The ultimate beginner kit?

[DonSchap]

Are you tired of hearing: “You have a nice DSLR camera, but that lens on the front of your camera is complete junk.” Yeah, I hate the idea of you hearing that, too. LOL

Well, here is a suggested Christmas lens layout that will offer you really nice options, decent images and a terrific jump on other layouts. It is perfect for that “in your face” argument you will probably have with other manufacturer’s kits, during the holiday season.

The suggested layout would be three lenses, with the third one truly optional.

All-in-one lens: TAMRON AF 18-250mm f/3.5-6.3 XR Di-II LD Aspherical (IF)
Routine daylight images and works well with the HVL-F42AM flash unit

MACRO lens : TAMRON SP AF 60mm f/2 Di-II LD (IF) 1:1 MACRO
Low-light, indoor images and true MACRO capability.

UWA lens: TAMRON SP AF 10-24mm f/3.5-4.5 Di-II LD Aspherical (IF)
Wide angle, group shots and architectural imaging. Best focal range of the class.

Remember that TAMRON lenses come with a 6-year Manufacturer warranty.

Flash: SONY HVL-F42AM
Basic electronic flash capability for most needs.

Click on the links, put this kit together and try it out. It should be a very good arrangement, under most circumstances. From here, you build.

A DSLR is a much more intensive solution to photography, than a P&S camera is, so do not expect immediate "perfect" results, as there is an inherent understanding of light concepts and camera operation that will be required to get yourself in the ballpark. These better lenses will help to make the entire evolution ... well, easier.

[OldClicker]

Sounds like a great set up for about $2500 wit body. I think most of us come into this hobby with an expectation of spending way, way less than that. (I know when I started a little over a year ago, I thought $500 - maybe push it to $600.) Though I could put together a very nice kit for half that with used Minolta lenses, I think that you are right and new buyers should be aware that $2500 is a common first two-year budget for a beginner. - TF

[DonSchap]

I am beginning to think that people are really wasting time looking for USED Minolta glass, these days. Most of it is in use and bought up. There really is not much of a selection out there, anymore .. and if you want to get right to "solid" image taking, buy a new digital lens for your DSLR, get that warranty ... and get out and snap it up. You use glass RIGHT NOW ... not when you plan on ever getting it. Most images will not wait. They happen RIGHT NOW.

Class ... when do you need to have your proper lens ready?

Yeah, RIGHT NOW!

Go get 'em!