Nikon D60 or D90 for newbie recomendation, and lenses too

NewSuw · 17th October 2008

Hi i am a beginner in DSLR
can anyone recommend which is better for me?
D60 or D90??
I plan to get the D60 dual kit for the lens to start learning and price wise
and the D90 for the Movie feature don't really like the lens that come with the kit
plan to just get the Body and buy lens separately.

for lenses i plan to get this lens in the future
- Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
- Nikon 50mm f/1.8

this is the lens i am still considering can give opinion??
- Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 or Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8
which have a better sharpness and quality??
or should i get this insted?
- Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 or Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 or Tokina 16-50mm f/2.8

Can give any recomendation??

My photo style would be on Portrait, Travel and Group photo ranging (10-20people)
Thx in advance for the Help

psyk1 · 17th October 2008

I plan to get the D60 dual kit for the lens to start learning and price wise
and the D90 for the Movie feature don't really like the lens that come with the kit
plan to just get the Body and buy lens separately.

The kit lenses are actually good enough to start with. Why do you say you don't like them?

for lenses i plan to get this lens in the future
- Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
- Nikon 50mm f/1.8

if you're going for this lenses, then skip the D60 and get the D90 if you want your lens to AF.

this is the lens i am still considering can give opinion??
- Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 or Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8
which have a better sharpness and quality??
or should i get this insted?
- Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 or Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 or Tokina 16-50mm f/2.8

I'd go for the 2nd option, since it's made for DX, unless you prefer the long end and don't mind losing the wide end. do check out the reviews (can try here or here) for the lenses, you'll learn more about each's strengths and weaknesses.

NewSuw · 17th October 2008

Originally Posted by psyk1

I plan to get the D60 dual kit for the lens to start learning and price wise
and the D90 for the Movie feature don't really like the lens that come with the kit
plan to just get the Body and buy lens separately.

The kit lenses are actually good enough to start with. Why do you say you don't like them?

for lenses i plan to get this lens in the future
- Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
- Nikon 50mm f/1.8

if you're going for this lenses, then skip the D60 and get the D90 if you want your lens to AF.

this is the lens i am still considering can give opinion??
- Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 or Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8
which have a better sharpness and quality??
or should i get this insted?
- Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 or Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 or Tokina 16-50mm f/2.8

I'd go for the 2nd option, since it's made for DX, unless you prefer the long end and don't mind losing the wide end. do check out the reviews (can try here or here) for the lenses, you'll learn more about each's strengths and weaknesses.

Thx for the advice ^^
I think i will go for D90with the kit at $1790

ChinaDiamond · 18th October 2008

D90 Kit able to get it in range of $1650-1700 with some freebie, do check out with few shops.

slooow · 18th October 2008

$1700 is possible
and the only free gift i like is the 4gig card...

D90 with tamrom17-50mm

[my first choice lense for entry level shooting [producing pro photos]]

there is actually a place where you can look at photos produced by different lenses
www/pbase.com/camera

if can play with both lenses even better
judge by yourself
see which image you prefer

NewSuw · 18th October 2008

Thx everyone for the Help ^^
one more question.....
if i bought the 17-50mm Tamron and the 70-300mm Nikon
will the 50-70mm difference will cause any problem??

Leykid1634 · 18th October 2008

If you ask me.
I will stick with the D90 kit lens, and buy the 70-300VR.
The gap between 50-70 basically is not much. but it depends on each.
It is quite frustration at times with the shortages.

Just mine imo

jtchoy · 18th October 2008

I bought the D60 as my first dSLR a few weeks ago and I love it...

KenBit · 18th October 2008

Originally Posted by NewSuw

Hi i am a beginner in DSLR
can anyone recommend which is better for me?
D60 or D90??
I plan to get the D60 dual kit for the lens to start learning and price wise
and the D90 for the Movie feature don't really like the lens that come with the kit
plan to just get the Body and buy lens separately.

for lenses i plan to get this lens in the future
- Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6
- Nikon 50mm f/1.8

this is the lens i am still considering can give opinion?
- Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 or Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8
which have a better sharpness and quality??
or should i get this insted?
- Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 or Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 or Tokina 16-50mm f/2.8

Can give any recomendation??

My photo style would be on Portrait, Travel and Group photo ranging (10-20people)
Thx in advance for the Help

Why get the D90 for movie function? Usually people get the D90 for its build, high ISO performances, more modes, newer features, etc.. But NOT THE MOVIE MODE! It's just for a convenience. My vote for these two DSLR bodies goes to the...(DRUMROLL PLEASE)... D90!
The D90 kit is a great one, and perfect to start off with maybe get the 50mm f/1.8 for portraits and 70-300 VR for the focal range. If you don't have the cash, get the Sigma 24-70 from what I heard its not bad a lens itself over the Tammy (Tamron) 28-75. And if you don't like the D90 kit lens although I strongly recommend it to a starter, get the Tammy 17-50 F/2.8 or Siggy (Sigma) 18-50 F/2.8. But seriously, just stay with the kit lens. And for group shots try getting a wide-angle lens, the Siggy 10-20 is a good choice as well!

slooow · 19th October 2008

Originally Posted by Leykid1634

The gap between 50-70 basically is not much. but it depends on each.

i agree with you
50-70 can easily be solved by walking two steps forward or backwards hehe

if in doubt can shoot a little wider, then edit later

luna_sea83 · 19th October 2008

If you have a higher budget then get the D90

Fotophilic · 19th October 2008

how do we know what is good for you?

ask yourself these question:

1) what focal length do u normally use? some ppl use mid-zoom range happily for most things (ppl like me). when you know the answer for this, you'll know what range of lenses to choose.

2) do u really need F2.8? for travelling, landscapes and general work don't need u to use F2.8 becoz the depth is not enough to cover the entire frame. For portraits, u said u wanted the 50mm F1.8. So this should be able to cover the portrait part (nicely, in a way). For 50 F1.8, just buy the D90 so that it can AF. D60 u have to DIY the focusing, not difficult as well. Sometimes, F2.8 lenses for a certain focal range, maybe too heavy for an equivalent with smaller aperture and bigger range. It all voice down to what u really plan to use them for.

3) u use it for travelling. D60 is smaller, lighter and cheaper. I use for for travelling as well. I have other bodies to do other stuff. The golden rule for travelling (for me), is travel light, simple and only bring things that u can afford to lose (not for passport of coz!). If u don mind bring along heavier, bigger and more expensive camera body, D90 is a gd choice definitely.

4) how much $ u have? got $, D90 is a better bet. more is better (in a way).

5) have u tried out the 2 sets? the feel of the camera is impt.

6) why do u not like the D90 kit lens? have u tried it?

Both are good cameras that does different things. For travelling and general purposes, I vote for D60. If you want a more capable camera with more features and gd ISO performace, look bigger and look more pro, D90 is definitely better than D60. Both are crop sensors, and after seeing the output from both cameras, IMO, one is not significantly better than the other.

NewSuw · 19th October 2008

Thx everyone for the input.....
it's my first DSLR so i haven't know what focal range will fit me.
after thinking and do some research on the 18-105mm that come with D90
i think it's a good choice for beginner like me cause it's cover a lot of length and i think i can know which focal length will i use more often.
Haven't got the time to test the set.... Exam coming, but will try the set first for sure ^^
well mostly my portrait picture would be taken at night time when we are having party or something, so i think f/2.8 will be great rather than pump the ISO and risk a lot of noise. and i think get a better lens will save more in the long run ^^
so the gap from 50-70 can be solve by only 2 step?? great... thx for the help

tc-95 · 19th October 2008

If you are going to be using the lens in low light...I would have to say go with the D90...better ISO settings....also I would try to pick up a clean copy of a Nikkor 28mm F1.4 or F2.0...you can not beat these lenses in low light situations...you can always crop the photos to your liking...later.

Just my two cents..

Tony C.

17th October 2008	#1
NewSuw New Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 20	Nikon D60 or D90 for newbie recomendation, and lenses too Hi i am a beginner in DSLR can anyone recommend which is better for me? D60 or D90?? I plan to get the D60 dual kit for the lens to start learning and price wise and the D90 for the Movie feature don't really like the lens that come with the kit plan to just get the Body and buy lens separately. for lenses i plan to get this lens in the future - Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 - Nikon 50mm f/1.8 this is the lens i am still considering can give opinion?? - Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 or Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 which have a better sharpness and quality?? or should i get this insted? - Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 or Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 or Tokina 16-50mm f/2.8 Can give any recomendation?? My photo style would be on Portrait, Travel and Group photo ranging (10-20people) Thx in advance for the Help Last edited by NewSuw; 17th October 2008 at 05:51 PM.

17th October 2008	#2
psyk1 Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 231	Re: Nikon D60 or D90 for newbie recomendation, and lenses too I plan to get the D60 dual kit for the lens to start learning and price wise and the D90 for the Movie feature don't really like the lens that come with the kit plan to just get the Body and buy lens separately. The kit lenses are actually good enough to start with. Why do you say you don't like them? for lenses i plan to get this lens in the future - Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 - Nikon 50mm f/1.8 if you're going for this lenses, then skip the D60 and get the D90 if you want your lens to AF. this is the lens i am still considering can give opinion?? - Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 or Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 which have a better sharpness and quality?? or should i get this insted? - Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 or Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 or Tokina 16-50mm f/2.8 I'd go for the 2nd option, since it's made for DX, unless you prefer the long end and don't mind losing the wide end. do check out the reviews (can try here or here) for the lenses, you'll learn more about each's strengths and weaknesses.

18th October 2008	#4
ChinaDiamond New Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Bukit Batok West Posts: 7	Re: Nikon D60 or D90 for newbie recomendation, and lenses too D90 Kit able to get it in range of $1650-1700 with some freebie, do check out with few shops.

18th October 2008	#5
slooow Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 1,002	Re: Nikon D60 or D90 for newbie recomendation, and lenses too $1700 is possible and the only free gift i like is the 4gig card... D90 with tamrom17-50mm [my first choice lense for entry level shooting [producing pro photos]] there is actually a place where you can look at photos produced by different lenses www/pbase.com/camera if can play with both lenses even better judge by yourself see which image you prefer Last edited by slooow; 18th October 2008 at 12:22 AM.

18th October 2008	#6
NewSuw New Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 20	Re: Nikon D60 or D90 for newbie recomendation, and lenses too Thx everyone for the Help ^^ one more question..... if i bought the 17-50mm Tamron and the 70-300mm Nikon will the 50-70mm difference will cause any problem??

18th October 2008	#7
Leykid1634 Member Join Date: Mar 2007 Posts: 142	Re: Nikon D60 or D90 for newbie recomendation, and lenses too If you ask me. I will stick with the D90 kit lens, and buy the 70-300VR. The gap between 50-70 basically is not much. but it depends on each. It is quite frustration at times with the shortages. Just mine imo

18th October 2008	#8
jtchoy Member Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 312	Re: Nikon D60 or D90 for newbie recomendation, and lenses too I bought the D60 as my first dSLR a few weeks ago and I love it...

19th October 2008	#11
luna_sea83 Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Tampines Posts: 888	Re: Nikon D60 or D90 for newbie recomendation, and lenses too If you have a higher budget then get the D90 __________________ Multiply

19th October 2008	#12
Fotophilic Member Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: big tree town Posts: 1,654	Re: Nikon D60 or D90 for newbie recomendation, and lenses too how do we know what is good for you? ask yourself these question: 1) what focal length do u normally use? some ppl use mid-zoom range happily for most things (ppl like me). when you know the answer for this, you'll know what range of lenses to choose. 2) do u really need F2.8? for travelling, landscapes and general work don't need u to use F2.8 becoz the depth is not enough to cover the entire frame. For portraits, u said u wanted the 50mm F1.8. So this should be able to cover the portrait part (nicely, in a way). For 50 F1.8, just buy the D90 so that it can AF. D60 u have to DIY the focusing, not difficult as well. Sometimes, F2.8 lenses for a certain focal range, maybe too heavy for an equivalent with smaller aperture and bigger range. It all voice down to what u really plan to use them for. 3) u use it for travelling. D60 is smaller, lighter and cheaper. I use for for travelling as well. I have other bodies to do other stuff. The golden rule for travelling (for me), is travel light, simple and only bring things that u can afford to lose (not for passport of coz!). If u don mind bring along heavier, bigger and more expensive camera body, D90 is a gd choice definitely. 4) how much $ u have? got $, D90 is a better bet. more is better (in a way). 5) have u tried out the 2 sets? the feel of the camera is impt. 6) why do u not like the D90 kit lens? have u tried it? Both are good cameras that does different things. For travelling and general purposes, I vote for D60. If you want a more capable camera with more features and gd ISO performace, look bigger and look more pro, D90 is definitely better than D60. Both are crop sensors, and after seeing the output from both cameras, IMO, one is not significantly better than the other. __________________ cameras are not made of tofu

19th October 2008	#14
tc-95 New Member Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 14	Re: Nikon D60 or D90 for newbie recomendation, and lenses too If you are going to be using the lens in low light...I would have to say go with the D90...better ISO settings....also I would try to pick up a clean copy of a Nikkor 28mm F1.4 or F2.0...you can not beat these lenses in low light situations...you can always crop the photos to your liking...later. Just my two cents.. Tony C.