Getting a D300, what lense should I get?

[kuro]

Totally new to photography.

Intending to get a D300 next year for my April trip to Japan.
What lense should I get for the trip? Budget around 700SGD.

Should I wait for a kit version for the D300?

What type of tripod should I get too? Which brand is lightweight and cheap!

Many thanks in advance for any kind input.

[boogieMAN]

i don't think nikon will come out a package with kit lens for D300... the D200 didn't hav a kit lens too... i suggest u top up a little more to $1.2k to get a 18-200VR lens for travelling use.

if you hav a VR lens, in most situation don't require the tripod... of cos not all situations... lightweight & less expensive tripod, u can go ppcponline take a look... or u can take a look at benro model to see if any suit your needs.

[Spectrum]

Many people think that a tripod has to be light & cheap. That's not the case. As time goes by, you'll know what I mean. All the best & have fun.

[photobum]

I totally agree with Spectrum... I remember while studying in the US, I bought a US$40 Slik tripod at a local photo store thinking that it will last me for a while. Boy... was I dead wrong. One of the legs broke during a spring break trip to Yosemite. I was shooting with transparency film then. I had to handheld my SLR all the way.

After that uneventful trip, I bought myself a S$250 Manfrotto tripod from B&H Photo. After 10 years of heavy usage, there isn't any sign of giving way.

[Kit]

Get the heaviest tripod you can afford to carry. I just don't understand the rationale for putting 3k's worth of stuff on chopsticks.

[Spectrum]

Originally Posted by Kit I just don't understand the rationale for putting 3k's worth of stuff on chopsticks.

LOL...well that's funny bro...

[catchlights]

buy D300 and use a $700 pau sua pau hai zoom lens isn't it a waste???

[Scaglietti]

Originally Posted by kuro Totally new to photography. Intending to get a D300 next year for my April trip to Japan. What lense should I get for the trip? Budget around 700SGD. Should I wait for a kit version for the D300? What type of tripod should I get too? Which brand is lightweight and cheap! Many thanks in advance for any kind input.

17-55 f/2.8 DX should match your D300 very well. Maybe, a 105VR can be a good supplement as a mid tele, macro and portrait lens.

As for tripod, spend good money on it. This is one equipment that will last for life. Make sure it is stable, lightweight should be some way down the list for consideration. No point waste money to get a cheap one and upgrade later.

BC

[conquer500]

Originally Posted by boogieMAN the D200 didn't hav a kit lens too...

you may want to change this statement, it's very misleading.

You can infact buy the kit version, just that its not very common in singapore.

[jeanie]

Originally Posted by catchlights buy D300 and use a $700 pau sua pau hai zoom lens isn't it a waste???

that's what i thought too.

imho,
get the 24-70 2.8.

if you need to ask what lens should you get, you either dont know what you want to shoot, or you can only afford 1 or 2 lens.(no offence).

cos the ultimate is to have as many lens as possible to suit different photographic genres.

and it also boils down to HOW particular you are wrt to image quality.

[catchlights]

Originally Posted by jeanie that's what i thought too. imho, get the 24-70 2.8. if you need to ask what lens should you get, you either dont know what you want to shoot, or you can only afford 1 or 2 lens.(no offence). cos the ultimate is to have as many lens as possible to suit different photographic genres. and it also boils down to HOW particular you are wrt to image quality.

aiyoh, 24~70f2.8 is meant for D3 lar,
D300 cheap cheap only, just anyhow buy a Nikon 17~55f2.8 can liao.

[kuro]

which type of good stable lasting tripod then?
intend to shoot more portriats with scenery at back.

the 18-200VR lens good? a len that do many things?

[scaredcloud]

Originally Posted by catchlights aiyoh, 24~70f2.8 is meant for D3 lar, D300 cheap cheap only, just anyhow buy a Nikon 17~55f2.8 can liao.

:
then might as well add another cheap lens 85 f1.4 in the shopping list to complement the cheap cheap camera?

but seriously TS, you should really consider 17-55 instead. Should work very well with your D300.

[dennisc]

I luv 17~55 dx f2.8 dam good lens, I use it for weddings. but cost more than the D300 itself..

[mpenza]

Originally Posted by Kit Get the heaviest tripod you can afford to carry. I just don't understand the rationale for putting 3k's worth of stuff on chopsticks.

Can get carbon fibre ones which are lightweight and relatively sturdy. No point getting something that's too heavy that will end up as a big paper weight in the home.

ANyway, I've made do with a lightweight Slik Sprint Pro GM (used another head, total weight around 1kg) that could handle a DSLR and small lens adequately without extending the centre column.

[eastwest]

Since you are totally new to photography and the D300 is aimed at the serious amateur/semi-pro, my advice to you would be to try and get a D80 (new or second-hand) and buy 18-200 VR + 50mm f1.8. Also get the good tripod which everyone else has advised on. You could even look at getting a cheap second-hand D50, which is perfect for the beginner and is still fine for a serious enthusiast. Jumping in at the D300 level might leave you stuck - there is no Auto mode which you might wish you had when that magical moment presents itself and you are left wondering A, S, P or M and what was that aperture stuff all about again.

If you still have your heart set on the D300, get it well before you go to Japan and make sure you have a solid understanding of Exposure before you go - as I said before, no Auto mode to help you out.

[Cactus jACK]

with that kind of a budget, and in view that should should get quality to better compliment your D300, i would suggest some primes,

one of 24f2.8 or 35f2, plus a 50f1.8

[tanjonhan]

you should seriously consider wad u plan to shoot in future ...dun just look at this trip..you can always rent lens for your trip you know...

and you wan cheap and light tripods...sure go best denki get those plastic tripods..very cheap and very light...hahaha...$20 also have you wan...

[grainpixel]

i got a manfrotto tripod from CP, about $198 with the ballhead..
one of the most basic tripod, not exactly very heavy....yet not that light too..
maybe you should drop CP and take alook..

and yes, not those skinny tripod that cost S$30..
Too big a risk already..

I think 18-200 is a good lens for travelling, esp if you are on a tour package..
if you are not...then bring a few good lenses, cos you have all the time.

I was there earlier this year, and was ona package tour.
trust me...esp, the kyoto temples tour..the guide just say "com'on....lets go...lets go..late already."
You probably wont have the time to switch lenses...

[binbeto]

Tamron 17-50 seem to be a nice fit to your budget. Still have some $$ left for a filter.

I did my phuket trip just using that alone.. See it in my signature.