18-55mm Lens - too limiting?

[RichRadio]

Hi all,

I'm new to this board.

I'm trying to decide on a camera....looking at the D40 or Panasonic FZ28...

I kind of know the pros and cons of the whole bridge camera vs DSLR thing, but one of the main concerns I have with buying the D40 (which if I'm honest, I prefer the feel of) is the small lens range that the camera comes with.

I know that we can change the lens but this adds to cost (and bulk). I'm just wondering, in your experience have you found the 18-55mm kit lens limiting or have you found most pictures are taken within this range anyway?

Kind Regards


Richard

[Fen]

Nearly 75% of all my photos are taken on a 14-24mm which is even more 'limiting'. But it isn't really the lens...

It's what you do with it.

The quality and expandability of a SLR is what holds it above a bridge camera.

[parisian]

You don't mention in what way it is limiting - at the wide or the long end. Wider than that you are looking at the 12-24mm or the new 10-24mm.
Longer, perhaps the 18 - 200mm would suit, the only problem being that any of these is seriously more expensive than the 'kit' lens you mention.
I can certainly vouch for the 12-24mm and there are others on here who seriously rate the 18-200mm. I don't know off hand of anyone with the 10-24mm as yet - although I may well be wrong there.
You have to balance your photographic/learning needs with the cash outlay. You may find examples in the secondhand market.

[RichRadio]

Yes...sorry, I meant limiting as in focal length. I usually use a range betwen 28-100mm so I am just a bit concerned I might find upto 55mm a bit too short....

I'm finding a really difficult decision here. I want a camera that ultimately I can "learn" photography on but also one that gives versatility w/o being too encumbersome. I like to travel (worldwide) and would like a camera I can take for all occasions w/o being weighed down with lenses. So, the former (learning photography) pushes me towards the DSLR but the latter (one camera for all occasions w/o weight) pushes me towards the FZ28!!!

Decisions decisions!

Any thoughts?

The other possiblity I guess is buying a DSLR and a small compact for travelling....but then I think I might still wish I could take my bestest camera away with me on my travels


aaarrgghhh


kind regards



Richard

[Benchista]

Well when I first started, cameras came with 50mm standard lenses, and that's what we were stuck with until we could afford extra lenses, so in comparison, an 18-55 is pretty versatile. It does cover the most critical focal lengths for travel IMVHO, but only you can tell if it's versatile enough for you - the range is equivalent to 27-82mm, which isn't far short of 28-100. Personally, that difference wouldn't bother me.

[Learning]

Just get the VR version of the lens. You should be able to bully a retailer in these difficult times. The D40 normally comes with the non VR version of the 18-55. As a previous member has mentione the standard prime is also a possibility. Don't worry too much about the lack of a focus motor in the D40. Most (all?) new Nikkors are AF-S and don't need the motor.
You don't say what you are going to be photographing. If you've got kids then you might like to look at Ken Rockwell's web site, and in particular his snaps of master Ryan Rockwell. Ken is often criticised for many faults, or perceived faults, but his 'snaps' of his young son are quite charming, technially good, and for the last year or so have been done on a D40. Lately he has used the new f1.8 35mm.

[IvorETower]

Try to get the 18-105VR lens; I got one a couple of months back and am well impressed with it; suits the D40 well :-)

[bmul]

Hi there

What camera are you used to using? If it's a compact or bridge that focal range is likely to have been a 35mm 'equivalent'. The D40 has a sensor which is smaller than 35mm film. The following will also be relevant if you're used to a film camera or slr.

Although the focal length is 18-55, your angle of view will appear the same as a lens with focal lengths 1.5x longer -i.e., approx 27 - 83mm which is a similar range to the 28-100 you've used previously.

It may be that the 18-55 therefore gives you a range you are comfortable with to start off with.

Cheers

[nspur]

I usually use a range betwen 28-100mm so I am just a bit concerned I might find upto 55mm a bit too short....

I find 18-55 a little limiting. I have an 18-70 that I bought s/h and it's a more satisfactory range - better optically as well I think.

[GeoffR]

I usually use a range betwen 28-100mm so I am just a bit concerned I might find upto 55mm a bit too short....

I find 18-55 a little limiting. I have an 18-70 that I bought s/h and it's a more satisfactory range - better optically as well I think.

I have just upgraded from an 18-50 f2.8 to the Nikon 17-55 f2.8. The only time I feel limited is when I feel the need to use a 70-200. The whole point of an SLR is that you can change lenses as necessary. I would recommend quality over focal length every time; except that the Nikon 18-70 is really excellent and apparently out performs the 18-55. So, in this case I would try to get the 18-70, a good dealer may well do you a deal to swap the 18-55 for the longer 18-70, give it a try.

[miked]

Well when I first started, cameras came with 50mm standard lenses, and that's what we were stuck with until we could afford extra lenses

In furtherance of this excellent advice might I suggest you buy a Nikon 50mm f1.8 prime. Pound for pound it is probably the best value glass Nikon currently market. It ain't a zoom but you overcome this simply by moving in and out using your feet. I would personally not buy an 18-200mm f3.5-4.5 VR, which though it covers a lot of zoom-ground, hasn't exactly thrilled me with the quality of its output, and is - IMHO - very much overpriced.

[RichRadio]

Hi people,

Thankyou for all the useful advice.

I bit the bullet and bought my first digital SLR - a Nikon D40 on Saturday...

Having now had the chance to play with it properly I absolutely love it! Only got the standard 18-55mm lens kit in the end but it seems fine...and when I'm ready to, I'll think about buying an additional lense if needed.

Thanks again for all your advice...

Here's to lots of fun with photography!


kind regards


Richard

[PeteJebb]

Good choice RT. I have a D40x and love it. I particularly like its compact size for use in the mountains. I got the standard lens with it, then I bought the 18-200 VR DX, but now I have a 35 1.8 which is a far better lens. My next purchase will be a 50mm.

Small is beautiful.

[surf_digby]

Rather than a second lens as your next purchase (unless you're really into taking pics of things far away), I'd recommend a seperate flash so you can bounce it off ceilings and not drain the cameras battery.

Argos are still doing the smallest Nikon flash for a smidge under £100.

[Learning]

Good. Nikkor kit lenses are worthy of their Nikkor name. The quality is more than adequate and this focal length range covers most requirements. If you buy longer or shorter lenses you will use them but for general photography the standard 18-55 is what you will use most. If you decide to spend more money on a short zoom then for DX cameras the slightly faster 17-50 will be attractive but won't make better photographs unless you are sruggling for lght. The 35 or 50mm primes are also attractive for speed but most people will not notice the slight improvement in image quality.

[Guitarist]

I have just bought a D60 with 18-55mm, and although I'm used to 28-80mm and 75-240mm with my F80, I don't find it too limiting. In some ways a vast array of focal lengths muddies the water, so to speak, and I find the 18-55mm makes me think more. I'd go for the D40, or even the D60. Good luck.