Originally Posted by
F8&Bthere
I am starting from scratch. ....if you could have only 3 lens which would you choose?
Nikon and Canon are both in-lens stabilization, so the playing field is level in that respect.
For what you are describing in your post, I'd say my three picks- and I'll use the Nikon system as that is what I am more familiar with- would be as follows:
1. Get camera body with 18-55VR kit lens.
2. Then when I can afford it I'd add the 55-200VR lens
3. Then if/when I feel I want one fast lens for low light/indoors/compact needs I would spend the worth-every-penny $150 to add the 50mm/1.8 prime lens.
By my rough calculation a total spent of around CA$1150 (not including all the other goodies one may want or need soon enough like extra battery, memory cards, bag, etc)
I am quite sure most of what I've mentioned above can be applied to Canon brand as well
Now, if you go into a camera shop and mention the term "magic three" in the same sentence as Nikon, you'll probably get the salesman's heart pounding because that's what many people call the trio of pro zooms 14-24, 24-70 and 70-200 all f2.8 max, but this trio would set you back a mere $6000+ :)