Nikon D90 @ Incredible

[rorz0r]

Hi Fellow myBB'ers,

I've just been advised by a friend to grab the Nikon D90 + 18-105mm lens for R7499.95 at Incredible Connection

Can anybody give me a reason why I shouldn't rush out right away and get it? I'm looking for a starter camera and have been considering a Canon 550D plus twin lens combo for about the same price. Any thoughts would be much appreciated.

Thanx,
K T.

Eish... when I bought my D90 it was R12k for the body alone here...

 

[mfumbesi]

I think part of the problem is that inexperienced photographers, or those switching to a dslr, might blame the lens rather than acknowledging that poor results are their fault.

Then again Ken Rockwell is a bit of a twit.

You beat me to it.
He is a brilliant Tog, but his comments (on equipment, other photographers, etc) can be a put off.

 

[K T]

I AM OUT OF MY SKIN!!!!

Picked up my D90 this afternoon (yesterday afternoon) and I am stoked to say the least. Everything feels just right. If only it came with a memory card I'd be able to post some pics. Talk about just the bare essentials in the box!

Anyway, so now I have a few more decisions to make. Memory card, bag, lens pen, proper flash, spare battery, mono/tripod, second lens... Eish! What have I got my self into?!

 

[binkybozo]

I AM OUT OF MY SKIN!!!!

Picked up my D90 this afternoon (yesterday afternoon) and I am stoked to say the least. Everything feels just right. If only it came with a memory card I'd be able to post some pics. Talk about just the bare essentials in the box!

Anyway, so now I have a few more decisions to make. Memory card, bag, lens pen, proper flash, spare battery, mono/tripod, second lens... Eish! What have I got my self into?!

this is nothing K T, the urge to get more and better things gets worse from here...enjoy!

 

[MadMailMan]

I AM OUT OF MY SKIN!!!!

Picked up my D90 this afternoon (yesterday afternoon) and I am stoked to say the least. Everything feels just right. If only it came with a memory card I'd be able to post some pics. Talk about just the bare essentials in the box!

Anyway, so now I have a few more decisions to make. Memory card, bag, lens pen, proper flash, spare battery, mono/tripod, second lens... Eish! What have I got my self into?!

Welcome to the dark side.

 

[noxibox]

Why, because he's a Nikon fan?

Can't blame that on his equipment.

 

[Starship]

You mean IC never threw in a memory card with the deal? Shame on them.

Got spare cash? Get a SanDisk Extreme 30 MB/s 8Gb card

 

[K T]

Thanx Starship, but I was sold a Patriot LX Series 8GB card. Think I got ripped off tho' because I see it for just over R100 online and I was charged R329

What about the idea of a permanent every day filter to protect the lens glass? If I remember correctly a lot of people have a UV filter permanently attached because it is "benign".

 

[Starship]

Yes, a UV filter is a good idea to protect your Nikon lens. My camera supplier recommended a Kenko Pro1D, so that's what I bought. It's made in Japan, so I assume the quality is up to scratch.

 

[Starship]

By the way that UV filter of mine is priced at R450. I think they let me have it for R300 as part of the deal.

 

[bwana]

What about the idea of a permanent every day filter to protect the lens glass? If I remember correctly a lot of people have a UV filter permanently attached because it is "benign".

anything but benign. If you want to protect the front of your lens use the hood.

 

[AniV]

I've owned a Nikon D90 for over a year now and I still love it to bits. Yesterday I got me a 70-300 lens and have been having awesome fun playing with it so far. I also feel that the whole Nikon vs Canon debate is pointless. Neither is better in the grand scheme. They're equally great. They just work a little differently, so people tend to have their favourite.

In my case, the way a Canon is configured just doesn't feel natural to me. My brain works more like a Nikon so the buttons and configurations on a Nikon just made more sense. I found it easier to use and after 5 minutes with it in my hand I felt like I had been using it for years. However, hand me a Canon and I'll definitely try my level best, but I'll just end up irritated because it just doesn't gel as well with me. Not saying Nikon is better, it's just better for me.

Congrats on getting your D90! I'd recommend getting a second longer lens, but in the meantime the 18-105 should serve you well. I had an 18-55 and 55-200 and always wished I'd had more range on the short lens. So you'll be good for a while. The D90 does cost considerably less now than it did when I bought it, but it doesn't make it any less of a good camera.

 

[K T]

anything but benign

Please elaborate bwana. Are you saying that there is no such thing as a "neutral" filter and that the UV filter actually makes a big difference?

 

[K T]

Thanx AniV, someone else mentioned the 70-300 but apparently the 55-300 is the later one to go for.

 

[Quantum Theory]

Please elaborate bwana. Are you saying that there is no such thing as a "neutral" filter and that the UV filter actually makes a big difference?

They cause aberration, flare and focus issues.

 

[BigAl-sa]

the way a Canon is configured just doesn't feel natural to me. My brain works more like a Nikon so the buttons and configurations on a Nikon just made more sense.

??
I've handled 7 or 8 different Canon dslrs, and the button configurations were different on all...

 

[bwana]

Please elaborate bwana. Are you saying that there is no such thing as a "neutral" filter and that the UV filter actually makes a big difference?

Quantum Theory summed it up nicely. Camera shops love pushing them onto unsuspecting customers.

They cause aberration, flare and focus issues.

 

[Dolby]

Please elaborate bwana. Are you saying that there is no such thing as a "neutral" filter and that the UV filter actually makes a big difference?

When I bought my lens, I wanted some type of protection as I'd be seriously pissed off if I damaged it. I posted here and bwana said the same thing - avoid UV filters.

I decided to go out an buy a cheapish one anyhow and see if I could see a difference or whether he was being a little overdramtic. There was a large enough difference for me to throw it away and not use one again :/

I've heard the expensive ones are better - but I can't see how the expensive one would make such a huge difference over the cheaper one

 

[AniV]

?? I've handled 7 or 8 different Canon dslrs, and the button configurations were different on all...

It's not just about the button configurations. I've also used Panasonic, Canon and others with different button configs.
It's also the way the menu is set up etc. I'm not saying I wouldn't be able to eventually get it, it just takes me longer because some things don't make as much sense to me on a Canon. The Nikon just really felt more natural and easy to use for me.

someone else mentioned the 70-300 but apparently the 55-300 is the later one to go for.

Yeah, the newer lenses go 55-300. My 70-300 is an older model that doesn't have VR or ES, but the lens is in mint condition and I'm definitely not going to argue with R1300 price tag. I'd avoid the 18-300 though - it tends to have some distortion at the long and short ends. It does save you on having to switch lenses though... mmmmm.

 

[BigAl-sa]

I've heard the expensive ones are better - but I can't see how the expensive one would make such a huge difference over the cheaper one

Better glass and coatings make a huge difference. It's worthwhile keeping one in your bag for the odd occasion (eg sea spray).