Nikon lenes

[Aid1987]

I've had a D60 VR lens kit for a little while and want to get a new lens within the next few days.

I was looking at the 55-200mm f/4-5.6 AFS DX VR lens in particular.

I will be going to Japan in the next few months and was thinking this would be a good addition to the 18-55mm VR lens that I already have and would be beneficial on my holiday..what do you think?

Also, can someone please explain how the nikon 50mm f/1.8 d lens works and what it is used for. Would this lens be a good lens for someone like me? I was thinking that the two lenses I have mentioned plus the standard lens would benefit me most. If so would it be worthwhile getting both of these lenses before I go?

I know everyone here would probably say yes, but would it be worthwhile bringing a tripod to Japan as I am planning on being in Tokyo for just over a week and then travelling through south Japan in the second. Finally, what's the procedure for taking cameras on a plane, should I have my camera bag as hand luggage?

Thanks for reading...I know it was long but and any ideas, advice and comments would be appreciated.

[AlexMonro]

I was looking at the 55-200mm f/4-5.6 AFS DX VR lens in particular.

I will be going to Japan in the next few months and was thinking this would be a good addition to the 18-55mm VR lens that I already have and would be beneficial on my holiday..what do you think?

The 55-200 VR is pretty good for the price. If you want a medium-longish tele zoom, you could do a lot worse. Detailed review here.

Also, can someone please explain how the nikon 50mm f/1.8 d lens works and what it is used for. Would this lens be a good lens for someone like me? I was thinking that the two lenses I have mentioned plus the standard lens would benefit me most. If so would it be worthwhile getting both of these lenses before I go?

Not sure what you mean by "how it works". It's a "nifty fifty", good as a portrait lens on APS-C, and also useful as a wide aperture low-light lens. However, the f/1.8 D doesn't have a focus motor, so won't autofocus on the D60. To achieve that, you'll need the rather pricier f/1.4 AF-S, or the big and heavy Sigma f/1.4 HSM. Or you could just focus manually.

As to whether it's worth getting them before you go, that sort of depends on the kind of shots you're hoping to get. 200mm is a bit short for wildlife, but can be useful for other things. A wide aperture prime can be very useful in low light, giving you at least a couple of stops more than the kit lens., though 50mm can be a bit long indoors.

I know everyone here would probably say yes, but would it be worthwhile bringing a tripod to Japan as I am planning on being in Tokyo for just over a week and then travelling through south Japan in the second. Finally, what's the procedure for taking cameras on a plane, should I have my camera bag as hand luggage?

Depends on how much you trust the baggage handlers, and what your airline's policies on carry on bagage are. A tripod is always useful, if you can possibly carry it.

[Aid1987]

Thanks a lot Alex, that was very helpful! oh, and when I said how it works I meant what it is used for, where and about it's focus which you answered..thanks.

I think I might try to get both lenses if I can afford it, but intend to get the 55-200mm lens first, I've seen in cheap on Amazon marketplace although think I'd rather spend an extra £50 to buy it from Amazon themselves to be safe.

EDIT: Just noticed that on Amazon there are two identical 55-200mm lenses but one is f/4-5.6 (which is correct I think) and the other is f/4.5-5.6. Is there to versions of this lens or is it likely that the second one was misprinted?

[AlexMonro]

EDIT: Just noticed that on Amazon there are two identical 55-200mm lenses but one is f/4-5.6 (which is correct I think) and the other is f/4.5-5.6. Is there to versions of this lens or is it likely that the second one was misprinted?

There are two current Nikon 55-200mm lenses, but they're not identical. One is the Nikon 55-200mm f4-5.6 G AF-S DX VR IF-ED, which has the Vibration Reduction (anti-shake), and is the one I assumed you were talking about in your earlier post. The other is the Nikon 55-200mm f4.5-5.6 G AF-S DX, which although slightly cheaper, doesn't have Vibration Reduction, is slightly dimmer at the short end, and I believe doesn't perform quite so well optically.

I'd go for the VR version unless your budget is really tight.

[parisian]

You will find the 50mm lens probably the most used of all your lenses over the years. It will, for a mere 70 or 80 quid (new) certainly be the fastest lens in your bag, the sharpest lens in your bag and the one that gives you all those lovely out of focus highlights if you open her right up.
It is a genuine classic and should in my opinion be the first lens that anyone buys for their camera.

[AndyTake2]

Definitely get the VR version.
For the price, on a D60 you would be hard pushed to find anything better in the price range. The VR really comes into it's own when the light starts to drop.
It's a nice small lens as well, so you won't need to leave it at home.
The closest thing to a replacement for it that I would consider is the 75-300VR from Nikon, which again is reasonably priced considering it's specs.

[Zou]

Hand luggage for me, without a doubt.

The light in Japan is pretty good, very bright (usually hazy in the summer) so unless you are going to be in woodland or out after dark the tripod may be of limited use to you. I took mine last year to Japan and only used it for family gruop pictures and some macro stuff. Mine is quite compact so it wasn't a problem to stick in my suitcase, but I'd say only take it if you either have wobbly hands or if you can easily manage it within your luggage allowance.

This thread may be useful for you too.

[Done_rundleCams]

Hi A_D1987,

In lieu of the AFD 50/1.8 (and all the manual focus cr@p) I would
suggest the (relatively) new and highly rated AF-S 35/1.8 -- see here for Nikon UK specs

As for the Telephoto Zoom, as mentioned above, there is the AF-S 55-200 VR --
see here for Nikon UK specs ...and it's better than the non-VR version .... <u>BUT </u> I would really recommend the AF-S 70-300 VR -- see here for Nikon UK specs and it is, possibly, the best "bang for the buck/quid" lens from Nikon

And,lastly, as to the question for <u>"how/where to carry your camera gear?"</u>
let me answer this as simply and to the point, as possible:

<u>always, AlWaYs, ALWAYS...CARRY-ON luggage</u>

BTW, did I mention "always carry-on"??

Cheers and have a great trip

Jack

[Aid1987]

WOW! thanks for all the replies, all the posts were really helpful! I went to my local camera shop and tried the lenses out (inc. the 35mm f/1.8 - preferred the 50mm to be honest). Should be getting the 55-200mm on tuesday (the 70-300mm is a bit out of my price range unfortunatley) and the 50mm at the end of the month.

The trip to japan has been postponed due to a couple of reasons and it may be another 10 months before me and my mate can go...i'm well and truly gutted

[parisian]

I said the 50mm would grab you, I expect the mars bar to be faxed over immediately