Need HELP!! - Orchid Board

Amanda L · #1 02-06-2009, 10:04 PM

Okay, I have been wanting an SLR camera FOREVER!! I am just doing some research and price comparing on the internet and decided on the Nikon D80. I found a kit that includes the camera (10.2 megapixels), an 18-55 II MM Zoom lens for $599.95. I will most likely be buying the kit that includes the 2GB memory card and the Tripod for $669.99. I am really into macro photography and really need help in understanding what to look for in a good macro lens, or any lens for that matter

! I am not buying right now, just gathering information. Hopefully, by spring I will have this camera

! Here is the link to the site I found Nikon | D-80 10.2 MEGAPIXEL INTERCHANGEABLE LENS DIGITAL SLR W/18-55 II MM ZOOM LENS KIT (52MM) | 9425 | Tri-State Camera, Video, and Computer. Please any feedback will be welcome, I know we have some photography buffs out there and I need your guidance

! After I purchase this camera there won't be a whole lot of money to buy any lenses, so I will have to build that slowly, but a macro lens is very important to me. I like to see lots of tiny details, without the blurring I get from my current camera, although I still love my camera. It's just time for me to get a big girl camera!

Amanda L · #2 02-07-2009, 06:43 PM

Come on, I know there are people who know this sort of stuff.

Grandma M · #3 02-07-2009, 07:02 PM

Ross, your help is needed. - - Marilyn

Swamper · #4 02-07-2009, 07:59 PM

Hi Amanda, as soon as Ross or one of the other photography experts come around they will be able to help you. I know that you already found the 100mm that you read about in a previous thread right? I know the feeling of not being able to afford the lens yet but once you save up for it (like Im trying to do) you're going to be vey happy I bet. I think you are also getting a great deal on the D80. I think that's what I paid at Best Buy for my D60. Tripods are GREAT too. Im having a lot of fun with my new toys

Amanda L · #5 02-08-2009, 03:53 AM

Swamper, I did. It's so expensive, though!!! It will be along time before I can get that baby!!! I don't require the lens to be a Nikon, I do want it to be a good lens though. Is there another manufacturer that sells these types of lenses cheaper?

Swamper · #6 02-08-2009, 11:11 AM

Amanda there are other manufacturers that make good quality lenses from what I've heard and yes they are cheaper, but since I have no first hand experience I hesitate to reccomend any.
ROSS where are you.
Amanda why don't you pm Ross. Im sure he will be glad to provide you with a wealth of information. Unless he's under a pile of snow..he loves shoveling snow

nenella · #7 02-08-2009, 02:06 PM

Hi Amanda,
I've been following this post as I have the same question as you in regards to macro...
To answer one of your questions : Sigma, Tokina & Tamron do lenses for the D80..

Ross · #8 02-08-2009, 02:36 PM

Sorry I missed this guys. DO NOT USE TRI-STATE! Can I make that any simpler? They are known for all sorts of "bait-and-switch" practices. I prefer B&H Photo Video | Digital Cameras, Camcorders They are extremely reputable, honest, never pressure you to buy something you don't need, etc. As for macro, you get what you pay for, sorry. While you can't afford a good one right now, the good news is you can use one of the Canon or Nikon filter type add-on macro adapters such as Close Up Lenses | B&H Photo Video Just pick the one that fits the screw front of your lens. Then when you get the money, opt for one of the Nikor macro lenses like SLR Lenses for Nikon Cameras | B&H Photo Video I have the 60mm, the 105mm, the 200mm, and the 85mm Tilt/Shift micro. Hope this helps. Sorry to be late on the draw.

Amanda L · #9 02-08-2009, 03:14 PM

Thanks Ross for the warning about TriState, seems like nothing is ever as good as it seems. The link you provided did have this; Nikon D80 SLR Digital Camera Kit with 18-135mm & 70-300mm VR Lenses for $1449.90. That's pretty expensive for me, but the fact that 2 lenses come with it make it more easily digestible! I do need some help understanding about the lenses, 18-135, does that mean it's a 135mm lens? What does the "18" represent. I think knowing these things will make it better for me to know what is needed for the photography that I like to do. Again, Thank You Ross!! Now if only a money fairy would leave me a big fat sack of money, everything would be set to go!!

Swamper · #10 02-09-2009, 01:53 PM

can you send her my way too Amanda?