I want to buy the Nikon D40

[ryley26]

Thanks I keeping a list of lenses going to try and decide. I be buying soon to get used to the camera before our July trip. I want to get some pics of the fireworks on the 4th.

 

[handicap18]

I would think the D40 + 18-135 + 70-300vr would make a very nice package that would cover a lot of range in just two lenses, with some overlap (not a bad thing, IMO). A nice low-light lens like the Sigma 30mm f/1.4 would be a nice addition, as well.

~Y

I second that emotion.

I have these 3 mentioned lenses and LOVE all of them. I used them a lot on my last trip to Disney in Dec '07. Especially the 30mm f/1.4. I had an unfortunate accident with the 18-135mm and on day 4 the front lens element fell out (to the fault of myself only, not a defective lens). After that I used the 30mm almost exclusively at EPCOT for a day. Luckily I had a backup lens in the 18-70, but I did miss the extra reach of the 18-135.

I did get the lens fixed finally. $126 in repair and shipping costs.

All 3 lenses are very sharp especially for the price. Even if you don't end up with the 30mm, the other 2 lenses together make a great kit combo and should cover the vast majority of your shooting. The 30mm would be extra and to assist in low light/no flash situations.

As a start I would go with the D40 and 18-135mm. The D40 has excellent high ISO performance.

Happy shopping.

 

[Berni'sDH]

Hi,

I have had several Nikon DSLR's, and I think you will be quite happy with the D40!

Enjoy your new camera!

 

[Berni'sDH]

Ooops- forgot to mention that there is still another option I thought might interest you. I have provided a link below to a D40 deal at Adorama for a Refurbished-by-Nikon $399.95 D40 Kit (with an 18-55mm lens) recently mentioned on Ken Rockwell's site that might be of interest to you:

http://www.adorama.com/catalog.tpl?op=searchresults&searchinfo=INKD40KR

At this price, it is almost like getting the lens for free!- you are saving a $100 (about 25%) over the price of the same kit if bought new (ex: http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/471716-REG/Nikon_25420_D40_SLR_Digital_Camera.html). I don't know the quality of these refurbished items, or what type of warranty they come with, but it should be Ok since it is factory refurbished by Nikon.


I might also recommend you might consider the new 55-200mm AF-S f/4-5.6 VR (Vibration Reduction) lens (or the approx. $75 cheaper 55-200mm without VR) along with the camera body/kit lens purchase. At less than $230.00 (ex: here- http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/t...t_shr?_encoding=UTF8&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&v=glance or here- http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/486717-USA/Nikon_2166_55_200mm_f_4_5_6G_ED_AF_S.html), its a great bargain and an ideal choice for a beginning DSLR user for acheiving more zoom "reach". I recommend the VR version because it will let you shoot at lower handheld shutter speeds without blurryness due to camera shake (although it won't stop subject movement), making it effectively also a "faster" lens for lower light situations, although it doesn't match the superior image quality of the much more expensive "faster aperture" f/2.8 "Pro" zooms which cost 3-5 times as much- but it will still give you a very good result!


Whatever you decide, have fun with your new toys, and post some pictures from your next Disney adventure!

 

[emmabelle]

Thanks everyone!

I went to Ritz and Circuit City today to see the camera again. I'm beginning to be a little too obsessed. The guy working at Circuit City was actually very knowledgeable which was nice. They had a Canon camera which had an 18-135mm lens on it and I did like it better than the 18-55mm on the Nikon. What do you guys think of the package of the D40 with an 18-55mm and the 55-200mm for $675?


Thanks Berni'sDH for the info, I've seen Ken Rockwell's site before, it's very cool.

 

[YEKCIM]

Thanks everyone!

I went to Ritz and Circuit City today to see the camera again. I'm beginning to be a little too obsessed. The guy working at Circuit City was actually very knowledgeable which was nice. They had a Canon camera which had an 18-135mm lens on it and I did like it better than the 18-55mm on the Nikon. What do you guys think of the package of the D40 with an 18-55mm and the 55-200mm for $675?


Thanks Berni'sDH for the info, I've seen Ken Rockwell's site before, it's very cool.

Is the 55-200mm the VR version? If so, it would be a nice package. The 55-200vr is a very nice consumer tele-zoom. Keep in mind, though, you are not going to get much in the way of tele out of the 18-55 so you will probably do a lot more lens changing. That is one of the reasons I went for the 18-135. And have not regretted it at all.

Y

 

[emmabelle]

Is the 55-200mm the VR version? If so, it would be a nice package. The 55-200vr is a very nice consumer tele-zoom. Keep in mind, though, you are not going to get much in the way of tele out of the 18-55 so you will probably do a lot more lens changing. That is one of the reasons I went for the 18-135. And have not regretted it at all.

Y

It's not the VR one. Here's the package

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/500315-REG/Nikon_9420_D40_SLR_Digital_Camera.html


Would I be better off with the 18-135?

 

[YEKCIM]

It's not the VR one. Here's the package

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/500315-REG/Nikon_9420_D40_SLR_Digital_Camera.html


Would I be better off with the 18-135?

This is really getting down to personal preference and budget issues. I can't attest to the differences between the 55-200 and the 55-200vr. Based on images I've seen, I think the vr version produces sharper images, but I don't know if that's the vr or if it's just inherently sharper, optically.

Here are your D40 options, as I see them, based solely on B&H pricing:

D40 + 18-55 kit lens: $500
D40 + 18-135 kit lens: $650
D40 + 18-55 and 55-200 (non vr) kit: $675
D40 + 18-55 kit lens + 55-200vr (purchased separately): $730

Which set of gear best fits your anticipated needs and budget? For me, personally, the convenience of not having to change lenses would (and did) nudge me in the direction of the 18-135. However, I also bought the 70-300vr so the 55-200 (either version) was not a consideration, for me. Another option would be the D40 + kit lens plus the 70-300vr, but then you are talking almost over $900 (B&H does not have the best price, currently, on the 70-300vr).

I've probably just confused the issue even more; if so, I apologize and ask your forgiveness.

~Ed

 

[emmabelle]

This is really getting down to personal preference and budget issues. I can't attest to the differences between the 55-200 and the 55-200vr. Based on images I've seen, I think the vr version produces sharper images, but I don't know if that's the vr or if it's just inherently sharper, optically.

Here are your D40 options, as I see them, based solely on B&H pricing:

D40 + 18-55 kit lens: $500
D40 + 18-135 kit lens: $650
D40 + 18-55 and 55-200 (non vr) kit: $675
D40 + 18-55 kit lens + 55-200vr (purchased separately): $730

Which set of gear best fits your anticipated needs and budget? For me, personally, the convenience of not having to change lenses would (and did) nudge me in the direction of the 18-135. However, I also bought the 70-300vr so the 55-200 (either version) was not a consideration, for me. Another option would be the D40 + kit lens plus the 70-300vr, but then you are talking almost over $900 (B&H does not have the best price, currently, on the 70-300vr).

I've probably just confused the issue even more; if so, I apologize and ask your forgiveness.

~Ed

It's so confusing, I just don't want to regret whatever decision I make. I think I'm leaning towards the 18-135mm because I don't like changing lenses either.

 

[Gdad]

It's so confusing, I just don't want to regret whatever decision I make. I think I'm leaning towards the 18-135mm because I don't like changing lenses either.

Maybe you should look at the 18-200vr lens for a while- then when you come back to the 18-135 it will look like a really good value. (Which it is.)

 

[mabas9395]

I think part of the problem is that most people want their first dSLR purchase to be their last. it would be nice to not have to upgrade bodies or lenses, but as most people around here know, that is just not the case. Whether you need to or just want to, most people do upgrade part of their equipment.

So take a breath. Relax. Buy something you can afford and think you will use the most. If you get it wrong, no big whoop. You can get a different lens or body later. Your needs may change or your willingness to spend money on this hobby may increase. Whatever the reason, you don't have to regret your first decision because chances are, it won't be your last.

 

[Berni'sDH]

Maybe you should look at the 18-200vr lens for a while- then when you come back to the 18-135 it will look like a really good value. (Which it is.)

emmabelle,

Yes, but seriously, if you are willing to spend a little more $$, the D40 + 18-200mm VR would be a pretty sweet combo though, and would solve the "lens changing" issue. I own the 18-200 VR, and use it with my D70s, and it makes for a real ideal "walkaround" lens package- fairly light (for a lens with that zoom range, although not as light as either the 18-135mm or certainly the 18-55mm), and very versitile and adaptible to a lot of different shooting situations. Kind of expensive though, as the 18-200 lens alone goes for around $680 right now, but you might be able to find it a bit cheaper if you could find a D40 + 18-200 kit package. I also owned the 18-135mm lens for awhile before getting the 18-200, and although I liked the pictures I got with the 18-135, I feel the 18-200 is superior in performance because of its added zoom range and the VR. Here's an example of what I think is a great closeup shot I got at WDW last year using this lens, that wouldn't have been possible without the added reach of the 18-200 or if I had had to stop to change my lens to a longer one- I would have just missed her quick expression! And, because of the VR, I got a very clear shot handheld:

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1699996&page=110 -->>(see Post #1636 at the top of that page)

As you can see, this "hobby" can begin to get expensive, especially when you begin to "need" all the accessories such external flashes, tripods, filters, etc.! We Nikon users have a special name for the condition- we call it "NAS", which stands for "Nikon Acquisition Syndrome", and it never ends! But, the fun and tremendously better and more satisfying pictures we get from our equipment is all worth it!

Good luck and enjoy whatever lens combination you decide upon...

 

[emmabelle]

Whoa Berni'sDH, that was a real closeup!

 

[Gdad]

I had the 18-200vr for a while but sold it. I think the 18-135 / 70-300vr combo is much better kit for about the same investment. Just my $.02

 

[moepanz]

Subbing. I have the D40 and I like it but it was way more camera than I thought it was. I am still trying to learn how use it properly.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I had the 18-200vr for a while but sold it. I think the 18-135 / 70-300vr combo is much better kit for about the same investment. Just my $.02

I agree. I have the 18-135 + 70-300VR and I really appreciate the extra reach I have from that lens plus the VR. I don't have to swap out lenses too often; I use the 70-300VR when I know I'm going to be shooting things that I need to really zoom in on far away. It works great in regular lighting. I like the fact that it overlaps. I often just grab either lens and go. I love my 50mm 1.8 prime and just bought the 85 1.8. Those are great for low light. (Like shooting w/out flash inside your favorite rides!)
Maybe OP should buy the 18-135 now and later, when you can afford it, get the 70-300VR. I wouldn't waste $$ on non VR zoom lens. My friend has one and you need a tripod when zoomed in. The beauty of VR is you don't need one handheld and even when in a moving vehicle. We recently took photos zoomed in (while on a boat) to a lighthouse and his pics were all blurry; mine were fine. I find that a lot of places make kits using the cheap 70-300; don't buy them, wait until you can afford the one w/ VR. Then you can get the 50mm prime, LOL! (It'll be Manual focus only for D40 though...) NAS...You gotta love it!
Good luck!

 

[TinksDH]

All of this is very good advice, and like many of the previous posters, I too have been down the same road as we all started new at some point in time.

When I pulled my first DSLR kit together, it was the D50, the Nikon 50mm f/1.8 for low light, the Nikon 18-70DX, and a Tokina 75-300. I figured I had the whole range covered. This worked great for me when I was very purposeful and was planning my shoots, and I figured I was set for a while... until the first time I went to WDW with this kit. My shooting mode changes in WDW; I can't compose or plan the shots was well as I can when being by myself, so I tend to shoot more in "snapshot" mode and/or "machine gun" mode. I found that I was constantly swapping lenses and it drove me crazy. The 18-70 was never quite long enough, and the 75-300 was no way wide enough. So after that trip I went looking for a mid-range zoom.

I wound up with the Nikon 24-120 VR. On a Nikon DSLR this is like shooting a 36-180 on film, which most people would consider not quite wide enough for a mid-range zoom, but it worked great for me. I would have considered the Nikon 18-200mm, but at the time they had just come out and were going for $1000 on Ebay as it was next to impossible to get one from a dealer in a timely manner.

I used the 24-120 for almost 2 years, and just recently swapped it out for the new Sigma 18-200 HSM OS (similar to Nikon's AFS and VR) for my general purpose walk-around lens. It's not as sharp as either my Sigma 10-20, or my Nikon 70-300 VR, and it has more distortion . But it is a great compromise, and hands-down better than the Nikon 24-120 VR. I got some awesome shots on our recent trip to WDW and on the DCL Disney Magic.

All of this is a long-winded way of suggesting that if you plan on using your camera at WDW, the 18-135 might be the better way to go. Compared to a P&S, $650 for an entry-level DSLR and lens combo may seem like a great deal of $$. But in actuality, that is a pretty darn good price for getting into a hobby that will only cost you thousands upon thousands of $$ in the future. Which is Nikon's plan all along...

Just be aware that this is just the beginning.... sooner or later you'll be looking at things like the 200-400, or the 85 f/1.4, or the D300.... NAS WILL strike!!

 

[emmabelle]

Uggg, just when I think I made a decision I change my mind about the lenses again. I definately want the D40, but I thought I might just buy it with the 18-55mm lens and later buy the 55-200mm lens. I've seen the latter lens alone for under $200 on a few sites. I really want the camera in time for my trip to Florida in ten days. I can just drive over the border into NH and buy the D40 with the 18-55mm lens for $495, tax free, at Circuit City. I'd be so disappointed if I ordered the camera online with the 18-135mm lens and it didn't come in time. I can't find the 18-135 kit in any stores, is it only an online thing? What to do, what to do?

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I'd be so disappointed if I ordered the camera online with the 18-135mm lens and it didn't come in time. I can't find the 18-135 kit in any stores, is it only an online thing? What to do, what to do?

Order online from B&H; they are reputable. No tax. Pay for next day shipping. You will find that the 18-55 is not a long enough lens.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

I'd be so disappointed if I ordered the camera online with the 18-135mm lens and it didn't come in time. I can't find the 18-135 kit in any stores, is it only an online thing? What to do, what to do?

If you bite the bullet, decide within the next couple of hours, you can order, pay for next day shipping and have it before your trip. The 18-135 is a good lens for walk around at the park. On my last DL trip I pimarily used this lens and the 50mm 1.8 prime. If you can swing it, get the 18-135. You will miss the extra focal length if you get the 18-55 only. It's too short. You can make it work, but you'll have to do more walking to get up closer to things you want to take photos of. In a busy parade or fireworks situation, you may not be able to get close enough without the extra zoom.