NIKON ADVICE NEEDED

[RacingHistorian]

Hello all,

I have a former co-worker who is asking me for advice on gear.  She is looking for both indoor and outdoor action photography and after speaking with her, I think Nikon is a good route for her.   She was leaning towards Nikon anyways.   She's looking at the D5000 - but I don't know anything about good Nikon glass.

Can I get some advice on a good starting combination for her?   She's looking to spend a total of about $2,000 right now.   She'd like a camera, zoom, and macro....   but we can't have it all.   

Thanks in advance.

Scott

[sgelatt]

I'm not up on the new D5000 but have read a few reviews and all are very positive. My waiter in Toronto said he wanted to get the D5000 as soon as he saves up enough cash!

I use the D300 with the VR 16-85 for a walk around lens. It costs around 600.00, but I've seen it used at B&H for around 5. I like this lens very much. The 50 1.8 is probably the best buy for around 100.00. I also have the 70-200 2.8 which is fantastic.  The other lens that I would recommend over the 16-85 is the 17-55 2.8 (1200) or the 24-70 2.8 (1700). The camera cost around 725.00 so you definitely could buy the 17-55 as your first pro glass. B&H had talked me out of the 17-55 saying it was too heavy for me and that the 16-85 is a great lens. I still want the 17-55!

Look at Flickr pages at the D5000, and each lens usually has their own page. Nikon has many forums to help out too.

[RacingHistorian]

Thanks for the info Sandy - I have passed it along.