Picked up a Nikon D80

[Wadeski]

Body only, on the 'bay for a pretty good price (330). I'm really looking forwards to having a play with it, but now i need some lenses!

Ideally i'd like to get something all-purpose (although the reason I've upgraded to an SLR is for better dusk / low light performance, so something that helps on this front would be great) and a big telephoto for wildlife and motorsports.

Any suggestions? I was actually thinking of getting a nice second hand prime lens to play about with (maybe 35mm f/2?) for snapping with, then saving up for a nice 50-200 VR or something?

im only a newb photographer though so help is appreciated!

Edited by Wadeski on Monday 26th July 00:07

[RobDickinson]

35mm f1.8 af-s , stunning 'normal' lens for nikon.

[AndWhyNot]

35mm is a great focal length on the D80's crop sensor. I have the f/2 and it's superb on my D300 with lots of focus points but on my D80 with fewer focus points the focus speed of the f/2 takes the shine off the lens. My 50mm AF-S works really well on the D80 but I don't like the focal length. Put the 35mm length with the AF-S focus mechanism and you've got the lens Rob mentions above. Can't go wrong.

When it comes to longer glass the 55-200 rates well as does the Nikon 70-300mm VR. Neither is great for low light situations that you mention so you might be better looking for a used 70-200 f/2.8 - you can pick up an early Sigma copy for c£350 these days.

[andy-xr]

I'd go 70-300 on the long zoom, aint quick though

[Wadeski]

Thats fine, long zoom would be for sports (especially motorsports) so doesnt need to be fast.

[Wadeski]

cheers for the tips guys, I can get the 35mm 1.8 for £169 at Jessops, which seems reasonable. Any recommendations on filters since i'll be warming up the credit card anyway?

[NewNameNeeded]

Wadeski said:

cheers for the tips guys, I can get the 35mm 1.8 for £169 at Jessops, which seems reasonable. Any recommendations on filters since i'll be warming up the credit card anyway?

Worth also considering the 50mm f1.8 for under £100. A great lens, even on the cropped sensor.

[Wadeski]

My thinking was the 35mm would be better for "scenery" and snap shooting, the 50mm is better for portraits, but im not really much of people-shooter. Also i am assuming the 35mm will give a better DOF?

[NewNameNeeded]

think a longer lens would give more condensed depth of field, but agree 50 more suited to portraits, 35mm probably your better bet for scenery