Nikon D5000 + which lens?

[dC0m]

I know HardForum doesn't have a HUGE photography community but maybe the few here can help me out. I'm going on a roadtrip in Mid-August and I've decided to jump on a D5000 for taking family portraits + landscape pics. Here's a few questions:

-Which lens would be best suited for a intermediate photographer (me; I've owned 2x D60s previous for a few months, both with 18-55mm and 55 - 200mm Nikkors) who will be taking family portraits and landscape. For portraits, I'm thinking Nikkor 18-55mm since I had previous experience with it and it's a great lens. Plus, most retailers sell it as a package so I have $20 - $30. For landscaping, I'm thinking 70 - 300mm Nikkors for long distance. Plus it gets more range than the 55 - 200mm at a cheaper price and same f/ speed.

-Has anyone bought from Pyxis or US1Photo? I know us1photo is pretty reputable but both are not listed on the Nikon authorized reseller list. I might be wrong and overlooking the list (it's quite long), but I'm sure they're not on it even thought they seem legit. Both sites have the best deals on the D5000 both and kit. Of course, I can always go with BH Photo and get my warranty but that bring me to my next point? How often will I use this warranty? I know the D5000 has recent power problems but other than that, will I need it? Maybe for the lens?

 

[Kadath]

Run far far far far far away frm US1, total scammers.

As for lenses, I still recommend the Tamron 28-75f2.8 for intermediate photographers and those just really working their way around the use of low aperture lenses.

 

[northrop]

Of course, I can always go with BH Photo and get my warranty but that bring me to my next point? How often will I use this warranty? I know the D5000 has recent power problems but other than that, will I need it? Maybe for the lens?

hopefully, you will not have use your warranty. ever. but that's not the point. the point is, if something does happens, and you'll have to use it even once, then you want it to go smooth, without any problems. US1Photo rating is at 4.36! when compared with 9.73 from B&H, that's not even a question of where you should buy from!

as for the specific lens recommendation, it's a matter of how much you are willing to spend.

 

[dC0m]

I think I'm going to stick with BH.

Okay, scratch the 70 - 300mm lens. I might go with a 55 - 200mm Nikkor. The 70 - 300mm I found was this : http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/207359-USA/Nikon_1928_Zoom_Telephoto_AF_Zoom.html

No autofocus.. which is something I might need.

I want to keep it under $1k overall. So far, if I get a D5000, 18 - 55mm and 55-200mm both Nikkor DX VR models, it's about $995 with free shipping and no tax. Just barely making it.

But of course, I'd like to keep it cheaper if possible.

 

[northrop]

this one is the "right" 70-300mm you should be looking at.

anyway, with a $1000 it's a tight fit considering, you don't have the camera body. the two lens kit you mentioned above is probably your best buy.

 

[dC0m]

I'm guessing the 55 - 200mm should more more than sufficient for shooting landscape.

 

[dC0m]

I'm guessing the 55 - 200mm should more more than sufficient for shooting landscape.

That being said, would I even need 55 - 200mm? I know I'll most likely won't use it that much in the future but for this trip, will 18 - 55mm do for landscape?

 

[northrop]

i doubt you'll need the 55-200 for landscape, since this type of photography mostly calls for wide angle lens. that being said, 18mm isn't really that long on a DX camera to begin with, but for vacation type photography, you should be fine.