Ol' Frank Loc: Orlando,

Check out the Sigma or Tamron lens in the 18-250 range for a single lens that works very well for general use. I have The Sigma on my D90 and my wife has the Tamron or her D50. The other lens just stay in the bag and are very rarely used. They both work very well for birding and outdoor use.

SonnyE Loc: Communist California, USA

What lenses are coming with the camera?

For example, I got a D3300 in July, and it came with an 18-55 mm, and a 55-200 mm.
I thought it was a nice start.
That set me back $750.
I have recently added a Tamron 150-600 mm and am having a ball with the pile. It's covering my learning curve.

Personally, I do not trust EBrey or Crapslist. Too easy to get screwed. YMMV.

Bret Loc: Dayton Ohio

I agree...the D5200 and the 18-140 lens should keep you busy and well armed for some time. I use that lens with a D5100 and am very pleased with it..a very versatile combo.
You mite also want to look into a good flash...and save save your money for those really great lenses down the road...GAS is a horrible affliction :)

watchcow Loc: Moore, Oklahoma

A used 18-105 can be had pretty inexpensively used, and they are remarkably useful. the 18-140 is the current upper end kit lens, those are notably more expensive and the used market is pretty tight. the 18-55 VR kit lens is really quite sharp, but the zoom range drives me crazy because I spent so long using film cameras with a 28-105, and then my early digital purchase was an 18-70 (similar angle of coverage for a crop sensor camera)

If you can find an 18-70 in good shape at a low cost, it is certainly a decent lens, watch for the condition and take some pictures from a tripod with it before you plunk down cash or make sure you have return privileges. these newer lenses are complex and the zoom and focus parts move in them move in helical tracks with pins or cams that run in those slotted tracks. when it is working it is a smooth ballet of technology, when the cams wear or the slots get sloppy, the ballet gets sloppy and you end up with poor focus or some other optical artifact that is undesirable. To test this you will really need to get full resolution images, and then look at them on a bigger screen. I have an OTG card reader I can plug into a 10 inch android tablet to do this kind of testing if I am meeting someone off craigslist or checking out a used lens in a pawn shop.

It is possible to get a D3200 or D5200 on closeout from some of the box stores and best buy with the 18-55 and 55-200 for really good prices now. Other than the flip out screen, there is not much functional difference between the 3200 and 5200. So it might be worth considering the D3200 to save a bit more and start saving toward a higher end body sooner. I think the local Best Buy near my home had a D3200 kit with two lenses and a bag for $529 a few months ago.

K_Duncan Loc: Whiteville, NC

:thumbup: Good advice.

dmeyer Loc: Marion, NC

If you are buying camera body only, and want a nice focal range at minimum cost, I have a Nikkor 18-135mm lens listed in the By/Sell/Trade section for only $185. The lens is nearly new because I only used it on two trips (two weeks worth) before getting the 18-200mmVR. The 18-135mm is actually a bit sharper, but I wanted the longer reach for large wildlife.
http://www.uglyhedgehog.com/t-243980-1.html

MarkD Loc: NYC

You might be able to get a D5200 in a kit with the 18-140 VR for a good price. That's an excellent combination. If not the Nikon 18-105 VR is around $200 refurbished or lightly used. Try keh.com. They are the best for used gear IMO.

If you want an all-in-one the Sigma 18-250 Macro OS HSM is around $350. Make sure it is the newest version that takes 62mm filters. The older ones take 72mm filters. I have the new Sigma 18-200 Macro OS HSM. It's a little shorter than the 18-250, but it's a little sharper. It's going for about $399.

hlmichel Loc: New Hope, Minnesota

Adorama and BH have it for $896.95

Mike D. Loc: Crowley County, CO.

You have heard some excellent suggestions as to what so here are a couple wheres:

Check B & H, Adorama, and Cameta Camera for refubished lenses with warranties and there is also some guy in Montana named, what was it... Oh yeah, Carter. :)

http://www.cameracottage.com/

If he doesn't have what you are looking for in the store, I'm sure that he could suggest a thing or two. Btw, he already has.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

I have bought many lenses - and sold some - on ebay. Just watch the prices and be careful.

As for what to buy, I find wide angle more important than tele. When you raise your camera to get a shot, and the whole scene won't fit in, that's very frustrating.

Sigma and Tokina have nice W/A lenses. Actually, the 18-55mm "kit" lens has a good reputation for a good price, especially if you get it with the camera.

It would be nice to have the Nikon trinity of lenses, but you're talking around $7,000.

Remember, back in SLR days, cameras came with a 50mm lens, and most people were satisfied with that. I eventually added a 135mm, but the 50mm worked very well.

Gatsby1930

The D5200 is basically an entry level camera, so I'm going to assume that you are fairly new to photography and not looking to spend a lot of money on lenses. If you're interested in buying lenses (I stay with Nikkor) for it I would consider the 18-55 with VR (There are two 18-55's. One does not have VR=Vibration Reduction) and for zoom the 70-300 with VR (Once again there are two of these lenses. One with and one without VR). And yes, ebay is a great place to get lenses. I bought three lenses from there and I got great discounts on all three. Over 50% off the retail price. I am totally satisfied with all of them. Definitely check ebay for these lenses. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised at how much they will cost you. If you want a micro lenses then I suggest the 55mm or the 60mm. But stay within your budget and you can decide later if a micro lens is something you'd be interested in. I bought my 60mm micro from ebay and it works fabulously! Good luck.

Indi Loc: L. I., NY, Palm Beach Cty when it's cold.

I recently bought the D5300 with the 18-140mm lens as a package from Beach Camera via Amazon.
The 18-140mm (mentioned several times here) is a very nice lens. Very sharp and very versatile while being not too heavy. It's my 2nd favorite lens to my Sigma 17-70mm.
Buying on eBay is fine as long as you use PayPal, check the seller's rating, a
USA warranty in case you need repairs, and buy from someone IN the US.

Picdude Loc: Ohio

Not sure what your final budget is but check some of your package deals. The D5200 typically comes packaged with a 18-55 VR lens. I got one last year that had the body, 18-55 and 55-300 lenses for a reasonable price. So far, that combination has been working great for me.

martyr2013 Loc: Massachusetts

I have a Nikon 5100 and I have been using a Tamron 18-270mm lens. I have been traveling with it and just came back from a trip to Italy. It is a great lens to travel with as it can stay on the camera for all shots I took. It is a sharp lens and I have been very satisfied with it. It would be an option for you.

Tea8 Loc: Where the wind comes sweeping down the plain.

I have the 5200 and it came with the 18-55. I don't know whether or not you are going to purchase just the body or the kit, but to go along with my kit lens I got the 55-300. Now I wish I had something that did 18-200 or 18-300 so I didn't have to switch lenses, but I find more often than not I am using the 55-300 and I am happy that I purchased it right away to go along with my camera body and the other lens.