Nikon D7000: Looking to get a D7000 and not sure about the lenses. Should I get the kit lenses or get the body and upgrade the lens. I shoot mostly landscape...

kitrn Loc: Tucson, Az

Looking to get a D7000 and not sure about the lenses. Should I get the kit lenses or get the body and upgrade the lens. I shoot mostly landscape

Happyclicker Loc: West Mids, UK

Well I recently purchased the D7000 ( Xmas time) and went for the lens kit - purely so I could get straight out there and take pics. The 105mm zoom kit lens is fine and cheaper as part of the bundle against if I was to purchase the cam and lens separately. However, having now spend some time with the camera I would not go with this choice again and would have just picked up the body. My next lens is going to be the Sigma 120 - 300 F2.8 primarily for wildlife.
If you have DSLR experience then the lens kit is fine but in my case would have been more cost effective if I have put the money towards my desired lens in the first place......you live and learn I guess.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

kitrn wrote:

Looking to get a D7000 and not sure about the lenses. Should I get the kit lenses or get the body and upgrade the lens. I shoot mostly landscape

That's a tough call. The 18-105mm is a good lens, as many members will tell you. Getting it with the camera will save you money. You will have a good camera and a good lens to learn the D7000. Then you can do your research and decide how much money you are willing to part with to get a better lens.

Read reviews and don't rule out eBay and factory refurbs. Don't put too much faith in personal opinions from owners. People tend to like what they've bought.

art pear Loc: North Dakota

I have the 18-105 on my d7000. I have had it about a year now and really like it. It is a great lens for the price. That being said I usually don't use it, but when I am out shooting landscapes I always have it with me.

JR1 Loc: Tavistock, Devon, UK

I wanted to add to the gear we use (see my site) and was considering 2 7Ds, then I tried the D7000s and bought two, the 18-105

http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-105mm.htm

Is superb, BUT we also have the 18-55 DON'T under estimate it.

remember so many are produced they can keep the price down.

ejrmaine Loc: South Carolina

Depends on what you intend to shoot. The 18-105 is a good walk around lens, but if you are looking for wild life photos I'd find a longer 2.8 lens.

RetiredPhotog Loc: South West Ohio

kitrn wrote:

Looking to get a D7000 and not sure about the lenses. Should I get the kit lenses or get the body and upgrade the lens. I shoot mostly landscape

I have the 18-105 on my d7000 and 4 other lens, I find that I use my 18 - 105 about 80% of the time as it is an excellent all around lens. If I have special shooting needs I will switch to a macro, a 55 - 300 or I will use a 35 mm fixed lens depending on the shooting requirements.

coco1964 Loc: Winsted Mn

The 18-105 is a good place to start with the D7000 especially because of the D7000s low light capabilities. After that start saving $$$ for 2.8 and faster lens. Look at Sigma and Tamron for good glass at good prices. Also look at factory refurbished lens and good deals on e-bay......

Bear2 Loc: Southeast,, MI

I have the D7000, an 18-105, & and a 70-300. We to Italy last fall, but when returning home to my PC the images did not look sharp. (Mat screen on my PC). At a photo class they were tack sharp on a glossy laptop. When projected onto a 6'X 8' screen most were still sharp from 5' away. All were were taken with the 18-105. Left the 70-300 at home, because of pick pocket warnings. The 18-105 performed in bright daylight as well as dimly lit cathedrals at ISO 1600. Made 1265 captures in all.

coco1964 Loc: Winsted Mn

Bear2 wrote:

I have the D7000, an 18-105, & and a 70-300. We to Italy last fall, but when returning home to my PC the images did not look sharp. (Mat screen on my PC). At a photo class they were tack sharp on a glossy laptop. When projected onto a 6'X 8' screen most were still sharp from 5' away. All were were taken with the 18-105. Left the 70-300 at home, because of pick pocket warnings. The 18-105 performed in bright daylight as well as dimly lit cathedrals at ISO 1600. Made 1265 captures in all.

That may say more to the low light capabilities of the D7000 than it does to the quality of that particular lens. Not saying the 18-105 isn't a good lens but the D7000 brings out the best in a lens........

markg

I found the kit lenses just fine. Love the camera too