Back to square-one

[ret]

Also would appreciate info on Nikon's 18-55 VR and 55-200 VR lenses

@tirediron .... I just checked the 18-70 on the net but it seems as if it's not VR like the 18-200

[ret]

how does the Sigma 18-200 OS compare?

[scorpio_e]

What can I say, I am a Canon lover. So I would go with the 40D. You are correct. I expect the prices to go down even LOWER on the 40D since the 50D is coming out soon. I would go with the Canon as I think you can get a wide variety of third party lenses and Canon lenses. From what I understand, the Canon glass is cheaper than Nikon glass.
I would go with the 40d body and get a third party lens.

The Tamaron 28 to 75 is an excellent all around lens with a fixed 2.8. Some people complain that the 28 is not wide enough.

You could also go with the 17 to 50 and the 55-250mm f/4-5.6 EF-S IS.
A lot of people like the 17 to 50 and I have heard good things about the 55 to 250 too

If you want to know more about Canon go to:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/

[tirediron]

Also would appreciate info on Nikon's 18-55 VR and 55-200 VR lenses

@tirediron .... I just checked the 18-70 on the net but it seems as if it's not VR like the 18-200

True, but do you really need a VR lens? I've been using the original image-stabilization system since the early 80s... it's called a tripod. Yes I know that sounds a little sarcastic, but the simple fact is, for the average user, in most conditions, VR/IS/Whatever is unnecessary, especially given the high-ISO performance of modern DSLRs.

Look for lenses that have the best optiecal quality. If they happen to be VR, that's a bonus, if not, who cares? Personally, I go out of my way to look for lenses that don't have VR built in, as I see it as one more thing to break.

[mindforge]

The stabilizing is actually pretty good. If I am shooting at 200mm, I can see a definite difference... but only at about 1/5 to 1/60 shutterspeed, and even then... I only notice a profound difference at about 1/5 to 1/25 shutterspeed. It doesn't really help after 1/60... well maybe it does but I haven't really noticed but I am one of those guys that stands right, holds the camera right, breathes right, etc... I think the balancing really helps shooting a little faster on the fly though. You don't have to breathe right, etc.

Besides, I can only hand shoot at about 1/5 anyway with or without balance and without the balance I have to shoot a few in succession and one of them come out good. With the balance, it usually comes out great.

[tegan]

tirediron, appears as if dpreview seems to agree with you on 18-200 .... they have recommended it but with reservations

Nikon 18-200 review

btw, what Canon lens would be good with the 40D/50D, i guess it would be the 17-85

According to Popular Photography, the Sony 350A has a faster autofocus system and metering than the Canon 40D. The 50D I don't think has been reviewed yet.

Tegan

[ret]

Today, I visited a store, inquired about the D90 and the store said that if I placed an order the D90 will be delivered in a few days [but don't know if I should order it without feeling it in my hands] .... then I checked out the 40D with the 17-85 lens and boy this thing is a beauty and feels solid. the view through the viewfinder is amazing. i guess 40D uses the pentaprism [D90 has pentaprism too]

below are the approximate price calculations:
D90 body = 1100
D40 body = 1000 to 1100

Now add similar lenses for price comparison,
D90 w/ 16-85 VR = 1800
40D w/ 17-85 IS = 1400 to 1500
50D w/ 17-85 IS = 1800
D90 w/ 18-200 VR = 1800
50D w/ the new 18-200 = 2000

My budget is around 1500 so that gets me
D90 w/ 18-105 lens [kit] = 1350-1450
40D w/ the 17-85 lens [kit] = 1400-1500

Advantages [from the top of my head]:
D90: More features, More pixels, 11 point AF, better LCD, HD Video, higher ISO range, HDMI output, 2 years Canada warranty .... and Chase Jarvis and friend's recommendation
40D: comparatively better lens wrt budget, faster FPS, Better body construction with Magnesium alloy casing

And as I learned from this forum, this is also about buying into a system so am evaluating .... Other option is to get something like the XSi w/ 17-85 IS for around 1100 or a good Nikon lens with a basic body

[ret]

You could also go with the 17 to 50 and the 55-250mm f/4-5.6 EF-S IS.
A lot of people like the 17 to 50 and I have heard good things about the 55 to 250 too

If you want to know more about Canon go to:

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/

The 17-50 with fixed F2.8 sounds good and they even have the 18-200! do they have image stabilization? .... And how would you rate lenses from Tokina and Sigma?

[scorpio_e]

The 17-50 with fixed F2.8 sounds good and they even have the 18-200! do they have image stabilization? .... And how would you rate lenses from Tokina and Sigma?

WOW !!!! Sounds like an easy question but it's not. Putting all lenses in one category from a particular manufacturer does not work. (good/bad).
I can only share you my experience.

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Had it did not like it. You can pick a used one up for $50

Canon 28 to 105.. It not a bad lens at all. Used goes for about 160

Sigma 70 to 300 ..Again not a bad lens buit I found it not to focus fast


Canon 28 to 135 IS..Personally I did not like it but they are quite a few people who do. You can get a used one for about 260 and new for 315.


I have the 70 to 200 F4 L... SWEET !!!!!!! lens..fast focus..great color. About 550 new

I have very happy with the tamron 28 to 75.. great lens ..highly regarded and priced right


I have the Sigma 10-22 This fill in my wide angle.. Another nice lens

I also have the Canon 85 1.8.. Another nice Canon lens.. Sharp and fast

I can get by without IS but thats just me.

On a budget, you can get a new 40D using microsift live and get 6% cash back. $816 for a new 40D free shipping.. Leaves you some extra cash for a nice lens.
I would go for a used Tammy 17 to 50 on the Canon forum and the back it up with a new 55 to 200 IS later on

[scorpio_e]

The 17-50 with fixed F2.8 sounds good and they even have the 18-200! do they have image stabilization? .... And how would you rate lenses from Tokina and Sigma?

OHH Tokina and Sigma both make nice lenses. You have to do you research. Yes they do have IS..It is just called something else.

Sigma calls it OS
Tamron calls it VC


Good luck This stuff can make you head spin !!