Is the Nikon D300 with 18-200mm VR Lens a good entry level camera?

Question

I'm taking photography 1 this Fall and photography 2 in the Spring. Will this camera be too complex for a first SLR? I found this combo on ritzcamera.com for $2,500...about the max that I'd like to spend.

I'm a biology major and I want to do nature photography...landscapes as well as wildlife. I plan to also get a waterproof camera case for when I'm in the field and also so I can do some underwater photography. I was looking at cases from www.keepitdrycase.com, but I haven't looked into reviews on them yet, so I don't know how good they are.

I am brand new to all of this, so feel free to throw in your 2 cents about my ideas :)

Answer 1

The d300 Is No Entry Level Camera..

It's A Mid-Range Camera..

Which Is the Step Down From Professional..

It's a very great camera, which has alot of features, and a three inch screen which can be used with live view, and has many focus points, it's not normal entry level Digital SLR, actually it's can almost be called professional. ( But Not Quite )

Me personally, wouldn't get a waterproof camera, obviously because what if it has a crack, or isn't sealed properly, i mean that's alot of money to risk like that. However, if you feel confident in getting this under-water case, you should go for it, but realize the potential danger that may come along with it.

The Nikkon 18-200mm Lens is a great lens, however, you should get more lenses later on, when you recover from such a large purpose, you should get these lenses:

1) The Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 Lens ( Portraits )

2) The Nikkor 12-24mm Lens ( Landscape/Wide Angle )

3) The Nikkor 70-300mm Lens ( Longer Zoom Than Kit Lens)

Feel free to email me with any questions :)

Answer 2

I'm no expert, but yeah, its definitely a good camera. But from what I have seen, Ritz Camera is somewhat higher priced than many of the other reputable stores. Buying online from well-known, reputable sites like B&H Photo, Adorama, Beach Camera, or even Amazon.com is likely to save you money on the deal. Plus, in many - if not most cases there is no sales tax charged. And on a $2,500 purchase, that could add up to a pretty good savings in itself - about $150, give or take a bit...

Answer 3

Froda, I have the same lens (love it) with a Nikon D200.  I've shot slr's for decades and am still "learning the ropes" with my D200.  

A D300 is no entry level camera.  It's great, but it has a huge learning curve.  A better model for you might be the Nikon D80 (or it's replacement, the D90, due this fall).

The D80 has the same resolution as the D80, weighs much less, and has several modes on it's control dial (sports, landscape, night, portrait, etc) that the D300 does away with.

As for the lens, the 18-200mm VR is a great optic that covers many needs.  I took a trip across China last summer with only the 18-200mm VR and my D70  in my camera bag.  For wildlife, you'll eventually look for a 300mm or longer lens.  The Nikon 70-300mm VR is a good one to look at in the future.

Answer 4

Hi Froda.  That is just about the nicest set you could imagine.    Not exactly an entry level and many professionals are using the Nikon D300.  But let's just say you take to photography like a duck to water... then you would want the more advanced camera anyway so you are one step ahead if you get it now. Good camera... good lens..good deal.  Just be sure to get a flash,  a 2 to 4 gig memory card and a tripod with your set.   Hope I was able to help.  Thanks for reading. :))

Answer 5

Excellent choice. The 18-200 lens is sharp but, according to Nikon, the 18-135 is sharper. Make sure you get the Nikon SB 800 flash, then your good to go. Go to Ken Rockwell.com

He tests and rates the D300 and the lens you mentioned.

Answer 6

i have this same setup of the d300 and the 18-200mm vr along with the sb800. i got it about two weeks ago and i am very impressed. i dont know if you want all the features in it considering you said "entry level". but if you do want an entry level you should consider something like a canon eos rebel or a nikon d80,d60 and with the extra money get a good lens or two.

BUT if money is no problem get the d300 and 18-200mm and you will enjoy it for a long time!!!

Hope this helps,

Jani