Moving from Point and Shoot, to (Nikon) dSLR Photography

Nikon D40x 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens


Buy new:
$963.28
/ Used from:
$749.95

The d40X is a fantastic entry-level Nikon dSLR body, allowing a generous learning curve with the use of the preset modes, and the option to go full manual mode. There's is plenty of room to grow into this camera.

Start with the 18-55mm kit lens it comes with, as it will get you "used to" zoom lens functions on a dSLR. While it's not the "best quality" lens, it's enough to get you started.

Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras


Buy new:
$109.95
/ Used from:
$159.99

Prime lenses are regarded for their sharpness and their speed. The 50mm f/1.8 is an excellent value portrait lens (and great in low light). With this you'll be able to learn that the best zoom is your own two legs. The shallow depth of field will also beckon to your creative side.

Nikon 70-300mm f/4-5.6G AF Nikkor SLR Camera Lens


Buy new:
$139.95
/ Used from:
$115.00

While assuming that as a beginner, you're on a budget, this zoom lens is a great start. This will give you a feel for the zoom range. It's great for walks through zoos and casual kids' soccer games. There is another 70-300mm zoom lens with Vibration Reduction (VR) available for around $475-500, if you're interested in something more substantial.

Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras


Buy new:
$479.00
/ Used from:
$465.00

This is the 70-300mm VR lens, referenced above.

Lowepro SlingShot 100 All-Weather Digital Camera Backpack (Black)


Buy new:
$69.95
/ Used from:
$149.96

You need to protect your investment while you're out and about. This is a great protector, as well as provides easy/quick access to your camera and lenses.

SanDisk 2 GB SDSDX3-2048-901 Extreme III SD Memory Card (Retail Package)


Buy new: $99.99

I would pick up at least a couple of these, as they provide great stability and reliability, as well as ample storage for JPEG or RAW photos.

Nikon Lens Pen Cleaning System


Buy new:
$5.52
/ Used from:
$2.64

You need this. It'll come in quite handy.

Nikon D200 Prosumer Must-Have's

Nikon D200 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)


Buy new:
$1,139.99
/ Used from:
$739.99

This is the definitive prosumer camera. I defy you to find a better, more feature-rich or better constructed camera at this price point.

Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 G ED-IF AF-S VR DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens


Buy new:
$655.00
/ Used from:
$725.00

If you are going to own only one lens, this should be it. Wide or long, this lens is the bomb. Quick focus, great clarity, good contrast. VR is awesome.

Hoya 72mm DMC PRO1 Digital Multi-Coated UV (Ultra Violet) Filter.


Buy new:
$45.75
/ Used from:
$107.45

Protect your investment...but use a great quality filter. You'd hate to throw a crap filter on great lenses.

Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras


Buy new:
$109.95
/ Used from:
$159.99

This is your portrait lens of choice. They say that you get what you pay for. With this lens, you get far more. If you use it 2-3 times a year, it's worth it. You can't always shoot with a flash and the f/1.8 speed will help you with those moments.

Hoya 52mm DMC PRO1 Digital Multi-Coated UV (Ultra Violet) Filter.


Buy new: $31.10

Protect your investment...but use a great quality filter. You'd hate to throw a crap filter on great lenses.

Nikon 80-400mm f/4.5-5.6D ED Autofocus VR Zoom Nikkor Lens


Buy new:
$1,449.89
/ Used from:
$1,290.00

If you need to shoot long, this is the way to go. You're going to get a great lens with clarity and contrast to spare. Focus is a little slow and it is certainly not an f/2.8 as far as speed. However, this will be what you want in your bag when you require some power.

Hoya 77mm DMC PRO1 Digital Multi-Coated UV (Ultra Violet) Filter.


Buy new: $48.25

Protect your investment...but use a great quality filter. You'd hate to throw a crap filter on great lenses.

OP/TECH 37012 Pro Loop Strap for Camera Equipment (Black)


Buy new: $16.85

With this setup, you need a comfortable strap. This is it. Very durable and distributes weight well.

Nikon EN-EL3e Rechargeable Li-Ion Battery for D200, D300 and D80 Digital SLR Cameras


Buy new: $33.93

Although these have great life, you should have a spare..

Nikon MB-D200 Multi-Power Battery Pack for the D200 Digital Camera


Buy new:
$144.38
/ Used from:
$125.50

Doubles your power capacity. A must if you shoot a lot in portrait mode. Requires extra battery. Also allows you to utilize 6ea AA batteries in case your rechargables fail.

Nikon SB-600 Speedlight Flash for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras


Buy new:
$181.54
/ Used from:
$204.63

Great flash. Very responsive. Recommend using 2500MAh rechargable batteries for optimal performance.

SBM Supreme Light Diffuser for the Nikon SB600 and Olympus FL-36 Flashes


Buy new: $14.95

This little guy softens your flash without dropping too much light.

Energizer NH15BP-4 ACCU 2500mAh Rechargeable AA Batteries (Four-pack)


Buy new:
$11.13
/ Used from:
$11.16

These are the batteries you want to use. Great power for your flash (and camera).

My Nikon Camera and Nikkor Gear

Nikon D300 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)


Buy new:
$1,659.00
/ Used from:
$1,700.00

Great Camera, I now know why it's the camera of the year!

Nikon 12-24mm f/4G ED IF Autofocus DX Nikkor Zoom Lens


Buy new:
$914.99
/ Used from:
$750.00

Great Lens, can't wait for the f/2.8.

Nikon 85mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras


Buy new: $999.99

great lens for weddings.

Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras


Buy new:
$109.95
/ Used from:
$159.99

Very sharp, I all ways carry this one with me.

Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8G ED AF-S Nikkor Wide Angle Zoom Lens


Buy new: $2,099.95

Very sharp!

Nikon 70-200mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S VR Zoom Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras


Buy new: $1,799.00

The best Nikon mid telephoto. I love this lens, it's worth every cent.

Getting Started with a Nikon Digital SLR

Nikon D80 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-135mm AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens


Buy new:
$1,009.88
/ Used from:
$989.96

A fabulous camera, best of breed at this price point with a superb viewfinder and excellent ergonomics.

Consider the Nikon D50 at a lower price point, or the pro level Nikon D200 with weather-resistant seals.

Nikon D50 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor Lens


Buy new:
$1,599.66
/ Used from:
$425.00

This camera will produce outstanding images, quite sufficient for even professional work. Consider the Nikon D80 for a larger viewfinder and somewhat nice build and controls.

Nikon D200 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera (Body Only)


Buy new:
$1,139.99
/ Used from:
$739.99

Images just as good as the Nikon D2X, a $4000 camera. If you "nail" things technically, the D2x can be a smidgen sharper, but the D200 can cope better with higher contrast.

Nikon 50mm f/1.4D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras


Buy new: $296.55

A must-have for shooting portraits on a Nikon DSLR--leave your zoom lens at home when doing so and your pictures will improve dramatically.

Some will claim the 50mm f1.8D is just as good, but I've tested multiple copies and the 50 f/1.4D is easily superior at every aperture.

Gitzo Mountaineer Mk2 Series 3 G1325 - Tripod

Don't get a center column if you can avoid it. The Gitzo G1325 with flat plate is my #1 pick, as determined by size, weight, and stability/lack of resonance based on actual research (see The Sharpest Image at diglloyd.com).

Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G ED-IF AF-S DX Nikkor Zoom Lens


Buy new:
$1,189.88
/ Used from:
$1,150.00

This is an oustanding lens and if you can afford it, it should be your #1 pick. Be aware that all Nikon and Canon lenses suffer from quality control issues, so there are bad copies, though almost all can be adjusted by Nikon service (never buy gray market).

NIKON MC30 Remote Cable Release (31.5 in)


Buy new: $57.51

To take sharp pictures on a tripod with jiggling the camera, use a remote release (check compatibility with your model).

SanDisk 2GB ULTRA II CompactFlash Card (SDCFH-2048-901)


Buy new:
$19.99
/ Used from:
$14.44

Purchase a 4GB or 8GB card if your budget allows. Compact Flash for Nikon D200.

SanDisk SDSDH-2048-901 2 GB Ultra II Secure Digital Memory Card ( US Retail Package )


Buy new: Too low to display

For Nikon D80 or D50.

Arca-Swiss Monoball B1 Ball Head with Independent Panning Lock & Quick Release (Requires Quick Release Plate) - Supports 90 lbs

Tripod legs need a head--stick with a ballhead. The Arca Swiss B1 is a classic. Any head you buy should be Arca Swiss compatible. reallyrightstuff.com has alternative high quality heads. You'll need a camera plate too, see reallyrightstuff.com for Nikon and Canon SLR plates, made to fit.

Apple Mac Pro MA356LL/A Desktop (Two 2.66 GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon Processors, 1 GB RAM, 250 GB Hard Drive, SuperDrive)


Buy new: $2,429.00

This is a real workstation. Serious photographers should buy a Mac Pro with at least 4GB RAM and dual hard disks.

Apple MacBook Pro MA609LL/A 15" Laptop (2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1 GB RAM, 120 GB Hard Drive, DVD/CD SuperDrive)



Buy new: $1,999.10

This is a good alternative to a Mac Pro, but memory is limited to 2GB. Get the new Core 2 Duo model when available; it's faster with Photoshop.

Apple Cinema 23" HD Flat-Panel Display


Buy new: $899.99

An excellent display, with good color and gray linearity. Excellent for photographers. Consider the 30" model if you budget allows it.

Apple Cinema 30" HD Flat-Panel Display


Buy new: $1,799.99

An outstanding display, an you'll never go back once you have it. Be sure your Mac has a "dual link" compatible support. MacBook Pro models support this display, as do Mac Pro video cards.

AppleCare Protection Plan MA516LL/A for Mac Pro (w/ or w/o display)


Buy new: $249.99

If you buy a display with your Mac Pro, this plan is a bargain--repairing an LCD is very costly.