[onlythefly]

Well with all the reading on digital SLR cameras I have decided to go with the Nikon D200. This I know... What I don"t know is what lens to go with. I have read lots and cant seem to make up my mind. I have been helping as my brothers second with weddings and think I might go out on my own. Problem being is his stuff is so outdated that I don"t know much about all these new lenses. I want to get my own stuff while my brother is showing me the ropes. But can only afford one good lens right now. What is the opinion of this forum so I can help me make up my mind. thanks.

[Dave]

Well firstly excellent choice of camera. If oyu are serious about the wedding game, then the Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 is the perfect choice. You have the perfect focal range for weddings, the image quality is near on prime quality, it's a fast lens plus build quality is 2nd to none

[Dabhand16]

If the Nikkor is too expensive (and you don't want to look for a used one), the Sigma 17-70 f2.8 might be a good alternative.

[Boofers]

I'm with Dave,,My nefhew,,,geez sapelling,,,,shoots weddings, I had a debate one time with him, I love primes "50mm" etc. and he loves the same range Dave does, 17-55mm, and he's the one makeing it to a lot of weddings.

[_MB_]

My one piece of advice would be buy a lens first and the camera body with your remaining money. The lenses you'll keep forever, they're where the money should be spent.

[Hacker]

If this is your first DSLR be prepared for a steep learning curve, I had a D70 before the D200 (still got it in fact) and whilst the D200 is a superb camera it does not take any prisoners. Any errors seem to be highlighted and magnified but in saying that it is a great way to learn and for the money it is superb, I know a couple of pros who are using this instead of the D2x.

As for lenses, it doesn't get much better than the 17-55mm f/2.8, if only it had VR which is the only thing from stopping me buying one at the moment because I know that as soon as I part with my hard earned they will bring out a VR version. If you are planning to go it alone then I would definitely recommend this lens but I would also suggest that you invest in a longer (quality) focal length for those candid shots.

[onlythefly]

Thanks guys the 17-55 was the lens I was looking at. I was also considering the AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200. But that decision probably has more to do with my other use for this camera then actual weddings.

[Dave]

Let us know what you go with & what you think of the lens when you get it

[onlythefly]

Well, got my D200 and my 17-55 lens. Having lots of fun with it. (thanks for your input) I already want another lens. looking at getting 70-200 but funds are low. Does Sigma make an ok lens? And if so which lens is comparable?

[Dabhand16]

See our for sale forum for a Nikkor 70-200 f2.8.

[Dave]

The Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 is very impressive