Looks Like D40 Will Be my Choice, Lens Options

[fan1080]

I think I'm going to go with the D40. Now I need some help with lens options.

The kit comes with a 18-55mm AF-S DX, or a 18-135mm AF-S DX.

I was thinking of going with the 18-55mm and purchasing at least one more lens, maybe two. I was thinking about getting the 50-200mm AF-S VR and maybe the 70-300 AF. I'm not really sure I need the 70-300, and it's not auto-focusing compatible with the D40. Should I omit this one? How about the 50-200mm VR, is that a good complement to the 18-55?

 

[YEKCIM]

I have the D50, and the lenses listed below in my sig. If I had to do it all over again, I would not change a thing. I'm particularly pleased with the 18-135 and 70-300VR. Both are sharp lenses, and the 70-300 has VR, which is a bonus. I would pick the 18-135 in a hearbeat over the 18-55, simply b/c it goes to 135 instead of 55. It will be my primary (walkaround) WDW lens and believe it will cover probably 70% of my needs.

Your choices may vary from mine, though, based on your personal photography style. I tend to shoot at the long end quite a bit, so having the 135mm reach is very useful to me, and of course I have the 70-300VR for those times (AK, for example) when the 18-135 may not be long enough.

Out of curiosity, what is the price difference between the kits with the two different lenses?

Here, btw, is a shot made with the 18-135:

And, one with the 70-300VR:

Hope that helps.

~YEKCIM

 

[fan1080]

Wow, those are fantastic shots.

The more I read about photography the more excited I'm getting to make this purchase and start this hobbie.

The kit prices are as follows (Nikon Dealer here in Nova Scotia):

D40 with the 18-55: $739.99 CAD
D40 with the 18-135mm: $969.99 CAD

However, there are a number of kits available through ebay that have a number of "extras". The prices I noted above do not include extra memory, filters, extra lenses, caes, tripods, card readers etc.

I'm now looking at a kit from ebay ($697USD) that includes the following:

D40
18-55 lens AF-S
70-300 Lens AF
Wide Angle Converter
Filter Kit
2GB Card
Card Reader
Card Pouch
Tripod
Tripod Small
Hard Case
Soft Case
Cleaning Kit
Screen Protectors

That's why I was asking about the 70-300 AF and the 55-200 AF-S VR. I can purchase the 55-200mm AF-S VR for $250USD with this kit and still be around the same as the 18-135 package price I noted above.

After converting from USD to CAD, the ebay kit and extra lens (55-200 AF-S VR) would come to about $1022, not much more than the kit I can purchase from a local dealer here in Nova Scotia that doesn't include all the extras in the ebay kit.

 

[ukcatfan]

Based on your previous posts, it seems like you are comfortable doing some manual focus. If so, then you should throw in the 50mm f1.8 for low light needs.

Kevin

 

[fan1080]

Based on your previous posts, it seems like you are comfortable doing some manual focus. If so, then you should throw in the 50mm f1.8 for low light needs.

Kevin

Yeah, the only manual focus I would have to do with these lenses would be with the 70-300mm AF. I may consider just selling it on ebay if I purchase this kit and put it towards one that would AF for that range. Not really sure I need that range though.

I've already considered the 50mm 1.8. I suspect I'll pick that up before our trip (we aren't going until next Feb). I should have alot of time to play with this setup and try things out.

 

[ukcatfan]

However, there are a number of kits available through ebay that have a number of "extras". The prices I noted above do not include extra memory, filters, extra lenses, caes, tripods, card readers etc.

I'm now looking at a kit from ebay ($697USD) that includes the following:

D40
18-55 lens AF-S
70-300 Lens AF
Wide Angle Converter
Filter Kit
2GB Card
Card Reader
Card Pouch
Tripod
Tripod Small
Hard Case
Soft Case
Cleaning Kit
Screen Protectors

I believe it was already mentioned on another thread, but watch out for anything that looks too good. It seems like for every one honest camera shop on the web there are ten crooks looking to steal your money. Be sure to check their Ebay rating as well as their rating on http://www.resellerratings.com/.

I am not a Nikon user, but I have heard that the build quality is a little better on the 18-135mm compared to the 18-55mm. I believe both still have plastic mounts though. Optically, the reviews I have seen place the resolution results about even through the comparable ranges. I think I remember something about the 18-135 having better contrast.

Kevin

 

[fan1080]

Thanks, Kevin. I'll be certain to check out any sellers thoroughly.

What about the 50-200 AF-S VR. Does anyone have it, or read any reviews about it?

 

[YEKCIM]

You can probably find what you are looking here:

http://www.pbase.com/cameras/nikon/af_s_dx_vr_zoom_nikkor_55_200_4_56g_if_ed

or here:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/forum.asp?forum=1030&page=1

You may want to do a google search for "55-200VR review" and see what you can find.

Also, fwiw, I'd personally be very hesitant about ordering some sort of "bundle" from an eBay seller. The list of accessories does not seem to include very many quality items, outside the camera and kit lens. Any idea of which 70-300mm lens is included in the bundle? The Nikon 70-300G (non VR) is cheap and does not perform very well, from all I've seen. The Sigma 70-300APO is a bit more money, but is a sharper lens and has macro capability. That said, I'd rather have the 70-300VR or, from what I've seen, the 55-200VR, than either of them.

I would think that the D40/18-135 + 55-200VR (or 70-300VR if you can swing it) would be a good combination and would cover a lot of bases. Also, I believe there are some factory refurb D50's still available at Adorama and B&H, if you are interested.

~YEKCIM

 

[fan1080]

Yeah, the 70-300 is the non VR. I was concerned about the quality based on the prices I've seen it listed for, usually around $200CAD.

The 70-300 VR would be really nice, but it's a little pricey and I'm not really sure I need a 70-300 just yet.

Thanks for the links, I'll check them out.

 

[KrazyPete]

Yeah, the 70-300 is the non VR. I was concerned about the quality based on the prices I've seen it listed for, usually around $200CAD.

The 70-300 VR would be really nice, but it's a little pricey and I'm not really sure I need a 70-300 just yet.

Thanks for the links, I'll check them out.

I have the 70-300mm (no vr). I almost never use it. I love my 18-135mm though.

I guess I just don't shoot many subjects that require me to go past 135mm. I bought the 70-300mm to shoot my daughter's cheerleading competitions. It's just too slow for that light. Outside in daylight it's probably great but I've already made up my mind to replace it with a faster VR lens.

 

[fan1080]

I have the 70-300mm (no vr). I almost never use it. I love my 18-135mm though.

I guess I just don't shoot many subjects that require me to go past 135mm. I bought the 70-300mm to shoot my daughter's cheerleading competitions. It's just too slow for that light. Outside in daylight it's probably great but I've already made up my mind to replace it with a faster VR lens.

Thanks for the input about the non VR 70-300.

Looks like the best lens options for my intial purchase will be the 50 F1.8, 18-135 AF-S and the 50-200 AF-S VR. Then I can assess whether or not a 70-300 VR is something I'll need (want ).

Thanks for all the great comments folks. I'm really looking forward to this purchase and hobbie.

 

[handicap18]

I've heard good things about the 55-200mm VR. There was a review in one of the UK mags recently and it was very favorable.

The 70-300mm AF lens is a very good lens. However it is AF not AF-S. For the camera your going with I would go with the 70-300mm VR or the 50-200mm VR.

I too have the 18-135mm and really like it. I like the extra reach and it is very sharp. Its on my D50 about 75% of the time. The 18-55mm is a very good lens and takes great photos, but I don't like its limiting range. I started out with the 18-70. Used that for over a year before changing to the 18-135mm. That extra reach can make a difference and keep the lenses changing down.

 

[fan1080]

I decided to go with the kit from ebay.

D40
18-55 lens AF-S
70-300 Lens AF (swapped out for a 50, 1.8)
Wide Angle Converter
Filter Kit
2GB Card
Card Reader
Card Pouch
Tripod
Tripod Small
Hard Case
Soft Case
Cleaning Kit
Screen Protectors

A seller contacted me and had a few offers (of course).

1. Warranty: had to purchase an international warranty/maintenance contract otherwise I wouldn't have any coverage here in Canada. It covers 5 free cleanings and 6 year warranty in Canada and is transferable. Expensive, but it was a necessity, $300.

2. Extra Battery. He wanted $40 for it, I talked him into giving it to me for free if I purchased the international warranty.

3. Swapped out the 70-300 for a 50 1.8, no additional cost. I didn't have a need for the 70-300 anyway, and it wasn't auto focus "compatible" with the D40. At first he wanted $20 for the swap, a little convincing and he gave it to me for a straight swap.

4. Got him to reduce the invoice amount by 75%, that way I pay less tax when I receive it (saves about $70 tax).

I think I still got a really good deal compared to what I would have payed here in Canada for the complete kit.

The only thing I forgot to mention to the sales person was a remote control. I may call them back and see if they can throw that in as well. I also purchased a 50-200mm AF-S VR from another ebay seller.

They can't get here fast enough.