Digital SLR cameras

I'm shopping around for an SLR camera and I've narrowed it down to the Nikon D40 or D40X or the Canon Rebel

My question is: some of them come with different lenses. I think they come with no lens, an 18-55 and then a package of the 18-55 and a 55-200. I have no idea which one I "need" - I'm a beginner photographer!

Please help: Which lenses do I "need" and which are a waste of time for a beginner?

TIA

Re: Digital SLR cameras

I think a great lens for a beginner would be the 18-135. That would seem to cover a good range without having to switch between lenses. If you can afford it , the 18-200 is great! I have a 28-80, a 55-200 and a 70-300 - it would be nice to have that range all in one lens, that's why I think the 18-135 would be a great start.

Re: Digital SLR cameras

Posted by chmlengr

I think a great lens for a beginner would be the 18-135. That would seem to cover a good range without having to switch between lenses. If you can afford it , the 18-200 is great! I have a 28-80, a 55-200 and a 70-300 - it would be nice to have that range all in one lens, that's why I think the 18-135 would be a great start.

Re: Digital SLR cameras

I got the Nikon d40 about 2 months ago...LOVE IT! The package I got came with the body, and the 18-55 lens and the 55-200 AF lens.

I LOVE both of these lenses. The 18-55 is more for everyday use, and the 55-200 is great for those up close shots, esp. if you're a distance from the subject.

I say if you can only afford one, definitely get the 18-55. If you can swing both, I would get the 55-200 also, I took some amazing close-up of my DD yesterday with the 55-200.

Had I known before I got the camera about the big lens (18-200), I would have gotten that instead with some extra $, because the practicality of having one lens that does it all would be fabulous and so much more convenient.

Good luck, you can't go wrong!!

ETA: If you go with a package, make sure to get the 55-200 VR lens. The VR is very important for distance shots, helps stabilize them...it's probably about $50 additional for that feature, but it's very worth it. I messed up and got one that didn't have the VR, but was able to exchange it for a VR lens with paying a little extra.

Message edited 7/4/2008 11:35:42 AM.

Re: Digital SLR cameras

I have the D40X

Some websites do sell it with the 18-135 option.

I bought it with the 18-55 lens only. I did not want to keep switching lens with the 55-200 lens.

I wish I had got the 18-135 option.

My next lens will be the 18-200 VR lens.

Re: Digital SLR cameras

You will probably use the 18-155 kit lens more for people pics, etc. If it were me, I would buy that one and try it out for a while. Then if you feel the type of photography you like warrants it, get a longer lens for zoom shots. Just make sure they are compatible with your camera, as not all lenses will fit. You don't need to buy the same brand as your camera either. Tamron makes some inexpensive lenses that are good.

Re: Digital SLR cameras

Thanks for all the info! I'm a little confused about the difference between the 18-135 and the 18-200.

Is the 18-200 a lens that does it all? If so, would it be a better option than the 18-135 or the 18-55?

Sorry for all the questions!

Re: Digital SLR cameras

Re: Digital SLR cameras