In my relatively short time as a member of this fine community, I've been both educated and entertained. Photography is (for me) an enjoyable hobby, but for many here it's a serious avocation, to say nothing of those members who are professionals (which is where the education comes in). Anyway, I'm proud to say that, thanks in large part to UHH, I'll be moving up to my first DSLR, after doing my (apprenticeship?) on various point/shoot & bridge cameras over the past 8 years.

I'm limited budget-wise, but after a lot of research I've ordered (from B&H) a Nikon D5300 body. I realize it's vintage 2013, but it's a fine instrument just the same. I like to make timelapse; it's got a built-in intervalometer. I've come to truly depend on an articulated LCD; it's got one of those, too, and it's not touch-screen (can't explain why, but I just don't like them). It shoots 60 fps video. 24 megapixels. Plenty of horsepower for my skill level and budget.

Now, here's where I appeal to the UHH members for expert advice. As stated, I've got a DX Body on order; I decided against kit lenses. The 18-140 mm Nikkor is interesting and not outrageously expensive; has a modest wide-angle capacity despite the 1.5x crop factor, and a bit more telephoto reach (which I don't need a lot of anyway, wide-angle being more suited to my style than telephoto). What do you think of it? Any suggested alternatives?

The best film camera I ever owned, and that I made some very nice pictures with, was a Ricoh Singlex with 50mm f 1.4 normal lens ('way back in 1970!). Given that 1.5x crop factor, what lens today (Nikon or other suitable brand) would be comparable? Thanks much!