Nikon D80

[trpigg]

I am in the process of choosing a camera that will take professional shots but i have no clue where to start. Money is the last worry but quality is what i am looking for. I have been looking at the nikon d80 and the d40x but i am confused as to which will give me a better experience.

Another problem is which lens to choose...

Any suggestions would be great.

 

[reefman13]

I would do the D200 if you have the cash and the 18-200mm lens

 

[Absolute Reef]

Agree with reefman13, D200 will give you much much better experience than D80.
( I own D200 and having a couple weeks experience with D80)

D40x is more like an entry level for new dslr user, capables of taking stunning pictures...a very good choice for someone who is a little bit short of budget.

Skip the kit lenses if you really expect the best out of your camera.
AF-S DX 17-55 f/2.8G IF-ED for mid range lens. Exceptional lens ! (rumor says that a new version is coming out with VR tech. equipped, you might want to wait and see)
AF-S VR 70-200 f/2.8G IF-ED for long range lens, equipped with VR which helps a lot when taking fast moving objects (like your fishes). I personally call it a "legendary lens".
AF-S MICRO VR 105 f/2.8G IF-ED for macro lens, it wouldn't be too much to call this lens "Nikon best macro lens, ever!" (I own 105 f2.8 and 60 f/2.8 and and this 105 vr f/2.8)

18-200 vr don't really give you "the best" image quality, but you will love the versatility of it.
(I love it, I do own one)


I don't want to go too far but the first 3 lenses can normally be found in any professional photographers already. I'll leave the rest for other members.

 

[reefman13]

True, 18-200mm is certainly not the best for specialty pics, but it has great versatility.

I would do the 17-55mm and the 70-200mm. 17-55 will be great for close up shots and the other lens, great for longer distances.

The other thing about lenses is the glass quality. If the glass is crap in the lens, no matter how good of a camera you get, the picture will be crappy (or crappish)

 

[Nuuze]

I bought a D80 and traded the 18-135 lens that came with it for the 18-200VR. I also bought the 105VR macro. I really like the versatility of the 18-200. Although I'm still a newb camera shooter pics are a lot better than a point and shoot. If I could do it again I probably would of paid a bit more and got the D200. You can see pics in my red house.

 

[Absolute Reef]

Nuuze , that's a pretty awesome "red house" you've got there !!!
Amazing setup!

 

[Nuuze]

Thanks Absolute Reef!