Hi again Kyledoo, I want to highlight something for you. You have mentioned the 35mm DX and the 50mmFX. Both have the "normal" FOV for their respective formats. thats why they are so popular. Its the most flexible FOV for all kinds of pictures. But You already have that and more! (28-80) You really don't NEED the 18-55 or the 55-200 or the 35 or the 50 right now. Get that D90 body. Have a play with your current lenses on that body and then and only then decide what lenses you need.

After using that combination a while, if you really need wider then decide if you are going for a specialist wide lens(10-20mm) or a general "normal" zoom like the 18-55mm.

Again "the lens is the most important part" but think what that means.. To me it doest mean "get the whole range from 10mm to 500mm". To me it means to get the best specialist lenses for the functions/types of photography you want/interested in. So the first step is to find out what you are interested in. and to do that you need to be shooting and to be shooting you need a camera and a lens and really any camera and any lens will do! You already have a lovely little lens in the 28-80 you just need a body to go with it. If you get a D90 or even a humble D70 that will keep you busy for at least a year. You will need to get a SB600/800/900 flash as well and that is a whole lot of fun(months worth). I have had my SB800 for 5 years now and I still have things I want to try with it that I have not gotten around to.

Finally don't sell yourself short by not getting "pro" quality glass. I have a 50mm F1.4 AIS lens that is Pro quality IQ but manual focus. Pro quality IQ need not be expensive. I have also mentioned that I have the 35-70AFD another pro quality lens that will work fine with your D90/D80/D70. Boths lenses were bought second hand and the total cost was 250 in total. ( yes I was lucky with the price, but if you shop around and keep an eye out you can be lucky too! ) A friendly local forum helps!

The nice thing is you don't have to make all those decisions now, Kyledoo, although it is good to have a map for the future. I think in your case the D90's AF screw will pay you back for the difference in price.

I'd get the 18-55 VR and maybe the 55-200 VR if you can afford it and see if you feel limited on the wide end. You could also walk around for a day with the 18-55 at 50mm and again at 35mm and see which you like better to decide about the cheap primes. They're both great lenses.

Thank you again for the reassurance. I was worried that I wouldn't be getting my money's worth out of the d90 because after I get a wide angle, it will be around $250 more than the d5000.

As far as which lens to get first... here's my list:
18-55 VR (I think this one will be the first as I will basically need it so I can get wide angles, its dirt cheap, and it has VR)
55-200 VR (would replace the 70-300, but would lose some of the range. besides, I have to see how the pictures look with the 70-300 first, I am only used to 4x6's and the occasional 8x10)
35mm 1.8 OR 50mm 1.8 Which one would you get? 50mm is nearly half the price, and it might be nice to have something that long, but on the other hand, the reviews on the 35mm are just as good and most seem to think it has a better FOV than a 50 on DX.
After I have the recommended models above, I am thinking of the Samyang 8mm fisheye. I think that would be a great way to get some really cool pictures, and the price for anything other than a consumer lens is really hard to beat, but I still don't know if I want to spend that on a "fun" lens unless someone wants to comment about it. I was looking at a fisheye thread today though, and while it would probably not get used much, perhaps just a few photos like that would be worth it.
Instead of this, I could go for something in the 11-16 or 12-20, 12-24, etc.. range.. depending of course on what setting I find most of my photos to be taken at! (I don't know now, no EXIF on film hehehe)but I am looking to spend the least amount possible while getting decent(not pro) quality.

ur current lenses won't work with the D5k, so you are essentially losing your existing range. Vote is still for the D90 - even with a replacement on the horizon, at current prices, it's a no-brainer. . .

It's like what the D3s will be (used) in a few years - a classic gem of features at a reasonable price.

So, I still haven't bought the camera, and just thought I'd throw something else in here. I can get the D5000 with the 18-55 VR kit lens AND the 55-200 VR lens both refurb from adorama for the same price as the refurb body only D90.
Knowing this, and the limitations of my current glass, what would you do?
I just figured I had to ask because everyone always says the lenses are most important.
I do really like the features of the D90, although I won't use them at least at first its nice to know they are there, but if the kit lenses are much better than mine I don't mind the 5000 either..
I hate being poor, if I had my way I'd just get the D90 with the 18-105 and call it a day :)

Thank you everyone! Like I said I know this had been covered a million times before all over the internet, but YOU helped ME make my decision in my particular situation. I have made up my mind and I am currently waiting on a paycheck then D90 BABY!!! I'll be sure to check up on here and say what I think about it.

Ditto what hearty, spraynpray, and Adam said.

Kyledoo said:
From that list it just seems like you are gaining so much in the d90 that if i wanted to continue my photography farther and maybe even make some money at some point I would be able to with that camera with the only additional investment being in flashes and lenses.

Exactly. It's a pro camera in disguise as long as you don't need it for serious sports shooting or serious wildlife shooting. There, the better AF of the D300s would be nice, but still the D90 is no slouch. I make money with mine.

forget d80 - there's a HUGE difference between d80 and all the other cameras. d90 can be called a smaller d300 while d80 can't be called a smaller d200 as it doesn't perform the same way as d200

The D5000 does have the function and point selector buttons.

one month is good... d90 replacement may be announced then so the D90 will be even cheaper!

kyoshinikon said:
I find the D90 smack in the middle of the D5000 and D300s not closer to the D5000. Weather it is worth $200 more here is a list in which I compared the D5000, D90, and D300s...

They all have the same Sensor, Info, Menu, Play, Delete, AF-L, and Live View button, Command Dial, Lens mount, video option, and hotshoe... That is where the similarities end.

The D90 and D300s have a focus lock and sub command dial. The D5000 doesn't.

The D90 and D5000 have consumer modes. The D300s doesn't

The D90 and D300s have a function and aperture preview button. The D5000 doesnt.

The D300s can directly take a sync cable. The other 2 need an adapter

The D5000 has a swivel screen. The other 2 do not.

The D5000 does not have a point selector button or an internal motor. The other 2 do.

The D5000 also is smaller and harder to handle with larger and heavier lenses (as you get better at photography you will probably upgrade your lenses). The other 2 are not so much.

The d5000 also doesn't have a top Lcd or certain firmware options the other 2 Do...

The D300s has many more AF points than the other 2 and has a heavier build.

From that list it just seems like you are gaining so much in the d90 that if i wanted to continue my photography farther and maybe even make some money at some point I would be able to with that camera with the only additional investment being in flashes and lenses.
However, I just found a d80 on craigslist(I am less leary of this because I will be able to go and feel the camera and see that everything works ok before i drop the $$) for $600 including an 18-55 and a 55-200 both non-VR versions. The seller said it was in like new condition and has around 6000 actuations. I swear the decisions are getting harder every day, however I think I am going to save up for maybe another month and just splurge for the D90.

I find the D90 smack in the middle of the D5000 and D300s not closer to the D5000. Weather it is worth $200 more here is a list in which I compared the D5000, D90, and D300s...

They all have the same Sensor, Info, Menu, Play, Delete, AF-L, and Live View button, Command Dial, Lens mount, video option, and hotshoe... That is where the similarities end.

The D90 and D300s have a focus lock and sub command dial. The D5000 doesn't.

The D90 and D5000 have consumer modes. The D300s doesn't

The D90 and D300s have a function and aperture preview button. The D5000 doesnt.

The D300s can directly take a sync cable. The other 2 need an adapter

The D5000 has a swivel screen. The other 2 do not.

The D5000 does not have a point selector button or an internal motor. The other 2 do.

The D5000 also is smaller and harder to handle with larger and heavier lenses (as you get better at photography you will probably upgrade your lenses). The other 2 are not so much.

The d5000 also doesn't have a top Lcd or certain firmware options the other 2 Do...

The D300s has many more AF points than the other 2 and has a heavier build.

Will you use the video and will you go above ISO 400? If yes, I'd say the D90 is worth the extra. It is really nice to be able to use ISO 1600(!) without worrying too much. Here's a shot where I used it trying (somewhat unsuccessfully) to close down my aperture enough to get three faces in focus—four counting the owl's. At least I got two, eh?
Owl feeding at ISO 1600 (D90)
We rescued this great horned owl chick that had tried to leave its nest and was drowning in a cold creek. We warmed him up, fed him, and put him back in the tree. I should probably mention that this is not straight out of camera. I used lightroom 3's noise reduction.

shivaswrath said:
D200 is sick. . .I miss mine. . .but I sold my D200 for a new D90, simply because I needed high ISO ability for event photography. . .now the D300s would be the best compromise :-)

So would you say the d90 is an upgrade that is worth approximately $150-$200 more? Because that is the price difference I am currently looking at.

D200 is sick. . .I miss mine. . .but I sold my D200 for a new D90, simply because I needed high ISO ability for event photography. . .now the D300s would be the best compromise :-)

I have both d90 and d200 and truly the only missing part in d200 is the iso limitation - if You shooting up to iso 400 than it's generally a better option than d90, it's more robust, slightly faster AF and more buttons.

Kyledoo said:
What else do you lose or gain with the d200? For a pro level camera that seems pretty good. Also, its not only the fact that it is used, but that it is nearly 5 years old and is missing the movie mode and live view, but I don't know how much I would use that anyway. I am leaning towards the D90 at this point.

I have the D90 and I've only used the movie mode once, but in all fairness it doesn't particularly interest me. The D200 has only a 10 MP sensor, roughly the same as the D80. Live View is useful, but less so than you would think, I only tend to use it when looking through the viewfinder would require unusual body configurations. Downside to the D200 is the display is smaller, but it's quite usable.

If money wasn't an issue I'd go for the D90, but if it were a used D200 would be a very good choice too.

Bob Pan said:
A friend of mine has two D200's both used for about $500 each. They are built like tanks, the only thing they trade off is the high end ISO over the newer cameras. If you still don't feel comfortable get a D90, and I would recommend the 50mm f1.8 (which doesn't work on the 5000). You can get one new for $125, and much cheaper if you can find one used.

The D5000 may have the articulated display which I like but the resolution on it doesn't hold a candle to the D90's display. The D90 also has better controls on the outside, you use menus on the D5000 for most things.

What else do you lose or gain with the d200? For a pro level camera that seems pretty good. Also, its not only the fact that it is used, but that it is nearly 5 years old and is missing the movie mode and live view, but I don't know how much I would use that anyway. I am leaning towards the D90 at this point.

A friend of mine has two D200's both used for about $500 each. They are built like tanks, the only thing they trade off is the high end ISO over the newer cameras. If you still don't feel comfortable get a D90, and I would recommend the 50mm f1.8 (which doesn't work on the 5000). You can get one new for $125, and much cheaper if you can find one used.

The D5000 may have the articulated display which I like but the resolution on it doesn't hold a candle to the D90's display. The D90 also has better controls on the outside, you use menus on the D5000 for most things.

Thank you everybody for the help! I know that re-asking questions is frowned upon on all forums, but I have looked at all of that information and was still wanting more information.
The one question I was truely looking for: If I could have the D90 with ONLY my current lenses or the D5000 with the kit lens and my crippled lenses, which should get?
I wanted to ignore the future lenses because it may be awhile before I will be able to afford anything other than the 35mm 1.8, which I will get regardless of which camera I choose. However, this is an important consideration and I believe that given the minimal price difference the D90 is the right choice.
I would get a used body and spend the savings on a lens, but I am very nervous about buying anything that complicated used, there are so many things that could go wrong and I don't want to get burned.

@ Kyledoo : Looks like you are financially constrained.. so I would suggest the best value for money option for you.

Lets list some points to consider .

* Firstly like you say the best investment in photography is the lens.

* 70-300 (Get rid of that 70-300! LOL!) When you say that you find that
70-300 "ok" then is tells me that you dont really print large or need
very high MP.

* You have the 28-80 Nikkor. ( good lens )

* technology moves on quickly and like computers the best value usually
is the previous generation of gear.

In my opinion the best value option for you to get into the digital photography is the following.

1) keep that 28-80. and yes it may not be wide enough for some but its a preety useful range in DX. One of my fav DX lenses is the 35-70 F2.8.
2) keep that 70-300.. but replace it as soon as possible. its a lemon in the nikon lineup ! hehe..
3) Budget for another lens or 2 so that reduces the funds for the camera. but the lens doesnt need to be expensive. The 50mm F1.8 is a beaut and you can also use it on your film cameras.

4) The screwdriver bodies will give you the option to get really good and cheap pro glass at prices that are great value.
4.1) Get a second hand screwdriver body that is within your budget. The
options are. D90, D200, D80 D70, D50, S5Pro
4.2) the older, cheaper bodies like the D70/D70s and D50 are still
great and you really don't need the MP.
4.3) The best value I think is an old D200 or S5Pro which is a Prolevel Camera
in terms of handling. It is also much more compatible
with older glass than the D90/D80/D70 level cameras.

5) Remember that Digital Photography is now Digital and that means lots of computer gear and software. Backups etc... So There is a lot of money to be spent in that direction as well. There is also a lot of time to be spent learning to use all that computer stuff and learning to process your digital photos. So budget some time for that learning curve. When you are ready(after learning about Raw files, curves and unsharp masks, clarify, layers, dodging/burning channels etc ....) There will be newer gear and whatever you saved by going second hand this time around you will have money for the next upgrade.

6) Get a good wide angle dx lens like the sigma 10-20 IF you find that the 28mm is not wide enough. 28mm on DX is one of THE focal lengths. This a great focal length to grow with. Its my FAV FOV! I would get a 28mm F1.4 prime lens for my DX cameras if it didn't cost $4000-5000 second hand!

Good luck with your choices.. let us know what you decide.

i don't think your original lenses will work with the D5k - you're kinda stuck with the D90 brother. . .

Kyledoo said:
1. Is the autofocus motor in the d90 worth it basically for the 70-300? because if I got the 5000, the kit lens would cover me where my 28-80 would on the d90

2. Is 28mm wide enough for an all-around lens? I am leaning towards no. And if it is not, it would be more like a $300 difference between the d5000 and the d90 to get the necessary lens.

3. If the autofocus and flash commander options don't apply to me, are the other features of the d90 that great that it is worth the premium?

firstly, please use the search
secondly:
ad 1. - yes - screwdriver works nicely on this body
ad 2. - no - 28 is not wide enough (42mm on film is considered normal angle, not wide)
ad 3. - second display, bigger screen, commander mode

Please use the forum search because as you yourself point out your questions have, "been covered countless times".

safyre said:
Sounds like you'll do fine with a D5000.

For me personally, the reasons I upgraded to a D90 from a D5000 were:

1. In body AF Motor
2. High Speed Flash Sync (FP mode)
3. Commander mode.

Sounds great. now more questions! haha sorry, i just like to really know what I am getting before spending this much money on something. How often do you use the commander mode? is it useful for more than just portraits? Which lenses do you use that are not AF-S and their purposes? I know that the lens is truely what makes a camera so if there is something super great (and not $1000) that would require the D90 i'd need to give that a consideration. Like I said I am not a pro, so if it isn't an "everyday" lens I may not even need it!
I can't even count the number of times I have gone between these two cameras, they both have pros to them so its tough.
Another point that hasn't been brought up: When are the replacements for the D90 and D5000 coming? I know the 90 has been out for around 2 years.