Suggestions to replace kit lens on Nikon D40?

[markjd]

I am looking at buying a Nikon D40 without kit lens. Any thoughts on what would be a good all rounder lens? My understanding is that this camera will support the auto focus for Nikon AF-S or Sigma HSM lenses. Not sure about budget for the lens yet, but probably looking at sub $500.


Mark

[MATT]

Dont think you can go past the D70 Kit lens 18-70 great for the price.I use it as the standard lens on my D200.

or maybe a Nikon 24-120 Vr AF-s if you want extra reach, If you wanted one of those PM me and we could work something out..Maybe.

Goodluck
MATT

[Oz_Beachside]

Hi Mark,

Are you starting out? Or do you have a film 35mm camera? If you do you may want to go with a camera that can use your old glass.

If starting from scratch, then the kit lenses are a good starting point. They usually have a wide zoom range, like 18-70, and they are "free", like a "free lunch". I dont think the D40 is available without the kit lens in AU. The kit lens on the D40 is very basic, but an ok starting point. The D70s kits are very good value at the moment. THe D40 I had a play with, and a brief review http://www.dslrusers.com/viewtopic.php?t=22865&highlight= came with a 18-55 lens. The D70s comes with a longer lasting 18-70 (a bit longer zoom also).

If you are set on the D40 (thats ok too) just be aware that it may only be available with newer lenses.

One lens zoom range that many find extremely useful, is 18-200mm. Sigma make a nice one for about $450 from Hong Kong. The nikon one is at least twice the price.

The 18-200 would be a fabulous "starting point" kit lens.

You need to also think about future items. Is this lens going to be your only purchase, or do you see yourself building up over time? If so, perhaps start with a 12-24 Sigma, then later get a 70-200 or somehting.

You need to give us a little more info, what do you want to take pictures of? As the environment, subjects, and your intension drive lens advise the most...

And finally, another GREAT starting point, is the good ole 50mm prime (available in a 1.8 or 1.4). Great for indoor, low light, and many other instances.

From there, you could work out f you want wider, or tele...

give us some more info...

[MATT]

Hi Mark,

Are you starting out? Or do you have a film 35mm camera? If you do you may want to go with a camera that can use your old glass.

Pretty sure the D40 needs AF-S or HSM no screwdriver focus. Otherwise It'll have to be manual focus only..

Cheers
MATT

[Oz_Beachside]

Hi Mark,

Are you starting out? Or do you have a film 35mm camera? If you do you may want to go with a camera that can use your old glass.

Pretty sure the D40 needs AF-S or HSM no screwdriver focus. Otherwise It'll have to be manual focus only..

Cheers
MATT

Yes, you are absolutely right, the D40 does not have the motor drive (screw driver connection), so auto focus needs to be SWM, or manual, for the D40.

[losfp]

The 4 "kit" lenses that will work with the D40 are:

- 18-55
- 18-70
- 18-135
- 18-200

I haven't had any experience with the 18-135 (D80 owners?), but I can wholeheartedly recommend the 18-70. Good solid lens. Fast focus, sharp and very useful indeed.

The 18-200 is probably the ultimate "do everything" lens. Unfortunately it is rather the wrong side of $500, so not really an option.

I don't mind the 24-120, but IMO it is not wide enough to be a walkaround lens for me.

[Oz_Beachside]

I don't mind the 24-120, but IMO it is not wide enough to be a walkaround lens for me.

Ah, yes, a lot of people are happy with the 24-120VR, its close to your budget.

[markjd]

Thanks to all for your suggestions.

If I do go with the D40, I would look at importing it from Hong Kong, so possibly I can get it without the 18-55 kit lens. I am an slr newbie, but just want to make sure that the lens I start with is decent. If possible, I want to start with the best all round lens for my budget.

As mentioned in a previous thread (http://www.dslrusers.com/viewtopic.php?t=23980), I don't have a camera at the moment, but have access to some decent zoom lens.

I have read that the D70 kit lens 18-70 is pretty good value. A bit wider range than the standard with the D40. What are people's thoughts on the 18-55 vs the 18-70?

I am interested in taking photographs of my marine aquarium. I will get a macro lens eventually. Also interested in landscapes. I can see me taking photographs of everything in site. Pretty much everything is open game This first lens will have to last me for a few months at least

The Nikkor 18-200 does look like a beauty. Just seen the price ... ouch


Mark

[Oz_Beachside]

The Nikkor 18-200 does look like a beauty. Just seen the price ... ouch

Mark

Sigma have one which has the zoom rangem, just not the VR, so that might be a go?

18-70 is well built, the 18-55 in my opinion, is a "temporary" lens, its a basic low cost starting point, very plastic. My assessment of it was cosmetic though, dont know what its glass is like.

[Onyx]

I'll back the suggestions for the 18-70. Great optics, decent build, and fantastic value for what you're getting. I think you should consider the 18-135 too. Slightly longer reach might serve you better when it's intended to be your only lens for a while, the optics are reportedly good, and it comes close to the 18-70 in price - the only downside is a plastic lens mount instead of metal.

[xorl]

From what I've seen neither the 18-55 nor the 18-135 quite make it to the level of the 18-70 in terms of optics and build. The 18-70 is excellent value and provides a good zoom range. I'd certainly recommend it over all the other cheap options.

As mentioned above, I'm not sure it's possible to buy a new D40 without the 18-55 - which is a pity. You might have to look at a D70s + 18-70 kit instead.

However.. it is possible to make great images with all the kit lenses. If cost is a problem then stick with the 18-55.

[virgal_tracy]

I am also a newbie and I went with the D40 with the twin "kit" lenses (for just over $1000). Buying in Aus had no choice but to have the 18 -55 which has suited me to learn on (only had the camera a month).

I realise that better glass isn't going to help me at this stage as I am learning and there will be a lot of mistakes made. At present I can tell the difference between my composition and aperture and shutter speed mistakes but can't tell the diffference between my lenses and a mates Canon L lens.

That will come. If money is no option go with the best that you can afford now, if it is the kit lens will do just fine IMHO of course

[JED]

I have read that the D70 kit lens 18-70 is pretty good value. A bit wider range than the standard with the D40. What are people's thoughts on the 18-55 vs the 18-70?

Hi Mark, I have both lenses and am happy with what I can get out of both of them.

The 18-70 has a more robust feel and I like the extra reach while the 18-55 is lighter and has a more "flimsy" and less fluid feel.

Optically I don't think there is much difference between them (on my d50 at least). I've attached an example from each lens for comparison.

If you can bundle a d40 body with the 18-70 rather than the 18-55, that would be the better way to go, I reckon. I don't have any experience with the 18-135 but if it is equal to the 18-55 in optics & build quality it would probably be the best choice for a starting kit.

Cheers, John

18-55


18-70