Hi, i am an A-Level student and currently have a 4mp Fuji s5500 zoom but i am finding it a bit limiting for the things i want to do and the 4mp is too low for any cropping/ post-processing. After looking around i am pretty positive that i want to buy a Nikon D80, and also pretty sure that i want to get a 18-200mm lens as this gives me more versatility.
At the moment i am thinking of getting the Nikon 18-200mm VR lens as from looking at other forums including this one it seems to be the most reliable and the safest bet compared to sigma or tamron. However, i am also very interested in Macro photography of insects etc. so am looking for a good value for money macro lens...here are my questions if you can answer them:
-Is the 18-200mm lens a good first lens and is the Nikon the best make to buy from?
-Would it be better to get perhaps a 18-55mm lens and also a larger zoom lens? say 70-300mm instead of the single 18-200mm lens?
-Is it a good idea to also buy a 30 or 50mm lens for more general photography if i got the 18-200mm?
-How good is the 18-200mm Nikon lens at taking Macro shots?
-I have screw on magnification lenses for my current camera. Are these available for the 18-200mm lens and is this a good idea?
-What sort of macro lens should i be looking at if i want one which can focus very closeup from quite a reasonable distance (as to not scare the insect etc. away) please suggest models/makes and gives links
i know i have asked way too many questions but i would be so grateful if you could help me out here
Thanks!