Cheap starter lens for Nikon D80?

Question

After careful consideration, I've come to the conclusion that the D80 is the camera for me. Being rather new to photography I'm finding that I'm completely lost regarding lenses. I'm hearing the kit lenses that come with this model aren't worth bothering with. Having the budget of a measley AUD$400 - $US - 326 is there a better option than the kit lense to get me started?

Answer 1

Nice camera. And the Nikon 18-125mm is pretty good.
When people talk about poor quality kit lenses, they are generally referring to the Canon and Nikon 18-55mm zooms, or the cheap stuff that other brands include with their entry level models.
Still, if you want to upgrade a bit, consider the Nikon 18-70mm zoom. (Ironically the kit lens for the Nikon D70/ D70s.) The 18-125mm and the 18-70mm both retail for around 320 U$.
With the 18-70 you get slightly better image quality and sturdier build quality (eg. a metal lens mount vs. plastic). With the 18-125 you obviously get more zoom range - enough to consider it an all-in-one lens. I could personally manage fine wih the limited 18-70mm range but it's your call.
For a noticeable jump in image quality you're looking at +$450 lenses. The Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 comes to mind.

Answer 2

Hiya

It would depend on what size of lenses your camera takes. I own a Fuji film S5600 and the only lens Fuji produce for that model is a 55mm macro lens at UK Sterling £99.00. For that amount, I managed to buy a universal 55mm macro lens, 3x tele lens (gives more magnification), 3 x filters and a wide angle lens for around the same price!

Most experienced/professional photographers would probably say "what you pay for it is what you get in terms of quality". Similar to yourself, I didn't want an expensive outlay but could easily afford the above. I have had use of the tele lens and macro lens and can happily say that I am pleased with the end results! I got them all from Ebay - sellers based in Japan.

At least you get a chance to 'play' with these kinda lenses without breaking your budget and then you can update your lenses to more professional ones in time - at which point you will have more understanding of what lenses/filters effects can be achieved!

Hope this answers your question a little

Answer 3

I bought my D80 with the 18-135 kit lens. It's not too shabby. I am using it until I spring for a constant 2.8 zoom. My other walk around lens is a 24-85 f2.8-4, and a 50mm 1.4, The kit lens actually performs pretty well. If you're used to a point & shoot, the kit lens will seem like a huge upgrade, most likely,

Answer 4

OMG has a good answer. We both like the 18-70 for the money. I got one for my wife's D50 and liked it enough to buy the same lens for my backup camera (which lives in the office).

The "kit" lens is a decent lens optically, but you might want to upgrade to the Nikkor AF-S 18-70 f/3.5-4.5G ED DX lens for a bit more range and a lot more durability.

18-55 review: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-55-ii.htm
18-70 review: http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/1870.htm