Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Personally, I'd build my own as well but then again, I'm not a newbie.... As such, I'd suggest a bundle but one from the mgr. It would still behoove you to learn a bit more about optics & their limitations prior to plunking down the money...

woodworkerman Loc: PA to FL

Buy what you can afford so you can quickly get into this sport, learn, and have fun. Most of today's digitals provide very acceptable images. IF you excel and (possibly) get a few gigs, you can think about upgrading then when you have more money.

redhogbill Loc: antelope, calif

here is my 2cents worht of advise, unless you know what type of photography you want to do and know the tools that it takes to do that job, piece it together, if you are not sure, buy an inxspensive kit until you learn what it is you what to do, { you will save a lot of money in the long run} then ad you your equipment a little at a time.

good luck

SusanFromVermont Loc: Southwest corner of Vermont

One thing others have not mentioned is where to buy the camera. If you have a good camera store in your area, that may be the best place to go. We can pretty much agree it is a good idea to do our part to keep these small businesses open! However, if you are looking online, you need to be aware that there are "trusted vendors" [B&H, Adorama, Cameta, KEH, Nikon] from whom you can get good deals whether it is for new, refurbished, or pre-owned gear. There are others that may be selling "gray market" items, which do not have a USA warranty. If you look on these trusted sites, you will see that they offer the same gear, but the prices will vary very little for the same components. [Prices controlled by the manufacturer.] However, some also offer packages that include other items, which may or may not change the overall price. For instance, B&H has the D500 + 16-80mm f/2.8 VR with several different "add-ons" combinations. I have dealt with B&H and Adorama, with excellent results and satisfaction. Plus they are in New York City [with physical stores], so shipping time is quick from there to here in SW Vermont. Take a look at B&H's website and you will see what I am talking about.

As for the lens[s] you should buy, others have provided a lot of good suggestions. If you are a "generalist", you may want to have them cover a wide range of focal lengths. However, while the newer long-range zoom lenses are getting better, the principle of focal lengths still remains mostly true: The shorter the focal length range of a lens, the more it will be capable of sharpness throughout that range. It is more difficult to manufacture a lens with a large range of focal lengths that is sharp all the way through. Those lenses are very convenient, but depending on what you want from a lens, it may or may not be the right choice for you.

Nikon's "Golden Triad" are the 14-74mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8, which together cover all the most widely used focal lengths. Of course, as someone else pointed out, these are expensive lenses, which may not fit your budget right now. The principles behind these choices include better light-gathering ability [f/2.8], and a relatively short focal length range for each. The 16-80mm f/2.8 lens offered with the D500 fits these principles very well, which makes it a good choice for a lens to start with. I have the 24-70mm, and find that this range fits a large majority of photographic situations. It is the "workhorse" of my small stable of lenses. I can do relatively wide-angle images, portraits, and panoramic landscapes. Unless you have a great need for a longer lens, the 16-80mm would be an excellent choice.

The term "kit lens" has the reputation of implying a lower level of quality, but this is not always the case. And even the ones that have been widely offered such as the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR, are decent lenses. But Nikon has been getting smarter about offering better glass with a better camera! So you are shopping at a good time in photography history. I started with a D7000, 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 VR, and 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR. They satisfied me for a couple of years, then I decided I would eventually want a full-frame camera, so traded in those DX lenses for FX lenses. But now there is a decreasing gap between DX and FX, so with the newer DX cameras you should find them fulfilling to use for a long time.

Another thing about lenses - Some people find it inconvenient to switch lenses. It really is not difficult at all to do, and is quick. The only time it is hazardous is when there is a lot of wind blowing dust, pollen, etc. which could get onto the sensor. I've changed lenses several times during one outing with no problem. You develop a system for protecting the lenses and sensor while making the transfer. And in the camera manual, there will be instructions on how to set it up, which includes the dust reduction system for your camera.

The way I recommend starting out with a new camera, especially going from a point-and-shoot to a DSLR, is to read the manual all the way through before picking up the camera. There may be a lot of things you don't understand, but can research later for answers [or ask questions here] and then read them again. Read the manual AGAIN, this time with the camera in hand. This will help you learn your way around the way the camera controls are arranged, and you can experiment with using them. A very important part is the section that describes ways to set up the camera the way you want. At first, you will probably want to stick with the "default" settings, and then change them as you get used to everything. Another recommendation is to try all the shooting modes for a period of time so you know how they work and what they do best. Automatic can be useful when you really want to get a shot but have not yet learned about the other modes. However, this is probably not where you want to stay, since you are coming from a point-and-shoot! But each of the others can be useful under different conditions. The learning curve will be steep if you have never used a DSLR, but it is worth the effort! And you are on the right track to buy the best you can afford, because you have a camera to grow into, and will not outgrow it any time soon.

Hope this helps!
Susan

mcveed Loc: Kelowna, British Columbia (between trips)

Nikon is bundling the D500 with the new, and very capable 16-80mm f2.8-4 lens for $2500. Probably a good start point until you settle into a specialty requiring specific focal length and capability.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/hands-review/nikon-af-s-dx-nikkor-16-80mm-f28-4e-ed-vr-lens

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

[quote=SusanFromVermont]One thing others have not mentioned is where to buy the camera. If you have a good camera store in your area, that may be the best place to go. We can pretty much agree it is a good idea to do our part to keep these small businesses open! However, if you are looking online, you need to be aware that there are "trusted vendors" [B&H, Adorama, Cameta, KEH, Nikon] from whom you can get good deals whether it is for new, refurbished, or pre-owned gear. There are others that may be selling "gray market" items, which do not have a USA warranty. If you look on these trusted sites, you will see that they offer the same gear, but the prices will vary very little for the same components. [Prices controlled by the manufacturer.] However, some also offer packages that include other items, which may or may not change the overall price. For instance, B&H has the D500 + 16-80mm f/2.8 VR with several different "add-ons" combinations. I have dealt with B&H and Adorama, with excellent results and satisfaction. Plus they are in New York City [with physical stores], so shipping time is quick from there to here in SW Vermont. Take a look at B&H's website and you will see what I am talking about.

As for the lens[s] you should buy, others have provided a lot of good suggestions. If you are a "generalist", you may want to have them cover a wide range of focal lengths. However, while the newer long-range zoom lenses are getting better, the principle of focal lengths still remains mostly true: The shorter the focal length range of a lens, the more it will be capable of sharpness throughout that range. It is more difficult to manufacture a lens with a large range of focal lengths that is sharp all the way through. Those lenses are very convenient, but depending on what you want from a lens, it may or may not be the right choice for you.

Nikon's "Golden Triad" are the 14-74mm f/2.8, 24-70mm f/2.8, 70-200mm f/2.8, which together cover all the most widely used focal lengths. Of course, as someone else pointed out, these are expensive lenses, which may not fit your budget right now. The principles behind these choices include better light-gathering ability [f/2.8], and a relatively short focal length range for each. The 16-80mm f/2.8 lens offered with the D500 fits these principles very well, which makes it a good choice for a lens to start with. I have the 24-70mm, and find that this range fits a large majority of photographic situations. It is the "workhorse" of my small stable of lenses. I can do relatively wide-angle images, portraits, and panoramic landscapes. Unless you have a great need for a longer lens, the 16-80mm would be an excellent choice.

The term "kit lens" has the reputation of implying a lower level of quality, but this is not always the case. And even the ones that have been widely offered such as the 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 VR, are decent lenses. But Nikon has been getting smarter about offering better glass with a better camera! So you are shopping at a good time in photography history. I started with a D7000, 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 VR, and 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR. They satisfied me for a couple of years, then I decided I would eventually want a full-frame camera, so traded in those DX lenses for FX lenses. But now there is a decreasing gap between DX and FX, so with the newer DX cameras you should find them fulfilling to use for a long time.

Another thing about lenses - Some people find it inconvenient to switch lenses. It really is not difficult at all to do, and is quick. The only time it is hazardous is when there is a lot of wind blowing dust, pollen, etc. which could get onto the sensor. I've changed lenses several times during one outing with no problem. You develop a system for protecting the lenses and sensor while making the transfer. And in the camera manual, there will be instructions on how to set it up, which includes the dust reduction system for your camera.

The way I recommend starting out with a new camera, especially going from a point-and-shoot to a DSLR, is to read the manual all the way through before picking up the camera. There may be a lot of things you don't understand, but can research later for answers [or ask questions here] and then read them again. Read the manual AGAIN, this time with the camera in hand. This will help you learn your way around the way the camera controls are arranged, and you can experiment with using them. A very important part is the section that describes ways to set up the camera the way you want. At first, you will probably want to stick with the "default" settings, and then change them as you get used to everything. Another recommendation is to try all the shooting modes for a period of time so you know how they work and what they do best. Automatic can be useful when you really want to get a shot but have not yet learned about the other modes. However, this is probably not where you want to stay, since you are coming from a point-and-shoot! But each of the others can be useful under different conditions. The learning curve will be steep if you have never used a DSLR, but it is worth the effort! And you are on the right track to buy the best you can afford, because you have a camera to grow into, and will not outgrow it any time soon.

Hope this helps!
Susan[/quote]
Wow!!!! Now that is a reply!!!!

GreenDruid Loc: Toronto, Canada

What type of photography is your type?
Good all around lens is Sigma 120-300 but it is about $3.6k stretching your budget even further.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

I would buy the most versatile lens you can. One that will replace the cost and inconvenience of multiple lenses. The Nikon 18-300mm f/3.5-5.6G ED IF AF-S DX Nikkor VR Lens is a wide angle, normal and telephoto lens all in one. It is also a great lens for travel where you don't want the burden carrying and switching multiple lenses. It has quality that is similar to the "kit lenses" and will serve you well even after you become a proficient photographer and add lenses to your collection. I have several lenses in my collection that cost thousands of dollars, but when I travel, I usually only take a single similar lens full range lense for my full frame D800.

The 18-300mm costs just under $1,000, but if that is an issue, I would buy a less expensive body than the D500. A D7200, for example, is $900 less and still has all the features you will need until you are much more advanced. By that future time you would probably want to replace the D500 with a current model that had more features than the D500 in any case.

Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala

1st.
In general, bundle contents are cheap crap. I cannot pass judgement on your bundle, of course not. But the likelihood it contains any good items is as slim as a fart in space.

2nd.
You’re about to buy one of the best crop sensor cameras on the market. Why would you consider using cheap filters, a cheap tripod or flash with that good a camera? I know I certainly wouldn’t.

3rd.
Find your D500 at the best price you can accept. And get a good all around lens with it. I’d suggest you get the Nikkor 16-80mm, f/2.8, because it’s considered one of the best all around lenses out there.

4th.
Read
-Nikon D500 for dummies, from Amazon.
-Secrets To The Nikon Autofocus System, by Steve Perry. Found here: https://backcountrygallery.com/secrets-nikon-autofocus-system/
-Understanding Exposure, by Bryan Peterson, from Amazon.

Here’s Steve Perry on the D500:
https://youtu.be/ComPpr0bniM

When you’ve read the books and learned to get familiar with your camera you’ll know what additional gear you want or need. I.e. don’t run for the cheap crap. Go for the stuff that makes your photography better.

Festus Loc: North Dakota

Your 1st and 3rd statements conflict with each other. Because: the Nikkor 16-80mm, f/2.8, is generally the lens that is in the "kit" with the D500. At least in the U.S.

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

I have the D500 and like it a lot. Bought a refurbished one. I had some lenses akreadt. Example the low cost and maybe my favorite.35mm 1.8, sold my Nikon -8-200 and bought the Tamron 18-400. Bought the Nikon 200-500. I also have but hardly use the Nikon 18-55. Seems like to 16-800 would be better then my 18-55.

Now saving for a full frame camera and Trinity lenses. Not sure if I’ll go with Nikon lenses or Tamron lenses.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

Let’s not forget the fact that not everyone can afford to buy the best, and that the best for them is the best they can afford. At least a kit lens of lesser quality allows one to get started with their new camera and get used to it until such time as they can afford a better lens. This isn’t a cheap hobby.

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Better equipment doesn't make one a better photographer. It simply makes it easier to capture certain images due to features lesser equipment may lack.

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

Kit is a sometimes misused and misinterpreted term.... It just means a bundle of a body, lens and maybe some accessories. Look at the quality of each component and balance the cost to your needs. Example: My Olympus EM1 came as a KIT with the 12-40 F2.8 lens... A KIT lens/body at a great price. Don't naturally equate KIT with cheap.

Boris Ekner Loc: From Sweden, living in Guatemala

Clarification:
My 1st statement is about the content of the general bundle, i.e. filters, flash, tripod, aso.
My 3rd statement is about the lens coming with the camera.