First Nikon DSLR and Lens
Recently, I have been asked by my readers to suggest what Nikon DLSR camera and lens to get for someone who is switching over from a point and shoot camera. Since I spent a considerable amount of time responding to the emails, I decided to write a quick post on what DSLR and lenses I suggest to buy.
1) For a budget below $1,000 USD, I recommend buying the Nikon D5000 camera with the Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX lens. The Nikon D5000 DSLR has exactly the same sensor as the Nikon D90 semi-professional camera, so the image quality on this camera is simply outstanding. The Nikon 35mm f/1.8 AF-S DX lens is a very inexpensive (only $200), sharp lens that will deliver much better results than a slow consumer zoom lens. For those who really need the flexibility to zoom and be able to shoot wider, the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-f/5.6 VR lens (about $180) would be a good backup to the 35mm f/1.8.
2) For a budget above $1,000 and between $1,500 USD, I recommend buying the Nikon D90 camera with the Nikon 50mm f/1.4G AF-S lens. Although both the Nikon D90 and the Nikon D5000 share the same sensor, the Nikon D90 is more versatile than the Nikon D5000 - it can command external flashes, has a bigger viewfinder and LCD and works with older lenses that do not have an autofocus motor (see a full comparison between Nikon D5000 and D90). The Nikon 50mm f/1.4 AF-S lens is outstanding - it is by far my most favorite lens that I personally use more than any other lens (my wife uses it for her food photography as well). It is a lightweight and a super sharp lens that is capable of producing images with a very pleasing bokeh. If the new 50mm f/1.4 is a financial stretch, get the older Nikon 50mm f/1.4D or the Nikon 50mm f/1.8D - they also perform quite well. My only complaint with the older 50mm lenses is the heptagon diaphragm in the bokeh, which might not look very pleasing to the eye. Warning: these older "D" lenses will NOT work on cameras without a focus motor (Nikon D3000/D5000). The other problem with 50mm lenses is that they might be a little too long for everyday photography. They are great portrait lenses, but if you need to capture a wider area, you might want to get a different lens such as the Nikon 18-55mm f/3.5-f/5.6 VR.
Lenses with fixed focal lengths are called "prime" lenses, while variable focal length lenses are called "zoom" lenses. Why do I recommend a prime lens over a zoom lens? Because prime lenses are cheaper, lighter, sharper, faster (in low-light conditions), more resistant to dust and are generally less prone to optical distortions. Prime lenses are simpler to make than zoom lenses, which is why they are so much smaller and lighter than zoom lenses.
What about the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-f/5.6 VRII lens? Another reader asked me if he should get the Nikon 18-200mm as the first lens for his camera, because everyone keeps telling him it is a very good lens. My response to him, was not to fall into another Ken Rockwell "this lens is the best in the world" trap. While the Nikon 18-200mm might sound like a "Jack of all trades", you cannot even compare it to a prime lens such as the Nikon 50mm f/1.4. It is slow, not as sharp, has distortion and other optical issues at higher focal lengths. I, too, used to have this lens and I ended up selling it, because it was not good enough when compared to even some of the worst prime lenses. The bokeh on 18-200mm is disappointing, to say the least.
I highly recommend reading one of my articles on how to buy a DSLR and this post on first Nikon lens that I wrote a while ago.
Hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments section below.
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01/03/2010 - 09:54
Great post… as one of your write-in readers… I can say that after renting the 50mm to check it out on my nikon d80… it was a winner… now to buy it!!! Thanks for all the great info.
01/03/2010 - 13:21
Deana, thank you for your feedback! Like I said before, once you try out the 50mm lens, you will want to keep it on your camera for good :) It almost stays glued to my Nikon D300.
01/03/2010 - 12:24
hmm =) I think that D90 with kit lense Nikkor 18-105 VR – is better choise for people who just started make a photo.
18-105 is sharp, quick and make good shoots when a light is enought. anyway usually apperture higher than 1.4 or 2.8 when you shoot landscapes, city and etc.
50mm f/1.4 f/1.8, 85mm f/1.4 f/1.8, 105mm f/2.8 is portrait lenses (85mm and 105mm is too expensive)
So, for budget $1000 – $1500 i suppose d90 + kit lense + 70-300mm for first time. and when photographer deŃide, what kind of photo preferable for him, he can make clever choise =)
Sorry for bad english =) Hope u understend me =)
01/03/2010 - 13:48
Medvezhutka, thanks for posting in English, you are making lots of progress bro! :) Getting ready for your trip in March? :)
As for kit lenses, I would only get them if I’m getting a killer deal, where the kit lens is coming almost free of charge or at a great price. Even then, I would carefully evaluate the price difference and think twice before buying it. Is the 18-105mm VR worth the $400? I personally think that it is not. I would much rather get the 35mm f/1.8 and the 18-55mm VR, than have one “more versatile” lens. With these two lenses, I can shoot in low light conditions and can capture landscapes and other scenes where a wide-angle lens is needed.
And I wouldn’t necessarily call the 35mm f/1.8 or the 50mm f/1.4/1.8 just portrait lenses. I use my 50mm for food photography, panoramas and other types of photography where a beautiful bokeh is important.
Forget about good bokeh with kit zoom lenses – they are not designed optically to produce pleasant background blur.
For wildlife photography and other work where longer focal lengths are required, the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-f/5.6 VR lens is without a doubt, a great choice.
01/03/2010 - 22:01
haha thanx =) i try to do ma best =)))
May be you right about 35 and 50 mm lenses, but using that lenses in roadtrip or city walking is so complicated (imho). Fix lenses good for shoots with some preparation like a studio work, lightbox, landscape (when you choise shootpoint and time).
actually i bought 18-135 lense for $270 that much better than 18-55 (without VR).
I repeat again, i said only about camera kit for $1000-$1500 budget and for ppl who do not have expirience.
01/03/2010 - 14:31
You’ve given a very nice review about Nikon cameras and lenses. Could you make the same kind of review of canon cameras and lenses? I mean, i know you’re using Nikon camera and can give more information about cameras of this brand, however maybe you could do smth like this?
01/03/2010 - 16:14
Tair, let me consult with my Canon gurus first, then I will write another post about Canon DSLRs and lenses :)
01/04/2010 - 01:50
ok, thank you in advance) the thing is that having 18-200 canon Kit lense im not really satisfied whit the sharpness of images, although it’s very convinient because of a wide range from wide to telephoto, there are some problems. I’ve ordered 50mm lens which is coming in couple days, however im not sure that 50mm will be enough. Besides i don’t really know what kind of lenses are better Canon or Sigma ..it’s another problem in chosing lenses. thnx.
01/03/2010 - 17:07
It’s ridiculous those mentioned lenses above are so expensive in the UK and my 18-55vr sucks :( it’s totally blind. Funny thing is i think my lens needs a lens (or glasses)
01/03/2010 - 23:36
Why does your 18-55mm VR suck? Is it defective? If it is, then you should send it back to Nikon for repair. When you say “totally blind”, I would love to hear what it actually means, along with some image samples, if possible.
And the above lenses are some of the cheapest (the 35mm f/1.8 or the 50mm f/1.8) lenses in the market today. The 50mm f/1.8 is the cheapest Nikon lens period.
Remember, it’s the photographer that takes great pictures, not the camera or the lens.
01/04/2010 - 09:12
I think you would be better off going with a 35mm lens for a cropped sensor camera. I think that 50mm is too long for standard use unless you have a full frame camera like the D700. Especially if you are considering getting it as your only lens. 35mm on a cropped sensor camera is the equivalent of 50mm in 35mm terms. I have the 35mm f1.8 dx and its sharpness is excellent. The only issue with it is some bad fringing when used at 1.8. But otherwise an excellent lens.
01/04/2010 - 11:01
Thomas, thanks so much for your feedback! I agree, the 35mm f/1.8 is ideal on a DX body. It’s not too long or too short and the price is also very attractive.
I will be posting a comparison between 35mm f/1.8 and 50mm f/1.4G/1.4D very soon.
01/04/2010 - 20:51
How do you feel about the Nikon D40? That is what I have been using and really like it. I know there is probably better but they aren’t in my price range right now!
01/04/2010 - 22:47
April, the Nikon D40 is also a great camera, but it has been discontinued. It was first replaced by Nikon D60, then by Nikon D3000.
01/06/2010 - 17:18
I am about to buy a Nikon D90 and it is my first DSLR camera. I will definately buy the 50mm f/1.4. I definately want a telephoto lens as well. I can’t deceide between the Nikkor 18-200 VR II and the 55-200 VR. I am aiming towards the 18-200, but the cost is obviously much more. I am also trying to not change lenses when I could need both and feel that the 18-200 would allow for that. However, I also don’t want to spend the extra money if I don’t have to.
What are your thoughs? Or is there another lens I should be considering for what I want
01/06/2010 - 21:42
Kim, thanks for visiting us. The Nikon D90 is surely a great camera and you’ve made the right choice.
As far as lenses, what is your budget? When you say that you want a telephoto lens, can you tell me what you want to use it for?
01/22/2010 - 15:01
Nasim,
Thanks for all your guidance. I love your website.
After much research, I’ve decided that I’ll buy the D90 as my first DSLR camera. But I need you opinion.
I can get that camera (body only for $790, or a kit that comes with the 18-105 VR lens for $275 more. Regardless of that decision I am also buying the 50mmf/1.4G
What should I do?? Should I go with the kit or use those $275 towards another lens (a zoom maybe) . I have no clue of what I am doing here so I need guidance. I have around $1,500 to start my new hobbie!
By the way, as soon as I get my camera I’ll start photography lessons! =)
01/22/2010 - 17:37
aawad, you are most welcome!
As far as the Nikon D90, you’ve made the right choice. As far as the lens, what are you going to be primarily shooting? The 18-105mm VR will give you a wide range with some telephoto capability, while the 70-300mm VR is great for wildlife, but is useless for landscapes.
If you just need a good lens for the reach, get the 70-300mm VR. If you need to cover the wide side for landscapes, then the 18-105mm VR would be a better choice…
Hope this helps, let me know if you have any other questions.
01/22/2010 - 15:29
Another alternative would be to get a kit that has the D90 and the Nikon 70-300 VR Lens. The lens adds $455 to the price of the body.
Thanks for your input!
01/22/2010 - 17:51
aawad, just like I posted above, if you will be shooting primarily wildlife, then the 70-300mm is a very good choice!
01/22/2010 - 20:18
Thanks for your feedback! One last questionne. Can you think of one lense that might do what those to do? Landscapes and wildlife? Since I am just starting I can not buy the 2, and I am looking for a lense that will work when I go take photography classes, when I go to my son’s socker games, or his horseback riding lessons. Play dates at the park, picnics etc.. To start with I am sure I’ll be mostly taking pictures of my family. I need a lense that can “do a lot” outdoors. Indoors I’ll use the 50mm f/1.4
01/22/2010 - 22:36
aawad, there is a Nikon lens “18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G VR II” that can be used for both landscapes and telephoto, which should also be good enough for family pictures outside. I used to have one and I ended up selling it, because I wasn’t very satisfied with its optical performance. But that’s what you get for having such a large optical range…
02/02/2010 - 14:38
Hi Nasim,
Your write-ups are so useful. i always read them anytime i’m not doing anything here in the office. your site is too organized and relevant.
Hope you could provide more articles and reviews on other gears.
keep it up.
thanks,
02/03/2010 - 00:54
Jetron, thank you for your feedback :) I will continue posting more articles and reviews!
02/08/2010 - 18:49
HI NASIM,
I AM ALMOST DONE WITH MY RESEARCH AND HAVE DECIDED TO GET THE NIKON D300S AS MY FIRST DSLR. I WOULD USE IT MOSTLY FOR HORSE AND SPORTPHOTOGRAPHY AND WOULD LIKE TO GET SOME ADVISE WHAT KIND OF LENSE I SHOULD PURCHASE. I BELIEVE THAT IT SHOULD ALSO COVER SOME DISTANCE, IS THAT ASKED FOR TOO MUCH FROM A LENSE?
02/09/2010 - 00:29
Waschbaer30, excellent choice, you will love the D300s!
As far as the lens, what is your budget? How far are you going to be standing relative to horses and sport events?
Let me know and I will give you some suggestions.
02/09/2010 - 07:51
Hi Nasim,
My budget is hopefully not exceeding $1000 and the distance is from 15metres to 60metres.
02/09/2010 - 16:16
If you are shooting from that far away, then I would definitely recommend a good telephoto lens. I personally use the Nikon 300mm f/4.0 AF-S lens and love the results, but it is around $1500. You can also use the excellent Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR lens as an alternative and it is currently selling for about $590.
Hope this helps :)
02/13/2010 - 08:47
I just got a Nikkon D5000 2 weeks ago and i am learning my camera, so i am haapy for any suggestiong and reading.
02/14/2010 - 02:39
Happy Cook, thanks for stopping by!
Check out our “Photography Tips for Beginners” page for many tips and articles for beginners :)
02/14/2010 - 02:49
Thankyou for the page link.