Which lens??

[mojo-rizin]

I am trying to find a good zoom lens for my D40 without spending too much. I found the 55-200mm f/4.0-5.6G ED AF-S DX Zoom Lens for a good price, and the same lens with VR for about $60.00 more. I don't want to spend more than $250.00 right now.

Is the VR worth the extra $60? Are there any other zoom lens that will work with my D40 that are comparable in price, but better than the 55-200mm??

 

[Renee750il]

That's the one that most people want to get their hands on, Mojo. I have a 50-200mm and a 70-200mm zoom that I use on my 35mm Nikon SLR that I really get a lot of use out of and have been really happy with the results. Since those aren't as sought after as the 55-200mm you might find one at a really good price.

This is the 70-200 I have - mine's not a new model, of course, but it doesn't seem to have changed that much http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/ProductDetail.page?pid=2139

Here's a page that will let you compare http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-Nikon/Camera-Lenses/Autofocus/High-Power-Zoom.page?

 

[96 GTS]

I'm just gonna jump in and say that VR is worth every penny. I don't own the 55-200VR but Caitlin does and I've used it. It really is an awesome little lens.

 

[ACooper]

curious if anyone had/used/liked the 18-200VR??

Seems like THAT would be the way to go............not having to change lenses too much.

LINKY

 

[GipsyQueen]

Do you mean the Nikon d40? Out of context, but I'm looking into getting the D40; how do you like it?

 

[Renee750il]

IF I actually had any disposable income, this http://www.nikonusa.com/Find-Your-N...AF-S VR Zoom-NIKKOR 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED.html would probably be my next lens.

 

[mojo-rizin]

I LOVE it! I am still learning, and I feel like my pictures don't look as good as some of the other users, but I am trying!

I am in love with sunset photography and night photography. I bought a tripod, and there is something about being outside at night. But, the moon looks so TINY at 55mm, and I really want something that can get me a little closer.

I will have to post some of my pictures for critique!

 

[mojo-rizin]

Since I am still learning, I can't see spending more than I spent on my camera for a lens. I would love a lens that I wouldn't have to change, but I would use the 18-55mm for indoors and the 55-200mm for outdoor photography.

 

[Renee750il]

Mojo, one of the first things to learn is that your lenses are an INVESTMENT. Choose your lenses - and camera - so that when you upgrade your camera, you will be able to use your lenses with the upgrade.

The camera body will become obsolete, but your lenses won't

And, a relatively inexpensive way to experiment is with filters, especially macro filters. Some of the special effects filters are a lot of fun, too.

 

[GipsyQueen]

Since I am still learning, I can't see spending more than I spent on my camera for a lens. I would love a lens that I wouldn't have to change, but I would use the 18-55mm for indoors and the 55-200mm for outdoor photography.

I love my current camera, but its one of them digital small tiny cameras that take great pictures, but are 'boring' to work with, IMO. I love photography and am oh so ready to get a camera that has lenses and things that I can expirement with.
You should look into the the book 'Guide to Photojournalism' Even if your not looking into Photojournalism, its still a great book that has wonderful photography tips that really help... AND it's a pretty good read; not just one of boring books.

P.S I'd love to see some of your pictures.

 

[mojo-rizin]

Here are a few of my very first photos

Iron railing in my house:

Corn cob on my parents squirrel feeder:

The only greenish plant I could find in SW MO on Christmas Day:

 

[HoundedByHounds]

I have the lens mentioned and I may say I got a KICK ASH deal on it on Amazon...THE place to get lenses folks.

 

[HoundedByHounds]

Oops forgot yes VR is worth it. I have the D40X which means I have less lenses to choose from...but this one...me likee

 

[ACooper]

I have the lens mentioned and I may say I got a KICK ASH deal on it on Amazon...THE place to get lenses folks.

Not to mention NO SALES TAX and NO SHIPPING FEE most of the time!

*whooot* for amazon! LOL.......and the shipping time is normally LESS than a week to your hands

 

[HoundedByHounds]

Got my actual camera from them too...deal!

 

[ACooper]

Got my actual camera from them too...deal!

ME TOO! :lol-sign:

Oh and I meant to say GREAT photos Mojo..........you will be a pro in NO TIME!

 

[RedHotDobe]

How much did you find the 55-200mm VR for? It should be well under $250. I got mine for $220 from B&H back before Christmas. And yes, go for the VR.

The 18-200mm VR seemed like a monster of a lens to me. Walking around with it on the D200 gets heavy. Mounting it on the front of a D40 would make it a tad bit front-heavy.

Someone mentioned they're limited in their lens selection because they have the D40. I hear everyone say this. You're not. You can use whichever lens you want, but they don't all auto-focus. I have to manually focus two of the older lenses we have because they aren't AF-S. It's not that big of a deal.

 

[ACooper]

The 18-200mm VR seemed like a monster of a lens to me. Walking around with it on the D200 gets heavy. Mounting it on the front of a D40 would make it a tad bit front-heavy.

Hmmmmmm, THANKS! I have never seen them in person, just online browsing and had no idea how big they are or aren't. Makes sense

 

[HoundedByHounds]

Amazon....$215....free shipping...teehee!

 

[RedHotDobe]

Hmmmmmm, THANKS! I have never seen them in person, just online browsing and had no idea how big they are or aren't. Makes sense

"Tad bit front-heavy" was definitely an understatement, too.