Nikon SLR Cameras

Buy a Nikon d5000 body and buy lenses separately?

carterm48
carterm48

I'm looking at buying a nikon d5000. I'm mostly keen on a nikkor f1.8 35 mm lens to compliment the camera (image quality). The bundled kit lenses seem failrly basic.
Is it better value to do it this way ie, buy the camera body, get a decent 50mm lens and buy a telephoto lens separately? Cheers

Dr. Iblis
Dr. Iblis

No no no no no no no no no. That 18-55mm lens is a standard in all camera arsenals, unless you have another lens that covers that range. That 18-55mm lens will cover 80% of your shooting. Now what you CAN do is buy the body, save the money from the lens, and get yourself the Nikkor 18-200mm VR lens for $785 which will be your telephoto and your wide angle.

whatever you do, make sure you have a lens that goes down to at least the 20's. You will be sorry if you do not.

I Like Lime Candies
I Like Lime Candies

In my opinion I would have done that if I knew better. When I bought my Nikon D3000 with a kit lens, it was okay, but to me, the range wasn't a big deal/difference. A few weeks ago I ended up trading in my kit lens and got the 35mm 1.8. Its a great lens. If you're thinking about doing that, then go ahead.

thephotographer
thephotographer

I don't recommend doing that unless you're 100% sure that architecture, landscape, or wide-angle shots are not the kind of thing you want to shoot. A 35mm or 50mm lens will NOT cover subjects that require wide angle such as the ones I just mentioned.

The ideal combination would be to get the Nikon D5000 WITH the kit 18-55mm lens, and get the 35mm f/1.8 and 55-200mm VR lens. This setup will prove more useful than skipping the kit lens altogether.

keerok
keerok

It is possible to buy the body and lens separately. Yes, if you prefer the 50mm f/1.8, it would be best not to get the kit lens. It may be more expensive in the long run but you are getting much higher quality glass in the process.

suzzan
suzzan

I would suggest you buying the telephoto and 50mm along with the camera that would be a better choice.
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