Considering purchasing a D90

[envy me]

I have seriously considered jumping into DSLR photography and would like to start off with a Nikon D90 with the 18-200 VR lens.

I have looked around online for prices and the best I have seen so far is from Henrys (I am from Canada and would prefer not to have it shipped from the states)

I was quoted the following from henrys:

Nikon D90 + 18-200 DX VR Lens: $1709.99
3Yr Warranty: $169.99
Sigma DG 72mm MC UV Filter: $69.99
Sandisk 8GB Extreme III SDHC/Reader: $64.99
Nikon MB-D80 Battery Pack: $145.94
Nikon EN-EL3E Batt: $79.99
Lowepro Nova Bag: $59.99

SubTotal: $2300.88
GST: $115.04
PST: $184.08
Total: $2600

This price seemed kind of high however. I checked ebay and found this auction

It seems to include a flash but no memory.

I am really hesitant to purchase something this expensive without making sure that I am getting a half-decent deal.

Anyone have any advice on what I should do?

 

[996GT2]

You don't need most of the things in that package. Just get the D90 and lens, and buy a memory card from NCIX or another online retailer. The MB-D80 battery grip is unnecessary unless you're shooting thousands of pictures a day, and the D90 already comes with a lens so there is no point in getting another one if you're just starting out. As for a bag, you can get a much cheaper Lowepro or other bag online.

My advice:

Just get the camera and lens for now. Accessories and flash memory are much cheaper than the prices you have listed.

 

[dnuggett]

Those prices are indeed high. What I would do is get the D90 with 18-135 VR through Amazon ($1200 ish) and put the lens on Ebay for $270. I'd then buy the 18-200mm VR at Amazon for $635. That's get you the camera and lens for around $1600. Amazon has been offering 12months no interest and no payment, if you get their card. Not sure if that deal is still around. You can hunt around for the rest of that stuff you listed for much cheaper than 1k. The camera comes with one battery as well, and it'll last you over 6-700 shots on a charge assuming that you aren't using the flash every time. As far as the warranty check with your CC. Most offer 1 year over the manufacturer's.

Enjoy that setup, the D90 with 18-200 VR is a great rig, especially for a beginner.

How serious are you btw... you can get into DSLR photography for much less, especially if you are just playing around.

If you are shooting serious stuff, do yourself a favor and get 2 4GB cards. 8GB is a lot of pictures to lose. 1 4GB card holds about 250 (going off memory) RAW shots at full res.

 

[envy me]

I wanted this specific combination, the d90 because it is the latest and greatest consumer grade dslr, and the 18-200 because I've read many reviews praising that lens and it's capabilities. Now I need to search and see if amazon will ship to canada as amazon.ca only sells books and not the good stuff that amazon.com sells.

Thanks for the advice.

 

[ivan2]

you might want a flash light with the nikon

 

[DrPizza]

Don't forget, when looking at his prices, you might be thinking in terms of US dollars. The Canadian dollar as back to being weaker than the US dollar (although for a little while, it was stronger.) Currently, $1 US = $1.24 Canadian. OP said he was in Canada.