9 months ago to get back in to photograph to upgrade from my d100 and crappy old tamron lens and now i'm up to a d700


For 1500 I'd go with a D90 + 35 f/1.8 and a moderately priced tripod, I think for the 400 dollar range you could get a rather good quality heavy tripod.

I think that the d90 is the lowest a starter should go if they are interested in primes because you can really get some good deals on AF-D primes that don't work with any of the lower models.