The Secrets Out (basics on better picture taking).

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So, if I wanted to spend about a grand on a setup with body and a lens that would be good for travel/backpacking/hiking so a lot of natural light, outdoor shooting with a little bit of abuse what would be a good recommendation?

1. D40-D60 level SLR. used running $250-350.

2. Nikkor 18-70mm AF-S 3.5-4.5 G lens ($160-180) used

3. Nikkor 70-300mm AF-S 4.5-5.6 G VR lens, used running around $450

AF-S lenses will autofocus on the current entry level bodies, but normal AF lenses will not, I've had a good amout of experience with both listed lenses and they are excellent choices and great values for what they cost. Note these lenses are not built like some of the durable but exremely heavy telephoto's or other pro grade lenses that are most built out of metal and made to take a heavy beating from photojornalism work and such, i've climbed mountains with the listed equipment before and have never damaged mine.