which combination

[soltek]

ok, iv got my new nikon d80 body only , i was wondering which is the best combination of lens i should go for .
first. 18/200 not sure whether to go for the nikon or sigma the nikon is f3.5-5.6 and sigma f.5-6.3 quite slow at the top end, these are VR and OS LENS, ofcourse the nikon is more expensive i could afford it at a push.

OR nikon 18/55 and the 55/200 i think both lens come in at f3.5 and 5.6 faster zoom. so is it better to have two lenses or one i,m thinking if i only use one lens over the full range i may cut down on dust on the sensor just my thoughts

i have read that it is better to have two lenses but i maybe getting confused with Prime lenses. .

cheers

[Simple]

Hiya Soltek,
Your question is not really that easy to answer. It all depends.......
What sort of photography are you into. How serious a hobby do you want it to be, Are you happy with taking holiday pictures, or do you want to make challenging pictures in challenging situations as a serious hobbyiest? Do you perhaps want to make a bit of income from your camera and sell pictures/cards etc.
Holliday snaps ---- go for the 18-200.
VR and OS lenses are nice, but you cannot beat a fast lens. (better even a fast lens with VR and OS) but more pricey.
All the people I know who got into photography upgraded their lenses at one stage. Most of them thought "I should have bought that (better) lens in the first place."
I have heard very good things on the Sigma 24-70 f2.8 (the Macro version is I believe around £240) It is not very wide and not very long, but pinsharp and f2.8 is fast!! If landscape is your thing you can always save up for the Sigma 10-20. Or if you prefer longer lenses get a fast 70-200. Ideally you win the lottery and buy the Nikon 70-200VR f2.8 lens but I assume that is way over budget at the mo.
You can ofcourse buy the 18-200 (which will outperform the 18-55 for sure) and than if you get the photography bug sell it on e-bay and buy the better/faster lenses when you come into some money, but that is ultimately more expensive. IMO buy the 24-70 f2.8 (non macro £200 if you can get it) and learn everything about your nice D80 with that, save and buy another good lens.
(hope it makes a bit of sense)
Simon