Need camera lens advice!!

So we're getting ready to purchase our first digital SLR - we're going to get a Nikon D80, and will get body only and purchase lenses separately.

I'm looking at a Tamron 18-200mm lens, the link is http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._XR_Di_II.html

Can any experts give any advice on this lens? I figure it's probably heavy, but that and a 50mm lens should suit our needs. This lens doesn't say Autofocus on it - does that mean it doesn't do any autofocusing?

Thanks

Or maybe an 18-55mm lens and a 55-200mm lens?

They both seem to have good reviews, and would cover everything we would need I imagine. They're both lower end lenses but would be a good start for us being brand new to SLR photography?

You should get a 50mm. You will be very happy with it. All of my pics are taken with my nifty-fifty. You should also get a wide angle zoom lens. This should serve you well for wide shots. Remember to buy something with lowest f/stops as possible or can afford. This will allow you to take pics in low light situation without using flash. Happy shopping. It is fun to spend money....

I don't know anything about the 18-200mm tamron lens but the 18-200mm Nikon has gotten very good reviews from everyone I knwo how has it.

I really want it but it's too expensive for me now, Here's a review of it: http://www.nikonians.org/nikon/nikkor-18-200/

That and a 50mm prime would set you up very very nicely for photos. I have a Nikon D50 and the kit 18-55mm lens that came with it, and a 50mm f1.8 old manual lens. The 50mm lens is really nice and sharp. I'm not too happy with the 18-55mm one although it's ok and gives me more flexibility with its zoom range.

I agree, shopping for lenses is the only shopping I like! Can I come with you Sarah? I don't know when I can buy another lens considering all this renovation I'm currently doing. It really does put a damper on my photography.

I've heard good things about both lenses. You can't go wrong with the 50mm and as long as you know that the 18-200 is heavier, then you're set. When you're not used to having to fit camera lenses, the weight of some of them can catch you of guard.

Personally, I've been dreaming (or should I say drooling) over the Tamron Telephoto SP AF 90mm f/2.8 Di Macro Autofocus Lens for Canon EOS.

Have fun!

My brother is a semi-pro and just outfitted himself with a fabulous Nikon digital setup -- I'll pass your posts on to him and see what input he can offer...

I just PMd you my brother's email address, so you and he can discuss it directly if you want -- I don't know much myself, because my eyes are such that I can't really use the fancy cameras.

From what my brother has told me about his recent lens-buying spree, though, I've learned this: there are discount sellers who will give you a great price, but usually what they're selling you is "grey-market" product, meant for sale outside the US and not eligible for service by US service centers. And some of those sellers will promise you it's not grey-market, but send you grey-market anyway -- and you won't even know it if you're not familiar with the markings.

They will also run standard mail-order scams on you, telling you one price on the phone and billing you something else, then making the process for correcting the bill so long and cumbersome that you just give up and let them keep the extra money... it's a nightmare.

I hope my brother can be helpful. He may have a barely-used lens or two that you might want, but even if he doesn't, he can probably help point you to a safe seller with good prices. Good luck!

Thanks all!!! I was looking at a 50mm but they didn't have any on B&H where we're buying from, and I don't want to pay double to go through the local camera shop!

Oh wait just found the 50mm on the Digital/Film lens section (as opposed to the purely Digital section). Oooh I'll defintiely add that to the list!!

Man the Digital/Film list has a heap more options for lenses! There's a:

Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto SP AF 24-135mm f/3.5-5.6 AD Aspherical IF Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D

Maybe that and the 50mm?

Oh man there's too many choices...

That sounds pretty good. Basically you need the 50mm one because it's relatively cheap, fast and very sharp.

The zoom lens you get won't be as sharp as the 50mm prime but it should be good enough. I think you can do a lot with a nice general purpose zoom and then the brilliant 50mm lens.

I'm doing ok with my 18-55mm kit lens and the 50mm. I'm wanting to buy another 50mm lens though. The one I have is manual focus and turns off all metering etc. in the camera. I have to do it all by hand, it has been a great learning experience though and since the lens was second hand and manual I got it for under 10$ on ebay, with 8$ shipping, so 18$ in total.

Now I'm a bit better off so I want the auto focus version.