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Help with upgrade


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3 replies to this topic

#1
94boricua

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Good evening!

 

Despite knowing how to operate nikon cameras pretty much my whole life on family vacations - I am still an absolute greenhorn when it comes to photography and its terms. However, I would like that to change as I love nature and wildlife photography and would like to produce photography of my own. I take my photos and upload them to my computer where I use Luminar AI to process and edit them.

 

 I currently use the family Nikon D90 with the stock 18-55mm AF-s DX VR lens it came with.  I'm looking to go on a long trip to Smokey mountains in a few months and am looking at getting a new camera and lens. After some basic research I am looking at the D3500 two lens kit, but notice the 70-300mm lens are not VR lens, but just ED. (what is the difference?) I like to take landscape photos and if I'm lucky, some basic wildlife photography.  

 

So, my question: Should I stay with my D90 and just get some 55-300mm or 70-300mm lens (if so which ones?). OR should I get the D3500 two lens kit? or third option - do you have any alternative recommendations which won't break my bank (willing to spend up $800 if worth the cost, by the less I spend the better).

 

Thank you again all for your help and for helping me get into the photography community! Let me know if there is more information you need from me to help you give better advice!

 



#2
Jerry_

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Welcome.

First to answer your question about VR vs ED

VR stands for Vibration reduction. It describes a stabilizing option and allows for slightly longer exposure times without seeing the small movements that your hand makes when holding the camera and which will result in having the picture not fully sharp. It is not a miracle technology though.

ED stands for Extra-low dispersion. It has to do with the processing of the glass that is used to produce the lens. Extra-low dispersion glass is used to reduce levels of chromatic aberration or color fringing. Your processing software (Luminar here) might allow to correct this too.

So VR and ED help on separate issues.

As for what option to go, coming from a D90 depends on the status of your D90 and how you use it.

If the D90 still works without an issue you might start with just adding a lens to keep costs low, but with the D90 aging be prepared to replace it sooner or later.

Opposite to the below mentioned D3500 and D7500, your D90 will *not* work with the more recent AF-P lenses (which might be in the kit, you mention).

Assuming you use the D90 in fully automatic mode and you don`t plan more manual modes, then going for a D3500 with a dual lens kit is likely the best option.

If you are used to use the A-S-M positions on the top dial to set parameters (exposure time, aperture, ISO) manually, you will want to upgrade to a D7200 or D7500. But this will move it out of the mentioned budget, if lenses are added.

#3
TBonz

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Jerry is correct.  The D90 was the high end of the DX line when it came out.  The D7200 and D7599 that Jerry mentions basically are newer versions with similar capabilities.  The D500 is basically the top of the DX line now but you probably don't need or want that right now.  If it were up to me, I would use the D90 and pick up one or more lenses to go with it.  After the trip you will have more time to consider options and timing for replacing the body.  A 70-300 would be a nice option to purchase since you already have the wider end covered.  Both B&H and KEH sell quality used equipment.  B&H also sells new in box equipment.  



#4
Merco_61

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If your D90 still works fully, you don’t intend to shoot in available dark and you don’t need to print larger than 20x30”, get some lens(es) and keep your D90 for now. 
 

Unfortunately, you will have to go used or third-party for your telezoom needs as the three current 70-300 zooms are all AF-P. This is a newer standard that won’t work with your D90. If you keep to AF-S, your new lens will work even if you later decide that you want a D3xxx or D5xxx body.