D50..got it, now accessories and lens....advice needed.

My wife got me the D50 kit for xmas (yay for me..hehe). My question is, she paid $649 + tax at Circuit City and I know the 18-55 lens is not the best. Her suggestion is I make sure I like using the camera with the kit lens before plunging down $800 for the 18-200VR and I have to say I agree with her...my question is though, for $650 + tax, could I find the body only (maybe for $500 locally) and then pay ~$200 for a slightly better lens than the 18-55 (is that possible and if so, any suggestions) or should I just stick with the kit and use it like it is and if I find out I really like using the camera, get the 18-200VR??

Also, I assume I need at least a UV filter?

Suggestions for post processing software please (I assume the software that came with it is 'ok', but if I really do like using it, what software is recommended for post processing)?

Thanks!!
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New to SLR/DSLR and travelling overseas!!!

Buying new there is not much out there for $200. On Ebay you might find some lenses, but remember the 35mm eq of 18-55 acts as 27-82mm. So any 28-??? lens will just be not wide enough.
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Honest criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, a friend, an acquaintance or a stranger.

I got a D50 only the other week ...

I think your wife is correct in that get use to using your D50 before you splash the cash on a new lens.

The 18-200 are £500ish over here ! ANyways from want read on the Nikon lens forums the 18-200 isnt worth the money..

I'm look to get maybe a Flash and a long zoom lens, have heard god things about the 28-200 lens on the Nikon lens forums. But for now I will settle for some Sunshine, instead of this awfull grey foggy weather!

Please read this link before you decide on replacing your kit lens. I posted this earlier ('Nice Lessons from the Canon Forum'). Have a good one.

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1031&message=16309636

There is nothing wrong with the 18-55mm kit lens, as said by someone else you have to multiply it by 1.5 to get the 35mm equivalent focal range so it is actually 27-82.5mm not bad for most day to day general photography and it is capable of taking some pretty sharp images. My advice is stick with the 18-55mm until you are used to the D50 and then just add to it as apposed to replacing it.

Here are a few samples of the "LOVE TO HATE" 18-55 by this forum. It's a much better lense than many think. Unfortunately recently most of the people here bacame equipment crazy! These are jpeg fines and not processed except cropping and leveling. The link to the Canon forum about the kit lenses are right on the spot.











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beachcamera.com has the body for $439.(brand new USA) I payed $491 about a month ago. keeps dropping everyday. take it back to circuit shity and get it from beach.

The 18-55 is top notch at 18mm, in fact it beats the megabux 18mm F2.8 prime for across the frame sharpness at F3.5 - it's when you zoom it that it starts degrading .. My budget answer would be to get the 28-200G while you still can, it outperforms the 18-200VR after 135mm and you can use the 18-55 as an 18-28mm where it's at its best . the best news is that the 28-200G is very cheap - the bad news is that it doesn't focus very fast but neither does the 18-55, it depends on what you are shooting

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Please ignore the Typos, I'm the world's worst Typist

stopped down as is the 18-200. Wide open they can be a bit soft.
http://www.slrgear.com

It is a good choice for many but personally I would try and get the $400 Tamron 17-50/2.8. It appears that optically it is a viable Nikon 17-55/2.8 alternative for a third the price. A prime option that would really optimize image quality would be the $260 35/2.
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Jake