Camera Labs

Hello, now Im deciding which one to go for between D80 Kit or D80 body + 55-200 VR. I'd mostly take the portrait picture.

If they are compared side by side in the term of picture quality and valuable, which one I better go for? This is gonna be my first lens

Thanks..

You've certainly read Gordon's review of the Nikon kit lenses and the VR 55-200mm. The latter is a very nice stabilized tele-zoom, but I think that you will sorely miss the range from 18-55mm, if you go for it as your [b]only[/] lens.
I'd suggest to get the 18-70mm first and then a suitable tele-zoom later. The reason: in the range from 70-105mm you will already miss image stabilization (IS/VR).

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

I say get a 18-70mm lens...

1) only about $250.
2) better build quality than the other 2 lenses.
3) you can upgrade to a tele-photo like the 70-300mm/VR and have an awesome focal range.

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Canon EOS 5D + 50mm f/1.8

http://flickr.com/photos/nathan_ward

Thank you tombomba2 and Nathan for the answers. Yes, I've read those 2 great reviews and, in consequence, it's difficult for me to make a decision.

I will go to look for 18-70. Anyway, at the same range, should I go to look for Nikkon AF-S 18-70 DX or Sigma?

Thanks....

Well actually I think it is Sigma 17-70mm and it is a little more expensive, but I know it is a good lens so you might wanna read around on that.

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Canon EOS 5D + 50mm f/1.8

http://flickr.com/photos/nathan_ward

I checked out some pictures taken with the Sigma 17-70mm and I would actually spend the little extra on it, because...

1) Much better for macro work, you can get extremely close to your subject with this lens.
2)The 17mm compared to 18mm is not a big difference but whos complaining.
3) Sigma is a great company and teh products are too, especially when picking up a EX lens like this one.

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Canon EOS 5D + 50mm f/1.8

http://flickr.com/photos/nathan_ward

Thanks again,Nathan. I will check for 17-70 Sigma and other lenses in this range.

However, since Sigma comes with Macro and that's very interesting so I probably go for it.

Thanks a lot~!

Good suggestion from Nathan! Check out this lens-review here.

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Thanks for the link tombomba2!