Nancy Klich , Nov 27, 2009; 05:20 p.m.
I want to build the best Nikon digital slr system I can for $2500, including a variety of lenses, lights, tripods, etc.. I have researched a bit on the NikonUSA site and read a bit about a basic, but versitle, system, but need more personalized advice.
I came from the old days of film and had a Nikon with wide angle to 500mm lenses but no longer have any of that equipment. Any suggestions for digital camera and lenses would be helpful - I want the best quality for serious amateur shutterbugging - I'd like to take macro, portrait, landscape photos. I don't need or want any video or movie capabilities, but I do want the best quality photos so will take the video if needed. Also will consider buying reconditioned or brand new, so ideas in the "you might be able to get this camera (lens)" used will also help.
Thanks,
Michael Alger , Nov 27, 2009; 06:19 p.m.
That sounds to me like the beginning of a serious NAS. So, face it, get a D700 right away and while saving for the first lens, shoot with your love's P&S...
:-)
Actually, why not, a 50/1.8 with it and off you go.
Mark L , Nov 27, 2009; 06:25 p.m.
Zooms or primes? Do you need fast lenses? VR?
To keep the keep the cost down I would seriously look at a number of manual focus lenses to cover macro and landscape - there is no reason for af in these situations. This just leaves you with af portrait lenses to buy meaning you can put more money into getting the best body you can - this is the most cost effective way to the best quality. If you are happy to stitch your wide landscapes you can eliminate wides angles too (or at least until you really want them).
If you do want more AF on a budget without compromising quality buy a 35-70 f/2.8. they are 250ish on the auction site and very sharp well made pro lenses.
You are going to struggle with this budget if you need to included flash(s) and a good tripod + head.
Tommy Lee , Nov 27, 2009; 06:28 p.m.
Nikon D90 $810
Tamron 90/2.8 macro $400
Nikon 50/1.8 $120
Nikon 17-55/2.8 $1350
Yes, it is a bit over $2500. Yes, it doesn't even have a tripod. $2500 just doesn't carry too far with good DSLR gear. May be if you spend the money in one place, you can get the sale person to throw in a flash card plus a bag. Look at the bright side, the D90 has a built-in flash :-)
Shun Cheung 
, Nov 27, 2009; 06:30 p.m.
When your overall budget is $2500, that pretty much means you should get a D90 body, which has the video capability you of course don't need to use. That is about $800. We need to clarify exactly what
a variety of lenses, lights, tripods, etc.. a variety of lenses, lights, tripods, etc..
means. To cover macro, landscape, and portrait, you might consider the new 85mm DX macro lens and some 10-24 or 12-24 type wide angle. Add a 50mm/f1.8 or 35mm/f1.8 and you are pretty well covered.
There is no point to bring up the D700; that body alone is going to eat up the OP's entire budget.
Keith Carr 
, Nov 27, 2009; 06:38 p.m.
Just not enough money for today's inflated prices. Will have to shop around and find good used stuff and even then it's going to be hard to do.
Mark L , Nov 27, 2009; 06:39 p.m.
For the best possible quality (semi-pro body and pro lenses) on that budget inc. tripod and 1 flash:
All used:
D300
35-70mm f/2.8
SB800
24mm f/2.8 AIS
60mm macro AIS
Manfrotto 3021 legs and ballhead
May come in a bit over.
Mark Evans , Nov 27, 2009; 06:40 p.m.
with your budget i would sugest a D300 with two Sb800 strobes and a decent tripod. Then a 50m f1.8. A Sigma 10-20 (you dont need the new version) Maybe a 200mm f4 ais (got mine for £16 a few months ago) A 35 and an 85 mm AI (loads to choose from ) Why not grab a 135mm too. So cheap ATM if you look around. A background support and some muslin to start you off. Photosel have some good prices. Not top quality, but will do to start with. A generic remote release. Spare battery and CF card.
This sholud do you for starters. Ok you are missing some range , but you dont have a huge budget. You might want to include an 18-200 vr in there somewhere. Despite what some people say, it is possible to take quality pictures with this lens and it is just SO useful a range.
Mihai Ciuca , Nov 27, 2009; 06:54 p.m.
Hey Nancy,
Welcome back in our world! It is hard to tell you what to do with your money... you have to spend some time to see what the market is offering because you are already familiar with camera and lens specs from your slr time.
But if I'll be in your situation I'll buy a new D90 camera (I know that many people will advice to go for and older used camera but this is my option) and with the money left in the budget I'll buy several new and used prime since you are familiar with such of glass.
In my wish list would be: Sigma 20mm f/1.8; Sigma 30mm f/1.4 or Nikon 35mm f/1.8; Nikon 50mm f/1.2 AI or f/1.4 G or the excelent Sigma 50 f/1.4; Nikon 85 f/1.8 and so on...
Of course that you cannot purchase all of them from your budget but it's enough to pick what focals are more appropriate with your needs and shooting style. You can go cheaper purchasing some old stuff, manual lenses, that are available sometime at good price but check first if those have a good reputation for digital cameras.
Another options is to buy a wide prime and a 50mm and then a 80-200mm zoom that is a very good and versatile lens and you cand find good used copies.
Make sure when you pick your lens to read some reviews in advance... Some good information you can find here http://photozone.de/Reviews/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests and here http://www.pbase.com/marcoraugei/nikonlenses
What is important is to start somewhere and start with a good camera and with good glass. In future you'll find possibilities to expand your stuff but make sure you don't make any compromise in quality when aquiring the initial equipment. Good luck!
Enrique R. , Nov 27, 2009; 07:22 p.m.
D90 Body $810.00
18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DX $185.00
55-200mm f/4-5.6 DX VR $150.00 (refurb)
50mm f/1.8 $125.00
105mm f/2.8 VR Micro $800 (reburb)
SB-600 flash $219.00
Total $2289.00
All current prices at Adorama & leaves you $211.00 for tripod & filters
