The One-Lens Nikon D90

So I'm using the Nikon D90 as a fixed-lens prosumer camera akin to my 2006 Olympus C-8080. On this type of camera the lens is a high quality zoom with a decent wide-to-telephoto range. And, it's permanently fixed to the camera body: you can't switch lenses as you can with an SLR. One of the great advantages of the fixed lens is the avoidance of dust on the sensor. I've followed this particular prosumer model in utilizing the Nikon D90. I purchased the D90 body along with a Nikkor 16-85mm lens. When I received the two packages from B&H I affixed the lens to the camera body, and there it has stayed. With the 16-85 in place I haven't felt the need to purchase extra lenses. The interesting thing about it is that its zoom range, the equivalent of 24-127 in 35mm format, is actually better at the wide end than the set of three lenses I had in the 60s and 70s when using a Nikon-F (28mm, 50mm and 135mm). Please note that we will not enter the zoom vs. prime discussion at this point.

So I've denied myself the exquisite pleasure of purchasing many extra highly expensive lenses, along with the pleasure of carrying them around. Actually, I find the switching-out of lenses to be very tedious and a serious impediment to the creative process. Also note that not having a collection of lenses means that changing brands is much more doable. As I've mentioned before, the combined weight of this particular lens/body combo is more than I'd like, so I've been keeping tabs on the recent batch of light-weight quality cameras from Olympus, Panasonic and others.

I wouldn't mind having more in the "telephoto" range, for birds and such. But, oh well! You can't have everything!

Photos: Nikon D90 with Nikkor 16-85 lens—Marin County, 2010; Olympus C-8080—Marin County, 2008; Logistics Manager Camera Case: Room for Camera Bodies & Lenses