18-55mm Kit Lens Adequate?

[sastley1878]

Hi all,

Not long to go for us now! Have been looking to purchase my first DSLR for a while now (i'm a noob) and thought I may take the plunge before we go, so I can try and take some nice shots.

I'm thinking of the Nikon D3200 and wondered if I would be ok for the whole trip with just an 18-55mm Kit Lens? I'm wondering whether I will need anything longer to get those shots of animals at AK?

Currys have the Nikon D3200 bundled with an 18-55mm Kit Lens (with VR) but they also have a bundle at the moment for the same camera but with the 18-55mm Kit Lens and a 55mm-200mm Telephoto Lens (but both I think are non-VR - so presumably older)

For you camera experts out there, which would you advise I'm best going for?

[Florida again]

You'll get many more clearer photos with the image stabiliser lens but I have to admit I missed my 200mm lens on our last trip.

For the majority of your photos the 55mm lens will be more than fine. I got most use out of my 200mm lens taking photos of the shuttle taking off, 6 miles away and getting good close ups of the killer whales from the top of the seating area in Shamu stadium.

The chances are if you get a good 55mm lens with a camera that gives you plenty of mp and get the shots in focus, you'll be able to edit and crop to get nice clear close ups after.

The only thing I didn't miss was having the weight around my neck, the 200mm lens made it very heavy.

[Mouse mess]

I'm by no means an expert but I can tell you my experience!

I have an 18-200mm and it was on my camera practically the whole time. I'm sure you would get great shots with the kit lens which you could edit at home and crop if needed. I was really pleased with my photos last year (in my trip report if you want to see what range you can get with 18-200)

I haven't got a 55-200mm as I think I would find it restrictive when I want to take snaps of the children/people as it is already at quite 'zoomed' at 55mm.

Now my dream is a 15-85... One day! Lol

[sastley1878]

Thanks guys, that really helps.

I think really, what I'm torn between is opting for non-VR and having 2 lenses to use or going for the package with just the 1 lens but with VR.

Help me choose!

[Guest]

The D3200 is an awesome camera and I have the 18-200mm lens and I used this is August and it took some great shots! I got the standard 18-55mm with my camera and then bought a Tamron lens (18-200mm) from amazon at a cheaper price

[Florida again]

Originally Posted by sastley1878

Help me choose!

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My choice would be the vr 55mm. Then if budget allows look for a cheaper 200mm lens.

One thing I do also remember is mine, was a canon, although locked would keep getting knocked and extending without me knowing.

[Guest]

+1 for the 18-55 VR kit

200 is good for shuttle, animals etc as already described. But... You can't keep it in there all the time as you won't be able to take 'snaps'

Have a google for other lenses. I use 18-105 and never change it. Remember you can also crop when you get home.

Try - Digital camera price buster

[BevS97]

Last year I travelled with the two lenses you mention. I found it frustrating as I tended to have tge wrong lense on at all times.

I've now bough a single 15-200 lense. It makes a word of difference.

[Mindy_H]

My DH just bought that exact camera, he suggested you check out the price on digitalrev.com as he found this the cheapest for his camera.
Mindy

[Andy M]

Originally Posted by Mindy_H

My DH just bought that exact camera, he suggested you check out the price on digitalrev.com as he found this the cheapest for his camera.
Mindy

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Yes I bought the D3200 with the 18-55 and the 55-200 from them for £410. Ordered on a Monday and arrived on Thursday direct from Hong Kong.

The seller had good reviews.

Andy