Hey guys, forgive me if this should be posted in the rookie thread. Someone local is selling a Nikon D5000 with an additional included 70-300mm sigma lens. The asking price is $350 for it, included original box and manuals as well. I'm new to DSLR cameras and was looking into getting my first. So basically, is the camera+lens worth the $350? Or is it more worthwhile to get a newer model? Thanks!

Go here to get expert reviews on cam and lense.
http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/index.php

Generally wide range zooms have issues... one of the exceptions is the Canon 70-200 f/2.8 IS which behaves almost like a prime and sharpest wide open.

Seems most reviews are saying it's not too bad, but nothing great either. If I'm just starting off should I go with the sigma for now, or tell the seller to not include it and take off $50-$75 from the price and get a different lens down the road? Sorry if I'm asking too many obscure questions lol

Read the review and decide.
If you're shooting mostly building and interiors a 70-300 is way too long. A more useful zoom would in the 20-70mm range.
Primes are generally better than zooms but you'll need than one. A good 50mm prime is a classic lense from shooting but will be too long for many interior shots. 16 way too short for some, 35 will hit it some of time, but again will many time will be too short or long.

The gaps between prime lengths make framing shots more problematic and require lense changing which can lead to more issue with contamination or dropping a lense. The trade off is better images with primes and generally faster lenses.

Best to get good lens from the get go, a quality lense well cared for will last a life time. Unlike cams they retain their value fairly well.

Thanks for the help, gonna have to bookmark that link for future use. As it's my first camera, I'm probably gonna do it. On the plus side, my best friend goes to FIT and has access to the entirety of their camera equipment, should be useful in testing out a lens before buying.

Posted by LongLegs Thanks for the help, gonna have to bookmark that link for future use. As it's my first camera, I'm probably gonna do it. On the plus side, my best friend goes to FIT and has access to the entirety of their camera equipment, should be useful in testing out a lens before buying.

You're welcome. Take your time.
First decide what -you- want. Don't rush until you do.
Now's the time to decide if you shot Canon or Nikon... each have their own strengths and weaknesses. Find where factory support centers are and their turn around times for lense calibration if you need it.

Keep looking. Remember to run the serial number and try to verify it's not stolen. That could make factory service impossible. This is the case with Canon.

Ebay, craigslist, B&H; they are higher but guaranty all their purchases.
Amazon seems to have few inexpensive ones too.
https://www.amazon...ngle/dp/B00267S7TQ

Buyer beware... dropped cams can be impossible to spot without real time inspection. Verify the viewfinder is center on the image; pentaprism misalignment due broke parts/misaligned assembles from a drop. Shoot a focused image and make sure it's lined up with what you saw in the viewfinder... and sharp with few or no missing pixels!!! Check the sensor(for scratches, signs of solvent use), mirror, AF, metering,menus and controls for functionality. The inside of the cam or lense should be near spotless and dust free. Focus rings on lens should move freely with no play. Defects can be very deficit to stop at first; familiarize yourself as much as possible with the cam before you inspect it!

Posted by blackhawk Now's the time to decide if you shot Canon or Nikon...

Or Pentax! I love my K-5, and they have a great line of cameras. Plus, the vibration reduction is within the body of the camera, so lenses run a little cheaper, and older manual lenses fit and work better than on a camera with no internal VR. These lenses can run much under $100 for some really quality glass if you're into manual focus. Plus, most of their cameras are highly weather resistant with certain lenses, including the kit lens, if you want to shoot in the rain or cold. The main disadvantage is that it's a bit harder to switch up to full frame since most modern lenses are made for the cropped sensors, though they do sell a full frame camera as of a year or so ago.

Posted by OkapisRule Or Pentax! I love my K-5, and they have a great line of cameras. Plus, the vibration reduction is within the body of the camera, so lenses run a little cheaper, and older manual lenses fit and work better than on a camera with no internal VR. These lenses can run much under $100 for some really quality glass if you're into manual focus. Plus, most of their cameras are highly weather resistant with certain lenses, including the kit lens, if you want to shoot in the rain or cold. The main disadvantage is that it's a bit harder to switch up to full frame since most modern lenses are made for the cropped sensors, though they do sell a full frame camera as of a year or so ago.

Going with a Canon or a Nikon is the best bet in my opinion. Used cams and lens are readily available as are support sites. I never regretted owning two Canon pro cams... or my 5D or any of my L glass.

Canon especially throws a lot of money into R&D and manufacture their own sensors. That gives them a big advantage in connection with their sales volume to provide top self support and products at a reasonable cost. Turn over of the cam's and lens are high a people upgrade especially pros, thus creating a large used cam and lens market.

The Nikon I played with did MF better than my Canons hands down because of the viewfinder's ability to show when it was in focus. Even changing screens on the pro Canon didn't bring it up to par with the cheaper Nikon especially in low light when you need MF the most.*groan*

Canon AF is second to none... at least 8 years ago. They provide the majority of action pro shooters for sports and wildlife. Historically their cams especially and certain lens are gear towards this with fast locking tracking AF and high cycle rates.