Which Lens's to start with.

[firedog]

Been researching new digital SLR's and I am leaning towards the Nikon D90 unless someone can convince me otherwise. So what lens's would you start with, was thinking 70-300 for the kids sports and outdoor stuff. Then something  like the 18-55 to at least get things roling and move on form there if needed. Do those sound like a good start or would you recomend others?

Been looking a little more at cameras I like the D90 but also looking at the Canon's? Lot of questions, what are recomendations between the D90 and the rebel T1i? Or is there something better in that range?

[sako223]

there are good cameras in all line currently available.  The Nikon and lenses would be good. Canon has some good ones too with lots of lenses. Look for fit and understanding. I find some fit my hands much better. I also find some far more intuitive.
If you are going to shoot wildlife you will always be lusting for a bigger lens. Look at them and the price first.
Lots of reviews/forums at places like dpreview.

[Wazukie]

The D90 is a nice shooter.  The one thing I like about it is its ability to shoot with a high ISO and little noise.  For wildlife the 300mm will work but you got to get a little closer.  Just pretend you're bow hunting, if you can get with in bow range with the d90, you can get some good shots.  Im a Nikon guy just because thats what I bought but like Sako said, Canon has some nice ones to. In my opinion Canon glass is cheaper to buy then Nikon.  Alomost wish I would've bought a Canon lol

[grandpawrichard]

firedog ,
How much experience do you have in photography?
How far do you want to get into photography?
How much do you plan to use the camera?
How big of a budget do you want to tie up into your camera gear?

If the answers to these questions is as little as possible, then I would suggest a less expensive style  Digital SLR. There is no reason to buy and start out with an expensive, overly technical camera that you will never be able to figure out and will become frustrated with.

You also don't need to go into a Super-duper ultra-technical camera body but then not be able to afford decent lenses for it. The camera is only as good as the glass that you put in front of it!

I own a couple of Canon Digital SLR's. A Canon 30D and Canon 40D. They are really decent cameras that are quite easy to use and have a lot of features (most of which I rarely ever use.) When I bought my 30D it came with an 28-80 mm. kit lens and a 70-300 mm. telephoto lens.

The 28-80 lens was alright, but the 70-300 in my eyes was a piece of JUNK! It had a soft focus, at times it had to struggle to auto focus and at 300 mm. I could not hold it steady enough to get good photos. I sold it to a guy that wanted it way more than I did.

I have also replaced the 28-80 mm. with a tack sharp little Canon 18-55 IS lens which gives me awesome results. The 70-300 was replaced by a 70-200 L series lens that produces amazing results!
I have also added a 400 L to my camera collection.

I really suggest that you shop around, hold, shoot and research the camera selections that are out there. The camera HAS to FIT you, Fit your Needs and your budget. That camera brand to me just happened to be the Canon brand, even though I went into the store to buy a Nikon!

Dick

[firedog]

firedog ,
How much experience do you have in photography?
How far do you want to get into photography?
How much do you plan to use the camera?
How big of a budget do you want to tie up into your camera gear?

I have some experince with photography and enjoying it a lot. Just have never owned more than a decent point and shoot camera. So I want something that I can use as the kids get older to take pictures of them and also get into other aspects of it with scenery and other pictures that just don't have the quality or options with a point and shoot. So I would like to learn a lot more about it and I am a bit of a gadget nut and like to buy good stuff. I plan to use the camera a lot with all the different stuff I like to do. 

As far as budget goes it isn't unlimited but it isn't bare nones either. I want to get started with a level of equpiment that I can keep between 1 and 2K and then go on from there. I would rather spend a little more to start than to have to upgrade in a year. 

[sako223]

The lenses are the true investment and what will keep you loyal to a specific brand, because jumping ship can be expensive.

[Wazukie]

like I said I dont know anything about the Canon line, Grandpa is right.  Shop around.  if you go for a Nikon I'd go for a D70 or a D80 and then spend the money you saved on good glass.  Something like a 70-200 2.8  They can be had used for under $800.  for wildlife you can always couple it with a 1.4x tele and you'd have a nice f/4.  couple that with something like a 18-55mm VR and a good tripod and you'd be set.  Otheres Im sure would have good sugestions for the Canon world.

Im getting ready to purchase a 70-200mm 2.8 for Portriats and sports.  I have a 70-200mm f/4.5-5.6 VR but it is not near fast enough for sports Photog.  I have to shoot my D80 at a high ISO in the gym and the pic's are real noisy.  the f/2,8 I think is just what the Doc ordered.

[huntnphool]

Keep us up to date which way you go, good luck.