Nikon D90 buying advice

[wainy]

right, please bear with me on this
While pistonheads search is down (I have done a fair bit on google as well!) I could do with some advice on buying a d90.

Wanting to get back into photography (did some as a kid with a film SLR) but consider I have forgotten all of previous knowledge!

Thought and researched quite a few cameras D3000/3100, D5000, Canon 550D etc and the D90 I think which comes out top on my list. I know there are rumours about a D95 / D7000 replacement soon, which only fuels my throughs on a good deal and I know it can continue for years to come.

Is there any over riding reason why I should not get a D90 to start up again with?

The main activities will be landscapes / some macro shots and sports (cars naturally)

The next question is about buying, either body only, with 18-55 or 18-105 kit lens?
I was thinking about the 18-105 to start with then use ebay / used shops for further lenses Nikon eg 70-300.
I take it the Sigma / tamron 70-300 will not be liked.

Any other pointers about lenses for such activities?
How close will a 18-105 get mesay at silverstone for the LMS in September before I get a 70-300?

Edited by wainy on Tuesday 31st August 11:23

[size13]

I got a D90 with the 18-105 lens. If you're going to get a kit lens get that one - it's actually very good.

Had mine just over a year now after a D70 and must say it's much better but has needed a little re-learning as it's AF etc is slightly different.

[NewNameNeeded]

D90 is a great camera. Also take a look at the D80 (it's predecessor) and the D300 (the next step up, discontinued so possibly a good s/h deal but still lots, lots more than a D90).

If you've not held any of the cameras you've mentioned I'd suggest you do. They will likely all feel quite different to your film SLR and the weight/size of any of them may sway things for you.

wainy said:

The next question is about buying, either body only, with 18-55 or 18-105 kit lens?
I was thinking about the 18-105 to start with then use ebay / used shops for further lenses Nikon eg 70-300.
I take it the Sigma / tamron 70-300 will not be liked.

Any other pointers about lenses for such activities?
How close will a 18-105 get mesay at silverstone for the LMS in September before I get a 70-300?

Can't speak personally for Silverstone but I'd imagine 105mm won't give you enough reach to be happy. At these kind of events (and airshows, etc) I find 200mm is a minimum. So that 70-300mm would be a good addition.

Worth trying the Sigma/Tamron versions - each person has their own views of cost vs. quality - but personally I find them very soft and slow at focussing vs. the Nikon equivalent.

If the idea of swapping lenses does not appeal then instead of the 18-105 + 70-300mm options you could maybe get just the Nikon 18-200mm as your initial purchase? (though obviously that's no good if you want to go beyond 200mm!!!!).

Welcome to one very expensive hobby!!!

[grumpy bear]

Re Silverstone

105 is going to be way short for most shots. The 70-300 is a good option but is still a bit short. Lots of Pro shooters say that Silverstone is one of the few places a 500mm comes into it's own. I get round it with a 1.4 converter on a 300 f2.8 but this is not a cheap option. The 1.4 cant be used on the 70-300 though.

The 150-500 Siggy gets good reviews, I had one for a little while but found it a bit soft, may have just been mine though! Worth checking a few if buying new.

Re the D90

I had the D80 and moved to the D300. They are miles apart. I would go the 2nd hand route from somewhere like Grays of Westminster. D300 and the 70-300. If the budget can stretch for it and its not going to be an every weekend obsesssion like it is for me, think about the 150-500 but choose with care.

[Adz The Rat]

Ive been looking at getting a D90 very soon also.

Ive decided Im going to wait and see what the price & spec of the D7000 are first before I make up my mind, will almost certainly end up buying the D7000.