New camera/lens advice...

[ZLTFUL]

So I have decided to purchase a DSLR after my weekend in Indy with my roomie's D40.

After some exhaustive research, I have decided on a Pentax K2000 body.

I will also be needing some lenses. Right now, I will be going with a 18-55mm Pentax lens and a 55-300mm also a Pentax.

Anyone have any advice for an even greater zoom lens? I want to be able to see the hair on Vermulen's mole next year at Indy!

[Randimus Maximus]

Don't shop where IZ does.

That is all I have.

Oh, and Stella's D90 really kicks ass.

[JEFF_H]

here's a review of that one- http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/pentaxk2000/

I am digging my Canon Rebel XS.
I have the Canon 18-55 IS and 55-250...will add the 50/1.8 soon
this article was very helpful in making my selection-
http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/10d300dlenses.html (its canon-specific..but the gernal recommendations are applicable)

[ZLTFUL]

I have played with a D90 and lovedit. Unfortunately, the D90 is way above my $500 for a body budget. Lenses are a little more free on budget as they make the majority of the picture.

Love the Rebels too but they are still unfortunately more than I want to spend. Been eyeballing the D40 as well...

[JEFF_H]

i got it from amazon for $509 including the 18-55
(nikon d40 is only 469)

[Mad Duc]

Check Sigma and Tamron lenses. They have good stuff for a fair price. But - the longer the lens more more $$$ it will be. Expect anything over 300mm to cost a couple hundred $$$ for a decent lens. A cheaper way to do it would be to get a teleconverter lens. It will slow down the lens but would be usable in daylight for action stuff.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000CD8BIS/ref=pd_lpo_k2_dp_sr_3?pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B000CD8BGU&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=10W7ZBZ31V6BY4R9SQ0Q

[Mad Duc]

Here's my current want:
http://www.amazon.com/Tamron-200-500mm-5-0-6-3-Digital-Cameras/dp/B00021EED6/ref=sr_1_23?ie=UTF8&s=photo&qid=1253302915&sr=1-23

I doubt I'll get it unless I happen to win some money. I'm pretty sure you can get it in a mount for your camera.

[Langanobob]

Quality lenses over 300mm are pretty darn expensive.  I'd suggest just going with the two Pentax lenses you mentioned in  your first post for awhile.  After you've taken a lot of pictures with them you'll have a lot better idea of what you really want. 

I have a 200-400mm Canon zoom which I really like, but...there are some drawbacks.  It's a monster to drag around.   I don't like taking it on a bike due to possible vibration damage. 

And, with digital software you can sometimes crop and blow up a photo taken at lower magnification with very good results.

So, again I'd recommend sticking with your first two lens choices for awhile.  You have plenty of time to make decision on a longer lens.

Just because of size and awkwardness I usually end up appropriating my wife's Canon A540 and leaving the DSLR at home.

[Mad Duc]

Just because of size and awkwardness I usually end up appropriating my wife's Canon A540 and leaving the DSLR at home.

ditto. I have a bunch of lens, a couple f2.8's, and it's too much of a pain to drag them around. I've been looking into a smaller point and shoot with a good optical zoom and a hot shoe to carry with me.

[herm]

i keep coveting the current generation of DSLR's, and my canon d30 is getting a little long in the tooth, but that sucker is indestructible!

[JEFF_H]

stretching your budget a little...but this one has HD video capability.
plus youre a ducati sticker away from extra-pimpness

[derby]

buy into a lens system that you'll want to stay with log term.

do you see that with pentax?

i'd personally buy whichever canon or nikon was in my budget and upgrade bodies when i felt the need/want.

(nikon d90 shooter here, btw)

[herm]

buy into a lens system that you'll want to stay with log term.

do you see that with pentax?

i'd personally buy whichever canon or nikon was in my budget and upgrade bodies when i felt the need/want.

(nikon d90 shooter here, btw)

best advice yet

[Randimus Maximus]

best advice yet

And this isn't?

Don't shop where IZ does.

[herm]

derby's advice is easier to follow than yours...