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Nikon D90

B

babybanana

macrumors member
Original poster
Aug 8, 2010
60
0
UK
Hello.

I am thinking of buying a used Nikon D90 soon for £400. However that's just body only. I have the memory card ready and I just need to purchase the lens, and the bags for it separately just to get me going for now.

Right, I suppose a few questions I want to ask you guys is

a) What lens shall I be looking at? Or shall I buy the D90 new with 18-105mm for £670 which maybe cheaper? =/

b) Will this be okay for long term investment ? The current camera I'm using now is Pentax S7 which I had for about 5 years now roughly and I doubt I'll buy a new SLR body in the future and just invest in the lens to be honest, Unless you guys can recommend me a camera?

I tend to do lanscape or macro photography mainly rather than anything else. I don't mind about loud shutter noise or video function. I think I've only taken 3 videos since getting that camera. My budget is was £500 but my parents says that if it costs extra for the camera I want and that I won't get bored of it after a while then they'll put some money towards it. I think I'm looking towards £700 max really.

Thanks in advance.
 
Is this going to be your first DSLR?

I think if you really want that lens and no other will do, see if your parents are able to stretch to the brand new kit.

But you're looking at a really capable body though, if it was me, I'd get it with a kit lens like the regular 18-55 and a copy of Aperture (if you have a Mac, I'm saying Aperture because you could probably keep those parts all down below £500).

The lenses should last you for decades as long as you keep them cared for and you don't need to have the exact lens you want straight off. You'll be able to save for a new lens or ask family if they could perhaps chip in for it later.

Also, just because you're getting Nikon, doesn't mean you have to be restricted to their lenses, you can get Tamron and Sigma lenses for good prices too.
 
steviem said:
Is this going to be your first DSLR?

I think if you really want that lens and no other will do, see if your parents are able to stretch to the brand new kit.

But you're looking at a really capable body though, if it was me, I'd get it with a kit lens like the regular 18-55 and a copy of Aperture (if you have a Mac, I'm saying Aperture because you could probably keep those parts all down below £500).

The lenses should last you for decades as long as you keep them cared for and you don't need to have the exact lens you want straight off. You'll be able to save for a new lens or ask family if they could perhaps chip in for it later.

Also, just because you're getting Nikon, doesn't mean you have to be restricted to their lenses, you can get Tamron and Sigma lenses for good prices too.
Click to expand...

Thanks for that. Yes it's going to be my first SLR. Parents are willing to stretch to whatever as I never ask for much usually anyways and I'm the kind of person who would prefer to save the money and buy things myself etc.

I know about Tamron and Sigma lens too, I've been looking at those as well. I wasn't sure if 18-55 would be enough and that I might need a new lens in the near future. I forgot to mention, I'm also going on Holiday visiting Hong Kong, China area and before going I'll be playing around with the camera to make sure by the time I go on holiday I'll get the best shots etc.

I'm not sure what Aperture is, as I don't have a Mac is it a photo editing software if so I'm pretty good on photoshop and I'm not expecting to edit my photo too much using those programs as I prefer to take the picture and show it off as it is.
 
I would recommend the Nikon 18-200mm VR. It has a great range and can do the work of two or three lenes. Its a little pricey but you may be able to find a good used deal somewhere.
 
You will be fine with the D90 for many years. I personally wouldn't think of a camera/lens as an "investment" as it will not increase in price like a nice painting.

My personal choice in kit lenses would be 18-70mm and 70-300mm.
 
I think in general a slightly older upper-level body is a better investment than a modern entry-level. I got a 40D recently (for not much more than what I paid for my first DSLR, a 1000D) and I'm loving it so far. Only thing I could see a modern entry-level would bring me is more megapixels.

Macro and landscapes are pretty different areas though, and not that likely to share suitable lenses. What I would do is to try first with the 18-55 for landscapes (plus tripod), then couple it with macro extension rings for macro work.
 
The D90 is a great camera however as you mentioned you are going on a trip the 18-55 will be to limiting, as someone suggested, the 18-200 is a great lens for the range it covers, however its not cheap. An alternative might be to go with the 18-55 and and the 55-200, in these two lenses you have a very large range that should suit your needs for the next while.
 
Thanks all for your reply. I will invest in getting the D90 with 18-55 kit lens and see about getting the 55-200 lens :)

Also joepunk, I didn't mean long term investment as in the money wise more as hopefully I shouldn't have any problem with the camera failing on me for any reasons and I need it send it back to Nikon for fixing.

I saw the D40 but I know I shouldn't think about mega pixels so much, but with 6mp I'm kind of looking for something more than the current point and shoot I have with 7mp. I think I've kind of have my heart set on the D90 now.
 
babybanana said:
Thanks for that. Yes it's going to be my first SLR. Parents are willing to stretch to whatever as I never ask for much usually anyways and I'm the kind of person who would prefer to save the money and buy things myself etc.

I know about Tamron and Sigma lens too, I've been looking at those as well. I wasn't sure if 18-55 would be enough and that I might need a new lens in the near future. I forgot to mention, I'm also going on Holiday visiting Hong Kong, China area and before going I'll be playing around with the camera to make sure by the time I go on holiday I'll get the best shots etc.

I'm not sure what Aperture is, as I don't have a Mac is it a photo editing software if so I'm pretty good on photoshop and I'm not expecting to edit my photo too much using those programs as I prefer to take the picture and show it off as it is.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I don't really touch my photos in Aperture, you can retouch them and apply effects if you want, but it's mainly for cataloging photos. Kind of like Adobe Lightroom. When I first started out with my Sony, I used it to make smart albums based on a few focal lengths and decide what I wanted to have better, After my niece was born, it was clear that the lens I needed was a 50mm with a big aperture... It is also a lot more useful than those few things - along with Lightroom (just Lightroom is 3 or 4 times the price).

I really like using the far end of my 55-200 in street photography, something I'll be doing a lot more of when I move to NY, as it has a nice reach on it for getting fairly candid photos of people. My 50mm lens is great for getting portraits and is awesome in low light.

You sound like you have your head screwed on in terms of your parents, that's how I was. :)

The 18-200 would be a good option though.
 
babybanana said:
Thanks all for your reply. I will invest in getting the D90 with 18-55 kit lens and see about getting the 55-200 lens :)

Also joepunk, I didn't mean long term investment as in the money wise more as hopefully I shouldn't have any problem with the camera failing on me for any reasons and I need it send it back to Nikon for fixing.

I saw the D40 but I know I shouldn't think about mega pixels so much, but with 6mp I'm kind of looking for something more than the current point and shoot I have with 7mp. I think I've kind of have my heart set on the D90 now.
Click to expand...

I understood what you meant. A D90 at a very good price point would be a decent "investment" in long term usage. My written remark is just one of those things that I like to say once a year or so. Something similar to when I tell a friend that they should quite smoking. I only say it once with a sincere and concerned look/tone and I don't bug them anymore.

I have a D50 and am longing for better low light performance. D7000 here I come.

I completely forgot about the 55-200.
 
babybanana said:
I tend to do lanscape or macro photography mainly rather than anything else.
Click to expand...

You can use almost anything with a tripod for landscapes, and add in AutoPano Pro if you want to stitch. Macro is a different beast- insects or static subjects? The Tamron 90mm SP Di is a great choice as is the Nikon 105mm, consider the Sigma 150mm macro if you need the working distance.

Paul
 
compuwar said:
You can use almost anything with a tripod for landscapes, and add in AutoPano Pro if you want to stitch. Macro is a different beast- insects or static subjects? The Tamron 90mm SP Di is a great choice as is the Nikon 105mm, consider the Sigma 150mm macro if you need the working distance.

Paul
Click to expand...

Thanks for the swift reply :)
I tend to do static objects mostly but will occasionally take pictures of the odd insects. But to be honest, I'm not looking for lenses for that until next year when I get some more money. I think that currently I'll be looking lens for landscape for now. Will definitely use pano pro in the future. Been looking at things like that for a while now.
 
First DSLR? Try the D40

The D90 is a great camera. It will last you a very long time, unless you get caught up in getting the latest and greatest.

However, if your just getting into the 'sport' of photography, consider getting a D40. Solid little camera, takes great photos and you can get them used WITH lenses and bag for under £400 (or less). Bodies only can be found for under £200.

As a beginner, you'll get all the functionality you need to start and when/if you do upgrade you will be able to appreciate premium features of a prosumer camera.

If you have the cash (or your parents) a D40 + Nikon 18-200 VR is a good beginner setup. If you decide photography isn't for you, the 18-200 VR will hold its value and can be sold very easily.
 
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