Your Opinion Please: I am looking to purchase a new---not used or refurbished---entry-level DSLR with one prime lens and one zoom lens. I've read a bazillion reviews but what I want...

BuckeyeBilly Loc: St. Petersburg, FL

I am looking to purchase a new---not used or refurbished---entry-level DSLR with one prime lens and one zoom lens. I've read a bazillion reviews but what I want right now is your humble opinion with the camera make/model and size lenses to get. Just pretend it's YOU going to get it for yourself as a first-time DSLR buyer and you know exactly what you want. Oh, and you have about $1300.00 to spend. The type of photography you'll be doing is just general type of stuff. And one last thing, you have no loyalty to any one particular manufacturer and you also have no previously purchased lenses or equipment from days gone by. OK, pour it on....

MtnMan Loc: ID

BuckeyeBilly wrote:

I am looking to purchase a new---not used or refur... (show quote)

Go to Costco, or Costco.com, and get the Nikon D5200 kit. I think it under $1000. I recommend getting the one with the 18-55 and 55-300 lens. The 55-200 lens isn't nearly as good as the 55-300.

You can also check Amazon, Adorama, B&H, Hunt's etc. for the current best deals.

GordonB. Loc: St. Petersburg, Fl.

May I ask the reason that you specifically don't want a refurbished model? Since you've been reading this site since '11, you've surely read of the number of members who are experts and recommend buying a refurbished camera. I'm not trying to be nosey since this is really none of my business.

I see that you're also in St.Pete. Perhaps we'll have some temps in the 80's this week. About time!

Good luck in your final choice,
Gordon

amehta Loc: Boston

BuckeyeBilly wrote:

I am looking to purchase a new---not used or refur... (show quote)

The Nikon D5200 DSLR Camera with 18-140mm VR is $950 at B&H. I would wait on the prime lens for now, after shooting for a little while (a few weeks to months), look at the pictures you are taking and see what focal lengths you are using most, especially in low light. The good prime choices in your general price range are the AF-S 35mm f/1.8G DX, AF-S 50mm f/1.8G, and AF-S 85mm f/1.8G. It's hard to say which one is the best option for you without more info.

I helped a friend get the Nikon D5100 last year, so that's the perspective I used. She shot a friend's wedding a with it a few weeks later with great results.

amehta Loc: Boston

BuckeyeBilly wrote:

I am looking to purchase a new---not used or refur... (show quote)

The Nikon D5200 DSLR Camera with 18-140mm VR is $950 at B&H. I would wait on the prime lens for now, after shooting for a little while (a few weeks to months), look at the pictures you are taking and see what focal lengths you are using most, especially in low light. The good prime choices in your general price range are the AF-S 35mm f/1.8G DX, AF-S 50mm f/1.8G, and AF-S 85mm f/1.8G. It's hard to say which one is the best option for you without more info.

I helped a friend get the Nikon D5100 last year, so that's the perspective I used. She shot a friend's wedding a with it a few weeks later with great results.

juicesqueezer Loc: Okeechobee, Florida

Nikon D7100 and a 35 1.8 prime lens. You can't go wrong there and can add as you wish! Just my humble opinion.

DavidPine Loc: Fredericksburg, TX

I agree with the D7100.

juicesqueezer wrote:

Nikon D7100 and a 35 1.8 prime lens. You can't go wrong there and can add as you wish! Just my humble opinion.

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

If you are buying Nikon, I would recommend the 18-105 and the 55-300...both excellent lenses and the two I use almost exclusively...

photon56 Loc: North America

I also think the D7100 is a good deal.

DavidPine wrote:

I agree with the D7100.

SX2002 Loc: Adelaide, South Australia

I also have the D7100 but I don't think you would get one with two lenses for $1300..my body alone cost that much...

amehta Loc: Boston

I agree that the D7100 ($1150) is a great camera, one of the best APS-C options available. With a budget of "about $1300.00" that doesn't leave much for lenses. If BuckeyeBilly can increase his budget a bit, the D7100 + 18-140mm lens package is $1450. I think a zoom makes a lot more sense for him "doing just general type of stuff," than one prime.

cntry Loc: Colorado

BuckeyeBilly wrote:

I am looking to purchase a new---not used or refur... (show quote)

Sony SLT-A65V 24.3 MP Digital SLR Body Only($500)
Tamron Sp Af 17-50mm F/2.8 Xr Di Ii Ld Aspherical If Model A16 ($340),
Tamron AF 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 VC PZD All-In-One Zoom Lens ($400)
or
Sony 55-300mm F/4.5-5.6 DT Zoom Lens ($300)

All prices from Amazon.com

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

MtnMan wrote:

Go to Costco, or Costco.com, and get the Nikon D5200 kit. I think it under $1000. I recommend getting the one with the 18-55 and 55-300 lens. The 55-200 lens isn't nearly as good as the 55-300.

You can also check Amazon, Adorama, B&H, Hunt's etc. for the current best deals.

Great advice.......

Nikon_DonB Loc: Chicago

Check out B&H or Cameta. Call Cameta and they will make you a special package. I did that when I got my D3100 years ago. Very Good People to deal with. Make sure you get the VR lenses......All the Best.... Don

Jcmarino

Nikon D 5100 or 7100 with kit lens (usually 18-55mm) and a 50mm prime (The one that is around 150.00 I think its the 1.8) If you have money left over get the 55-200mm telephoto