so i am about to buy my first DSLR camera, looking at getting a Nikon D40, and i was wondering some peoples oppinions on what lenses they would get with it.

i am wanting the Nikon 50mm F1.8 lens, and also the Nimon 55-200mm F4 VR lens.

what do yall think about these? im pretty new to most of this (not my first photography venture, but my first digital). im really liking the large aperature 50mm, and the VR lens will be great for general shoots. anyone think i should look into different lenses? or maybe some suggestions?

thanks

 

can't go wrong with the 50mm 1.8...55-200 is an excellent choice as well, considering the D40 comes with an excellent 18-55 lens.

i personally like reading reviews from http://kenrockwell.com in regards to camera accessories.

after you get use to your camera, it would be a good idea to grab some specialty lenses like a wide angle or a macro lens. They make lots of awesome effects that are next to impossible (if not impossible) with the standard lenses.

 

thanks noodleman

i was actually considering buying it without the 18-55mm lens that Nikon packages it with (you can get it on ebay with just about any lense you want, or just purchase the camera body).

also, the 50mm lens that i am looking at has a minimum focal distance of 1.5', which is actually smaller than some of Nikons macro lenses . a dedicated macro and fisheye would probably be in the future for me though

 

anyone else?

 

You might want to consider the d40x, not a huge amount more, and you get more MP's.

 

FYI the Nikon 50mm F1.8 will NOT autofocus on either the D40 or D40x. A lot of people like the D40 with the 18-55 kit lens plus the 55-200 VR that you already pointed out. Both are sharp lenses at very reasonable prices.

 

i had actually shopped around for that, and at (roughly) $150 more, i dont think i need the extra 4 megapixels. even printing at 150DPI i think ill be happy printing sizes up to 20" x 13" . thats why i decided to go with the regular D40 and spend that extra money on some accesories

 

yeah, i was actually aware that the lens wouldnt AF on that body

but i wasnt too upset about that. my main reason for wanting that lens is the huge F-stop , and i like to pic my focal point myself on pics with a shallow DOF, so no big loss there (you also cant sneer at the price of that lens ).

the 55-200mm would be my general walking around with lens, and then the 50mm would serve a bit more of a dedicated purpose for my use.

im still up in the air between the 40 and 50 though, seeing as how all lenses would AF with the D50. but i want to play with one a bit first... because i really like the interface and ease of use with the D40.

 

you should get a d70, just the body used and buy some lenses.

 

can i ask why you suggest that over the 40 or 50?

also, what exactly are the main differences between the three?

 

im not familiar with the 50 what so ever. But as far as 40 to 70. The 70 has 5 focus areas, where as the 40 has 3, the interface allows you to change aperature shutter speed and others very quickly using thumb wheels(2) where as the 40 has 1. All changes can be seen using the screen on the top of the cameras body. Greater ability for autofocusing lenses. I believe its a stronger motor. You can adjust things more finely such as iso and others. I have both and I strongly prefer the d70 over the d40. It also feels much better in my hands. As far as picture quality, theres not a difference, and if there is its because of lenses. Hope that helps.

 

that helps immensly

can you get a 70 body for about the same price as a 40 body?

 

I got my d70 body for like 300

 

im definitly interested in that

ebay im assuming?

 

Local photographer buddy Only had like 100 shots on it. came with 2 batteries.

 

man, looks like im gonna have to be scouring ebay and craigslist

i think id still be happy to get any of them. but the D70 is definitly intriguing with the two wheels... does the display screen do the same as the D40 with the aperture illustration?

 

bah, now im more confused than ever...

i dont know between the D40, 50, or 70 :crap:

i guess maybe this weekend when i have time to sit down and compare differences across the three i will decide. i still think the 40 is the best for my situation, but the lack of lenses that are fully supported pushes me towards the 50, and then for the price i might as well look at the 70, which i think is getting to the range of being too much camera for me...

bah, i hate decisions lol.

 

From what i was told the specs for the D40x are better then the standard D40. Essentially the D40x in it current specs should have been what the D40 was when it first came out. Either way as a beginner camera it's a pretty solid entry level DSLR camera. I could've went the route of the d70 etc. however much like learning something new you gotta start somewhere comfortable. The D40x was comfortable for me in terms of form and function. You'd be surprised by the pics you can take with this camera. Eventually when i learn to master all the functions of this camera is when i decide to upgrade to a higher model.

 

from what i researched (which i will note that i have not read all the tech specs...) the only difference was really the extra 4 mp, which in my situation, really didnt justify the price to me.

i think ive found a deal on one though, and im hoping i can buy it from the girl tonight (she sounds really hot on her voice mail too).

ill try to get pics lol.