Lens choices

[Fenrir]

So I'm running around with my D40 with the AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED lens that came with it, but I'm wanting do expand. I'm just wondering what lenses would be ideal, and what models to use; ie. Macro, Zoom and Wide angle lenses.

[whoster]

your camera very much limits your lens choices to the Nikon AF-S models only..

which are incredibly high-end, or rather mediocre.

your choices currently are the 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6G you already own

the 18-70mm 1:3.5-4.5G DX (aka d70 kit $350)
18-135mm 1:3.5-5.6G DX (i think $400 ish?)
55-200mm 1:4-5.6G DX/VR DX (from like $200 - 250 i thinks) [great cheap telephoto with VR]

then you've got the more expensive stuff...
12-24mm 1:4.0G DX ($900) [digital wide angle]
17-35mm 1:2.8D ($1200?) [wide angle for film/digital]
17-55mm 1:2.8G DX (i think almost $1500) [the kick-ass fixed aperture WA/Medium zoom]
18-200mm 1:3.5-5.6G VR DX (about $700-900) [the DSLR do-it-all]
24-120mm 1:3.5-5.6G VR ($500 ish) [the mediocre film/dslr dependable walkaround]
28-70mm 1:2.8D (about $1200, soon to be replaced by the 24-70mm) [the beast]
70-300mm 1:4-5.6G VR ($550) [the cheapest "best" telephoto by Nikon with VR]
70-200mm 1:2.8G ($1600) [the beast's longer brother]


and then there are the super-zooms that cost.......like...4 times more than your camera and then some.

and after this post i just realized that you're in the UK, and i have no idea how much stuff costs in the UK, i'm guessing stuff in the UK doesn't actually cost less due to current exchanges...probably just swap out the $ with pound symbols, but probably not THAT much more expensive..


the important thing you need to figure out is what you find that you REALLY need.

i'm currently covered for like...80% the time with my 18-70mm, 50mm, and 135mm (but i think that's because i'm poor and i've adapted very well)

[BerserkerCatSplat]

There's also the Sigma HSM lenses.

Copypasta from Nikonans:

D40 Compatible AF lenses

Nikkor:

AF-S DX 12-24mm 4.0G ED-IF
AF-S 17-35mm 2.8D ED-IF
AF-S DX 17-55mm 2.8G ED-IF
AF-S DX 18-55mm 3.5-5.6G
AF-S DX 18-70mm 3.5-4.5G ED-IF
AF-S DX 18-135mm 3.5-5.6 ED-IF
AF-S VR DX 18-200mm 3.5-5.6G IF-ED
AF-S 24-85mm 3.5-4.5G IF-ED
AF-S VR 24-120mm 3.5-5.6G ED-IF
AF-S 28-70mm 2,8 IF-ED
AF-S DX 55-200mm 4-5.6G ED
AF-S VR 55–200mm 4–5.6G IF-ED
AF-S VR 70-200mm 2.8G ED-IF
AF-S VR 70-300mm 4.5-5.6G
AF-S 80-200mm 2.8 ED-IF
AF-S VR 105mm 2.8G
AF-S VR 200mm 2.0G ED-IF
AF-S VR 200-400mm 4.0G ED-IF
AF-I 300mm 2.8D IF-ED
AF-S 300mm 2.8D IF-ED
AF-S 300mm 4.0D ED-IF
AF-S VR 300mm 2.8 ED-IF
AF-I 400mm 2.8 D IF-ED
AF-S 400mm 2.8D ED-IF
AF-I 500mm 4.0D IF-ED
AF-S 500mm 4.0D ED-IF
AF-I 600mm 4.0D IF-ED
AF-S 600mm 4.0D ED-IF

Sigma:

10-20mm 4-5.6 EX DC HSM
12-24mm 4.5-5.6 EX DG HSM
14mm 2.8 EX
17-35mm 2.8-4.0 EX DG
17-70mm f2.8-4.5 DC Macro HSM New
18-50mm 3.5-5.6 DC HSM New
18-50mm f2.8 EX DC Macro HSM New
18-200mm f3.5-6.3 DC OS New
30mm 1.4 DC
50-500mm 4.0-6.3 EX DG
50-150mm 2.8 EX DC HSM
55-200mm 4-5.6 DC HSM New
70-200mm 2,8 EX DG Makro
80-200mm 2.8 EX DG Makro
80-400mm 4-5.6 EX OS
100-300mm 4.0 EX DG
120-300mm 2.8 EX DG
150mm 2.8 EX DG MAKRO
180mm 3.5 EX DG MAKRO
300mm 2.8 EX DG APO HSM
300-800mm 5.6 EX DG APO
500mm 4.5 EX DG HSM APO
800mm 5.6 EX DG APO

[whoster]

no...my understanding is the only Sigma lenses that work on the D40 are the HSM lenses ONLY.

the D40 lacks a screw-drive AF motor, it's only SWM.

[jayhawk]

55-200mm 1:4-5.6G DX/VR DX (from like $200 - 250 i thinks) [great cheap telephoto with VR]

I have this lens. It takes some wonderful, crisp pictures, and Nikon's introduction of VR is the best! Also, check out Ken Rockwell, he love's his Nikon's, and REALLY loves the D40.

I have a question. What about a good portrait lens? I was thinking about 80mm, what is another's opinion?

[Fenrir]

Thanks for that link to Ken's site Jay, looks like a pretty sweet mine of info for the noob shutterbug

[jayhawk]

Originally Posted by Fenrir

Thanks for that link to Ken's site Jay, looks like a pretty sweet mine of info for the noob shutterbug

He has alot of info, but I tell you what, here is a list of people here that give really good advice, also!

Whoster.
BerzerkerCatSplat.
Iben.
Rapareri.
Shadowness.
Alok.
Cosworth.

Those are a few I think off the top of my head. Hell, it was the photo a day thread that ultimately got me into photography. And I for one very glad for it, since it seems it is something I can DO, you know?

Also, and some may agree or disagree, but no matter the equipment, it comes down the person. I belong to Pbase, and I see some mind boggling shots using 5MP point and shoots, and really crappy photos using high end SLR's. I myself am a unabashed copycat, usually emulating the photos I see here....BUT, being that we are all different, it becomes my style. I consider the people who put up their photos as my teachers. I study each one, and learn.

I am very glad to see you joined the ranks, and looking forward to your photos!

[bobo_1314]

You might want to add a macro lens to your kit, if you like doing closeup photography. Basically, any Nikon F mount lens will work with your camera, but only the AF-S series will give you autofocus. Also, the D lens will give you matrix metering. I would look for the autofocus lens first, and if you can't find what you're looking for, then get the manual focus lens, as I believe they won't meter properly with the D40. Here's a website that might help you www.nikonians.org

BTW, I use a D40x

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Originally Posted by whoster

no...my understanding is the only Sigma lenses that work on the D40 are the HSM lenses ONLY.

the D40 lacks a screw-drive AF motor, it's only SWM.

I know that, and that's why none of the lenses I posted use a screwdriver focus mechanism. They may not necessarily say HSM in that list, but they all use a in-lens motor to focus.

[Fenrir]

Originally Posted by jayhawk

Those are a few I think off the top of my head. Hell, it was the photo a day thread that ultimately got me into photography. And I for one very glad for it, since it seems it is something I can DO, you know?

I got further into shooting for exactly the same reason
Sure as hell made me make the jump from a compact to a DSLR anyway, and I've enjoyed every minute of it
Also seems to be something I can do with a little degree of skill as well, but still got much to learn

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Well, Fenrir, I guess the lens you'd want depends on two things: What kind of photos you want to take and how big your budget is.

[Fenrir]

Well, I take my camera out with me a fair amount now, I guess one that's a fairly decent everyday lens, but around town/out and about I'm finding places that would make for good photographs (For instance the Cathedral in my town at night), so lenses for specific purposes like that.
I'm like most of the people here, ( I think) in that I'm not sticking to taking pictures of one thing, just freelancing.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

OK, so do you want a wider angle, or more zoom? Or just one big do-it-all lens?

[Fenrir]

All-in-one would probably be best at the moment. Budget would be around £400, until then I've got other money commitments. Once they're out of the way I can be more task-specific.

[BerserkerCatSplat]

Hmm, you might get an 18-200VR for that price, they're about $750 on this side of the pond, but European equipment prices to tend to be higher. If it's too expensive, the Sigma 18-200 OS or Nikon 18-135 would be your best bets.