Best D80 lens for portrait (of friends) and/or nature scenes?

[nsjong]

To tell you the truth, I couldn't find the introduction forums. ._.
I'll be purchasing a D80 body soon ($1200 CDN locally) and I would like to pair it up with a nice lens or 2 so that I can start taking pics right away.

I'm new to photography so please bear with me. Thanks. :blush2:

[another view]

Hi and welcome - check out the Welcome thread in Viewfinder.

I hate to recommend a lens I haven't personally used, but it sounds like the Nikon 18-70 would be a good choice for you.

[nsjong]

Hmm, I guess it would be a nice lens to start out with, right?
Start with something small.

Thanks for the recommendation. I think it'll be my starting lens.

[ravenmore]

If you can afford a little extra maybe the 18mm to 135mm might be a really good choice? I think its about $350 US....

[Speed]

Anotherview beat me to it again! The 18-70 would make a great all around lens. Depending on your budget, add a 70-300mm as well. Those two lenses should cover about 98% of your shooting needs.

[nsjong]

Anotherview beat me to it again! The 18-70 would make a great all around lens. Depending on your budget, add a 70-300mm as well. Those two lenses should cover about 98% of your shooting needs.

Sounds good.
Better get myself a camera case as well to lug all this in. ;)

[starriderrick]

I love my D80.Good choice. You'll also want a 50mm Prime in that gear bag. I'll rec. this gem of a lense. The $90.00 Nikkor AF 1.8 D. Razor sharp.

[myg126]

hi bro
y not also chk out the tamron 17-50 2.8?? its also a damn good lens n i wud recommend ti over the 18 70 nikkor for ur basic shoots! then u have the 70-300VR..dat shud b it! i have the 17-50 n its damn sharp than the nikon n it focusses quicker too. 2.8 makes a real nice deal n@ 650$ i guess..chk out d prices..

[photophorous]

I have the 18-70 Nikkor, and I recommend it highly. For the money, it is a fantastic lens. However, if I was looking for a new general purpose lens, I would look very closely at the Tamron 17-50 f2.8 that myg126 suggested. I've read a lot of good things about that lens, and it's not that much more expensive.

I also have the Nikkor 50mm f1.8. At the price, it's a no brainer. You should definitely pick one of these up when you can.

Paul

[Speed]

The Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 is the next lens I plan to purchase.

It's $449 at B&H.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...goryNavigation

The reason I'm getting it instead of the Nikon 18-70mm is for the f2.8. I need the wide angle (my 28-70mm f2.8 is essentially a 42-105mm on my D200) and I like fast lenses. They are a real boon when shooting in low light and night situations. For a starter lens, or those on a budget, the 18-70 is $110 cheaper, and has a wider range.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/cont...ughType=search

[nsjong]

I think I'll start out with the 18-70mm and see where it goes after.

I mean, I haven't even bought the camera yet! But being overly prepared is nice.

[MJS]

I'm waiting on the Tokina 16-50/2.8 ATX PRO. If it's as good as my 100, 28-70 and 80-200 f/2.8's, I'll be very pleased.

[rickus]

sorry to but in on you,re thread nsjong, but I was almost set on the D80 as my first digi SLR ,I,ve got a good canon p&s ,but then I read an article rubishing the D80 and going for the dearer canon 30D... But I would sooner here from users with no axe to grind....

D80? good camera,,,landscape and wild life my favs....Rick:mad2:

[nsjong]

sorry to but in on you,re thread nsjong, but I was almost set on the D80 as my first digi SLR ,I,ve got a good canon p&s ,but then I read an article rubishing the D80 and going for the dearer canon 30D... But I would sooner here from users with no axe to grind....

D80? good camera,,,landscape and wild life my favs....Rick:mad2:

I've been thinking about the 30D as well.
I've decided to change my options to the cheaper 18-55mm lens but those are rather hard to come by seperately when buying a D80.

Anyone with experience of both cameras care to join in? I would prefer long battery hours, not putting so much effort in keeping dust and debris out, etc.

[starriderrick]

The D80 is a great camera For landscape, portrait-> D80
For sports action photography-> 30D
It's like that...

b.t.w. go to amazon dot com and read the reviews on the D80...There are over 100 + postings about the Nikon D80.

Rick

[sdodd]

I am new to the SLR community. I purchased a D80 last month. I have been taking pictures inside a gynasium and love the quality I am getting. This camera is very easy to operate and read. Nikon also offers classes to go along with the Nikon D80, however I haven't had a chance to join them. I went with the 18-135 lens to start with and love it.