To bundle or not?

C

Capri142

New member
Ok I am getting ready to buy my first DSLR, I have done some rather extensive research on the issue and will most likely buy online. Mainly because there are no camera stores nearby. Anyway, buying online, I have the option, of just buying the camera, camera and lenses or budling (getting camera, lenses, filters, bag, tripod, etc.) all in one package. Thing is while the buumdling sounds like the most efficent way to go because I will need all that stuff eventually (keywood eventually) I am not sure that it is the best way to putrchase my first DSLR. Maybe I should just get the camera and better quality lenses than come in the bundfle??? But then it sure would be nice tio have all of that stuff at once.......................What do ya think this novice should do?

Thanks, Phil
 
4

480sparky

Senior Member
Bundles are typically crammed full of useless and cheap crap. The camera & lenses are the only things of any redeeming quality. Everything else is junk.
 
W

Whiskeyman

Senior Member
Figure out what you really need, and then buy it. Some compromises may be made, but in the long run, you're far better off when you decide exactly what you need and choose to purchase it yourself, instead of what someone else has chosen to put together to maximize their profit.

WM
 
Last edited:
E

Elliot87

Senior Member
I started with a bundle and quickly realised the kit lenses weren't what I needed. If I was starting again I'd but the body only and the lens that is most suited to my needs.
 
BackdoorArts

BackdoorArts

Senior Member
I'll buck the trend. I bought the following bundles:

D7000 & 18-105mm
D600 & 24-85mm
D750 & 24-120mm

With the exception of the D600 which got replaced by Nikon with a D610 due to the shutter issue I still have all of them.

The question isn't whether or not to buy a bundle, it's whether or not there's an available bundle that provides you what you want/need and can save you a couple bucks? The answer is usually, "Yes". At least when you get to the upper ranges. My recommendation would be not to buy too big a bundle. When they start including a second lens there's a chance that you're going to be better off with a lesser bundle and adding to it. In the D3xxx range you're probably better off with the body and another lens (they'll give you an 18-55mm and then perhaps a longer zoom - get a used 18-XXX from a reputable dealer instead). Same with the D5xxx range, though sometimes a dealer will put together a nice custom bundle.
 
Last edited:
4

480sparky

Senior Member
BackdoorHippie said:
I'll buck the trend. I bought the following bundles:

D7000 & 18-105mm
D600 & 24-85mm
D750 & 24-120mm

With the exception of the D600 which got replaced by Nikon with a D610 due to the shutter issue I still have all of them.

The question isn't whether or not to buy a bundle, it's whether or not there's an available bundle that provides you what you want/need and can save you a couple bucks? The answer is usually, "Yes". At least when you get to the upper ranges. My recommendation would be not to buy too big a bundle. When they start including a second lens there's a chance that you're going to be better off with a lesser bundle and adding to it. In the D3xxx range you're probably better off with the body and another lens (they'll give you an 18-55mm and then perhaps a longer zoom - get a used 18-XXX from a reputable dealer instead). Same with the D5xxx range, though sometimes a dealer will put together a nice custom bundle.
Click to expand...


It's not the camera & lens bundle we're talking about.

We're referring to the camera with a no-name bag, no-name filter kit (which usually includes a fluorescent filter for some dumb reason.....), über-slow memory card, no-name lens wipes, ultra-wobbly tripod, no-name lens blower/brush, no-name card reader, no-name lens fluid, no-name screen protector, no-name speedlight, card case, a cheesy 3rd-party booklet, no-name paper gray card, no-name screw-on wide-angle and telephoto lens pair, a no-name remote, a no-name UV filter, useless cotton swabs, an unneeded flash bracket, a flimsy grip strap bundles.
 
C

Capri142

New member
VR?

New guy asking basic question again. I was looking at lenses for my new set up and came across the following: "The 70-300mm is great for when you need more reach and is fast focusing. Nikon sells a VR version of the 70-300mm lens, however, they included a non-VR version in this package."

Can someone tell me what the VR means? is it something that I would want?

Thnaks, Phil
 
4

480sparky

Senior Member
Re: VR?

Capri142 said:
New guy asking basic question again. I was looking at lenses for my new set up and came across the following: "The 70-300mm is great for when you need more reach and is fast focusing. Nikon sells a VR version of the 70-300mm lens, however, they included a non-VR version in this package."

Can someone tell me what the VR means? is it something that I would want?

Thnaks, Phil
Click to expand...

VR = Vibration Reduction. Meaning, the lens compensates for minor camera/lens movement.

Here's the best read on the matter: Nikon VR explained

 
Last edited:
R

RocketCowboy

Senior Member
Re: VR?

Capri142 said:
Can someone tell me what the VR means? is it something that I would want?

Thnaks, Phil [/FONT][/COLOR]
Click to expand...

VR is vibration reduction, and basically helps with low light shooting by attempting to steady the lens. It's helpful on longer focal lengths like the 70-300, so I would opt for it on a lens of that length.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Top