Hi everyone!
I hope this isn't a question asked every other day but I was wondering if you guys could point me in the right direction on where to start. Im looking to make a first DSLR purchase and I was considering the D5100 kit and possibly the 55-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED VR AF-S lens as well. If i purchase them together on amazon it comes out to $850 so that doesn't seem bad. If anyone has other tips or suggestions on where to start please let me know, thanks!

Hi CJ,

Welcome to Nikonians!
The D5100 is an excellent camera for a Beginner and a great value with the extra discount on a second lens.

Why don't you check:
www.berger-bros.com
www.bhphotovideo.com
www..adorama.com
www.centralcamera.com
www.robertscamera.com
All of the above are well known Nikon Authorized Dealers and stand behind the gear that they sell.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

As Marty said, you have chosen an excellent camera that is not only for beginners but suitable for photographers at every skill level.

I would also recommend all of the vendors that he has linked, but some of them may no longer have the promotion available for the 55-300 at a $150.00 discount that Amazon is offering. I think that the promotion was discontinued so Amazon may be your best bet. Their return or exchange policy is also better than some vendors.

jP

Edit. To answer your question, it is a fantastic price for such a good camera and two excellent lenses.

Nice choice. You are getting excellent camera in your budget. Best luck with shopping!

Thanks for the responses guys! I definitely will be looking around for a little bit more before I do buy anything

I was considering a D90 too but those seem a bit too expensive for me atm considering I'd have to buy lenses.

One of your links is written wrong.

You have:
www..adorama.com

should be:
www.adorama.com?kbid=64628

(one too many periods.)

Phillip M Jones, CET
pjonescet@comcast.net
http://www.phillipmjones.net/

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

Hi Phillip,

Thanks for the correction.
Big thumbs on my iPhone.

Best Regards,
Marty

Didn't I read somewhere Nikon has an announcement scheduled for the 6 th? Might be worth a wait for little bit more if you aren't in a rush.

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

I'd also consider the 55-200VR package as an alternative to the 55-300. Try handling it in the shop and see what you think.

My feeling is too many opt for the longer zoom without accounting for the larger physical dimensions. The 55-200 fits in a pocket easier and judging from reviews also has very good image quality.

And please throw out the factory strap that comes with the camera and get a Black-Rapid, UpStrap, or similar!

(and don't go D90, in my books this is a 2-generation old sensor for which better is available - DSLRs start and end with the sensor)

Best regards, SteveK

'A camera is an instrument that teaches people how to see without a camera.' -- Dorothea Lange
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