QUOTE (05XRunner @ Mar 3 2010, 11:00 PM)
well your not going to get what you want for 600..you want to take close up's of hermit crabs..So you would need a macro or get extension tubes..its ALL going to put you over..getting into a DSLR is NOT cheap..I think maybe you should go for a good P&S that does all you want..macro and all. Looking for the D40 with 2 kit lens is a waste..those 2 lenses they will bundle with it would be crap. Save longer or look for used stuff.
No wonder you thought Ken rockwell was good..Your just as hard headed and make no sense
If the OP is a beginner looking to get their foot in the door of SLR photography, what does it matter if he shoots with an $1100 lens?
I have several pro photographer friends, and you all are the same, if you can't blow 10 grand on a setup, then you might as well use a polaroid.
It's perfectly acceptable to buy a body and a lens kit, and upgrade later with used lenses that the pros just discard because they "don't work anymore for them".
Canon has some great lenses, and Tamron and Sigma make nice lenses that are economically priced.
The important part is to get a camera that does nice point and shoot for the kids soccer games, and one that can do all the manual things for hobby shoots.
Good luck in your search OP, I love my Canon, they are great cameras.