Advice for newbie - which of these deals would you recommend?

[MrMagoo]

Hi,
After the recent birth of my son, I've decided to invest some time and money in a new camera. I'm pretty certain I have decided on the Nikon D60 and after spending many hours on the internet have found a couple of deals which seem good, and I can't decide between.

SRS Microsystems are offering the D60 with 18-55VR and 55-200VR Nikon lenses for £499, and they throw in a bag and 4GB Card. Have checked that this is new UK stock.

Was all set to get this when I popped down to Jessops, and they're selling the D60 with Nikon 18-55VR lens and Sigma 55-200 f4-5.6 DC HSM lens for £399, and throw in a 4GB card.

Both deals seem pretty good, and basically the difference being between the Nikon 55-200vr lens and the Sigma 55-200mm lens, and £100.

Is it worth spending the extra £100 on the Nikon lens? Does the VR make that much difference?

Any advice, very much appreciated. Many thanks
Doug

[Mike.P®]

I know nothing about Nikon gear but I will say that SRS are a top notch company and I wouldnt hesitate in buying anything there.

[U'R'ss]

The 55-200VR Nikon is a good lens BUT the 70-300 is better IMHO

Also the Sigma 70-300 (with motor) would be a good buy at half the price of the nikon 70-300

Sometimes jessops will price-match and as things are getting very dodgy in the sales market may be worth a go

[theuncharmed]

My only concern with Sigma lenses is that they tend to be very noisy and in many circumstances it can actually put you off taking photos.

I haven't had a Sigma or a Nikon in a few years so things may have changed.

So it might be an idea to have a play with the camera and lens in Jessops to see whether it would be something you could put up with.

[Gingerbillc]

Take a print-out of the offer to jessops and they should price match. The bigger stores tend to be more willing.

The VR makes one hell of a difference and its 'only' £140 for a good lens. Not only are they quiet, the front elements don't rotate so filters such as polarisers can be used. The Sigmas rotates, as does the Tamrons and both are very noisy.

4gb sandisc extreme III can be had from Amazon or Play.com for £15.

[MrMagoo]

Thanks for all the replies.
The general feeling seems to be that the Nikon lens would be worth the extra £100.
The Jessops deal with the Sigma lens sounded good. The Standard D60 Kit is £350, so for an extra £50 you got the Sigma lens plus memory. I asked in store how much the Sigma lens was on its own, and how much the Nikon lens was. The Nikon lens was £50 more so I asked if they would swap the Sigma lens with the Nikon lens for and pay £450 for the bundle, but they wouldn't have it - said they couldn't swap bundles around. Might be worth trying a larger store, if not I think I might just go with the SRS deal!