Have you considered Micro four thirds (M43)? Launched by Panasonic a decade ago with the G1 the first M43 lens was a 14-45 (35mm equiv FOV = 28-90). Being the first M43 lens it had to be good - and was later voted Best Kit Lens. When Panasonic upgraded the G1 to the G2 they also changed the kit lens to the 14-42, which many said was not so sharp as the 14-45. The other advantage of course, is the large, bright live-view EVF. The 14-45 can be found at a good price on ebay. A G3 upwards has a 16mpx sensor. Probably a G5 body and a 14-45 would make a good and inexpensive combination. There is a 45-200 lens which is also to be had at a good price if you require more reach (35mm equiv FOV = 90-400) which I had for some time, and with which you would not be disappointed. Good luck in your search.
billnikon
Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont
frjeff wrote:
I am thinking of picking up a simple, older camera, and keep the lens inventory to one or two lenses.
I just returned an older Pentax K10D as the viewfinder was was impossible to see in bright sunlight. Sadly, I was highly impressed with the IQ of that 10MP camera.
Not looking for all the bells and whistles of a modern camera (already have two). Just looking for good IQ.
Before I make a choice, I began to think that before I choose a camera, I might be wise to determine which brand has the best “kit” lens and/or prime lenses (35mm-50mm) as that is where I’d likely start (and might remain. Would primarily shoot street and landscapes with the camera.
Any thoughts on this camera picking methodology? And also, your thoughts on my lens question?
I am thinking of picking up a simple, older camera... (
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For Nikon, the best two kit lenses are, for FF, the Nikon 24-120 f4. For cropped sensor, the AF-S Nikkor 16-80mm f 2.8-4 E ED.
But, if your looking for a REAL DEAL, the deal of the century from Nikon is currently the Nikon D610, a FF camera, with vertical grip and a 50 mm 1.8 lens (kit prime lens if you want to call it that) and wireless module all for a $1100.00 off. WHAT A DEAL.
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1515120-REG/nikon_13550_d610_body_with_50mm.html?sts=pi&pim=Y
Nikon Z 6/7 with the “kit” 24-70 f/4. Excellent lens
frjeff wrote:
I am thinking of picking up a simple, older camera, and keep the lens inventory to one or two lenses.
I just returned an older Pentax K10D as the viewfinder was was impossible to see in bright sunlight. Sadly, I was highly impressed with the IQ of that 10MP camera.
Not looking for all the bells and whistles of a modern camera (already have two). Just looking for good IQ.
Before I make a choice, I began to think that before I choose a camera, I might be wise to determine which brand has the best “kit” lens and/or prime lenses (35mm-50mm) as that is where I’d likely start (and might remain. Would primarily shoot street and landscapes with the camera.
Any thoughts on this camera picking methodology? And also, your thoughts on my lens question?
I am thinking of picking up a simple, older camera... (
show quote)
Another plus for Fuji and their lenses. Very intuitive cameras. Several post regarding their 18-55, but also would consider their 18-135 - more reach, weather sealed, but give up a bit in aperture (F3.5-5.6).
That link quote above is now $895
Without doubt the two best kit lenses ever made are the Nikon 16-80 and 18-140. Both are very sharp excellent lenses.
The Sony 18-135mm dt kit lens gets very good marks ... for a kit lens.
You can get a Panny Lumix G85 with a 12-60mm for $997 at B&H. I have both. The camera is so good that I routinely take it instead of my G9, and the kit lens is extremely good. I got a little carried away and also bought the PL 12-60 to get a little better low light, but retrospectively, have to tell you that absent the increased aperture, they are pretty much equivalent and the kit lens is a lot lighter.
I bought a Sony a6000 a year ago with two kit lenses--16-50 and 55-210. They are both very sharp, sharper than my canon kit lenses. It’s a fine camera.
rehess
Loc: South Bend, Indiana, USA
wetreed wrote:
Without doubt the two best kit lenses ever made are the Nikon 16-80 and 18-140. Both are very sharp excellent lenses.
You use terms like “without doubt” too much. Nikon users may agree, but you will find that users of other brands do not agree.
cjc2
Loc: Hellertown PA
mborn wrote:
Nikon Z 6/7 with the “kit” 24-70 f/4. Excellent lens
This is also what popped into my head as I own the Z6 and the 24-70 F4. Like it very much. Best of luck.
Why another DSLR? I would suggest you check out the just released Nikon Coolpix P 950. Its sensor is smaller, but the lens is a fixed zoom. And it takes RAW and Jpeg.
The best plastic kid lens I have is the Nikon 28-80 3.3-5.6 it’s fast, sharp and crooked in some areas.
After updating from a Minolta xg1 to canon 300d (☹️) and now I m use if the Nikon 810 (love it)
A nice body with a nice lens is worth it’s money.
Several months ago I bought a Leica V Lux Model 114; it is a bridge camera with an amazing 25-400 lens, great functionality and delivers a truly quality image. If you can find one used, it should be less than $1,000. Be sure you specify the Model 114.
I have a Nikon 7100 that came with 2 kit lenses a 18 - 140 and a 55 - 300 if I recall correctly. The 55-300 is my all around lens and works great and is clear in all regards
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