Nikon D90 w/ 18-55mm VR and 55-200mm VR lenses kit at Costco for $1399

[photo5]

Was at my local Costco (Issaquah, WA) yesterday and saw this kit. Seems like a pretty good deal to me. I'd snap

one up if I didn't already have a D300. The D90 seems identical in size and feel to my old D80, which is a good

thing. I loved the size of the D80. Also considering that Costco has such a generous return policy, and I believe

doubles the manufacturers warranty on electronic items makes this especially good.

[ronald_moravec1]

While not too bad optically, neither lens is well made. They have a plastic lens mounts which will not wear badly, but will break if it gets a side hit. Both are mostly plastic construction throughout. I think they will hold up to a few vacation and holiday pics, not to more serious work.

 

I would get a D90 and use the lenses you have or buy something better.

[b_c12]

IMO, both are very good lenses and for the price are excellent. The mounts are indeed plastic, which is disappointing, but from a practical standpoint I don't think that alone excludes them from work beyond casual vacation snapshots. I think sometimes that the construction argument is analogous to soccer moms that drive 4wd Hummers that never leave urban streets. More robust construction would definitely be better, particularly from a psychological standpoint, but in reality I think the lenses will hold up quite well in heavy use. Just use a modicum of care in handling your gear and you should be fine.

 

Also, the D90 is not slated as a "pro" camera to begin with. Then again, I don't subscribe to the notion that a "pro" camera or lens must be used if one is doing serious work.

[elyone]

I have both of these lenses with my D40 and they are excellent, build aside. However, paying $400 for them is a bit much IMHO, as much as I like Costco.

 

I am buying the D90 body, whenever it comes out (already put an order with Adorama) and will then sell my D40 body only. I don't see selling the D40 + those two lens for 400 more than I can get for the body only. And I like those lenses so much, I will use them on my D90, (with my Sigma 30mm, and Micro 105mm (yay for getting back AF).

[tommyinca]

You ask me, a D90 with a 18-105mm at $1295 at B&H is a much better deal.

[photo5]

Tommy, isn't that lens also built in the same manner as the two in the Costco package? Plastic mount, etc.

[photo5]

Also, Ken Rockwell says the 18-105mm is not as good a performer at 18mm as the 18-55mm is. I still think the Costco deal is a pretty good one.

[elyone]

I just saw that deal and I realize only now that the 18-55 is a VR, unlike my old one, sorry. That indeed increases the value and KR loves that one too... Hmmm. maybe I will cancel my body only order?? damn choices, damn them.

[tommyinca]

Dave:

 

Here is my logic. If you include tax, the price different is about $200 give or take.The 18-105 is a better lens. What

ever Ken Rockwell said, I don't think he nor anyone will trade a 18-105 for a 18-55. The other way arround you will

find taker the minute you push the post button. For the $200 saved, you can either put it toward a better lens or can

buy 55-200 for less then that easily later on. It's better to keep $200 in one's wallet then Costco's.