D60 Body w/o Kit Lens

[nikonmonster]

Hi guys, I am new to DSLRs, and have been looking at purchasing one recently. The D60 seems suitable, though I thought the D80 was pretty good too. I like the bells and whistles of the latter (grid lines, bigger viewfinder, AF engine, etc), but I can live without them. Anyway, I just dropped by John 3:16 to have a look (very helpful staff), and the camera lens combo I want (D60 + VR 18-200) will set me back about $2050. The D60 body is going for about $840, and with lens, about $980 (not sure whether it's the one with VR or not).

The question I have is, whether I should pick up the kit lens on top of the 18-200 since it's so cheap with the body? I suppose I won't do much with it since the 18-200 will cover the entire range of the 18-55 kit lens, but should I buy it and sell it? Sorry if this sounds like a noob question, but as often has been said, the only stupid question is the one that is not asked. So well, I shall ask and risk looking stupid. Thanks in advance for any helpful thoughts.

[longkangman]

If you have the 18-200 don't bother with the kit lens.

Go for better lens or prime lens.

HTH.

[azonic]

if the lens is the vr version its more worth it to get the kit and sell the lens. but doubt so cos the vr 18-55 costs much more than tis. i am on the lookout for a cheap brand new 18-55 vr for a light combo. u can pm me if u wanna sell it.

[ijnek]

where is John 3:16 ?

i'm lookin at gettin the d60 also....if possible

[captnj]

tkphoto has the kit at 980 with gst. (18-55vr included)

[Henessy]

Originally Posted by ijnek where is John 3:16 ? i'm lookin at gettin the d60 also....if possible

Funan IT mall

[mogwai]

to T/S

i think if u getting 18-200 (for sure), don't get the kit lens - cos as you pointed out, it becomes redundant.

although, i hope i'm not 'spoiling the market' here....

- SGD 980 for kit vs 840 for body
- that makes your kit lens cost 140
- perhaps there'll be folk around who'll actually pay more than 140 for a brand new (but without warranty) 18-55 DX VR



actually, i've managed to take a few test shots d60 + new 16-85 DX VR
- lovely to use indoors
- certainly wide enough
- consider too?

[cwtan12]

if you can up the budget a bit, you can get the body and a 17-55mm f2.8 lens. i didnt regret getting it when i bought my D40. So far I have never used my kit lens besides testing it the first few days after I got my camera.

[tanjonhan]

dun mean to confuse you on what you really want, but if you wan to look a bit further down and have that extra cash to spare(a little only), you may wanna consider getting a second hand d80 instead?(since you have stated yrself all the good stuff u like that d80 can offer)

A second hand one can be found for around 900+ in the BNS...do consider..haha

[nikonmonster]

Haha, I appreciate the suggestions, though they only serve to revive the dilemma I had resolved over the weekend. I actually like what the D80 offers, but also am a bit wary of what it doesn't. E.g. the anti-dust mechanism. Sure, I know people have said it's marketing BS, but hey, I am a sucker (hence jumping on the DSLR bandwagon) for one, and secondly, I am OCD about cleanliness. Maybe it doesn't work, maybe dust won't be a problem, but for an OCD person like me, I would buy anything that can self-clean. Haha.

But perhaps more relevantly, I had a feel of both cameras this afternoon at John 3:16, and the D80 felt a tad too big and unwieldy for me. I am afraid I might end up not taking it out, and a fantastic camera is no good to me if I won't take it out. The 18-200 lens is on the heavy side, so it helps that the D60 is itself lighter. It also feels a bit more comfortable in my hands (I have small palms).

I didn't try the new 16-85 DX VR but whoa, at close to 3/4 of the price of the 18-200, I think I will sacrifice some quality for much greater range and convenience. One of the things I loved most about my old Canon IS S2 was the mega zoom, and that's what the 18-200 offers, despite its well documented problems like creeping, etc.

Thanks mogwai for the idea of selling the kit lens. No intention of making a profit; would be glad to do someone a favour if I do indeed decide to pick up the D60. Why would it be without warranty though?

Not sure why the 17-55 is recommended? Will do some research on it.

[baileys]

hi guys, if i buy the D60, can i use the AF Nikon f/1.4 lense with it? From the specs, it says Auto-Focus is not supported for AF lenses.

[hlw8888]

Originally Posted by baileys hi guys, if i buy the D60, can i use the AF Nikon f/1.4 lense with it? From the specs, it says Auto-Focus is not supported for AF lenses.

u can use, juz that u cannot autofocus with that lens as D60 has no built-in motor to support autofocus. but u can do manual focus with that lens.

[Six-GHz]

Originally Posted by baileys hi guys, if i buy the D60, can i use the AF Nikon f/1.4 lense with it? From the specs, it says Auto-Focus is not supported for AF lenses.

D60 = D40/X, no built-in motor.

Originally Posted by mogwai actually, i've managed to take a few test shots d60 + new 16-85 DX VR

It's here already? Would like to know the price? Thanks.