New to DSLR - help with purchasing my second lens (Nikon)

[ottawa-newbie]

Hi everyone!
I am new to the DSLR world, and recently brought my Nikon D40 and kit lens on a trip to Peru - I loved using it, but was limited by my lack of SLR/photography experience, and my animal photography was limited due to the insufficient zoom on the kit lens. I'm willing to go out and learn / practice - can someone recommend a reasonable second lens for me? I hope to take this lens on our next Disney trip (October)

Thanks for your advice!

 

[ssanders79]

If you are on a budget and you want to improve your animal shots with out moving in closer I would suggest the Nikon AF-S 55-200mm VR DX. I recently picked this lens up at Circuit City's going out of business sale for $150 and have been really happy with the performance. I would suggest spending the extra for the VR.

I would also suggest the 50mm prime. These are a lot of fun and can yeild some excellent low light photographs on the dark/indoor rides at WDW.

Finally, if you have not already done so... read the manual. It is full of wonderful information for new SLR users.

 

[ottawa-newbie]

Thanks, that was quick

I've read the manual, but it's about as dry as my old organic chemistry textbook, therefore the information within seems to have seeped out of my brain...

Alas, I think I'll be paying a bit more than you did for that lens...

 

[ssanders79]

I read throught this http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/d40/users-guide/index.htm when I first got my D40. I also went and check out photography books from the library. It does not matter if they are old 35mm SLR book as the principles still apply to digital photography.

 

[DisneySuiteFreak]

Hi everyone!
I am new to the DSLR world, and recently brought my Nikon D40 and kit lens on a trip to Peru - I loved using it, but was limited by my lack of SLR/photography experience, and my animal photography was limited due to the insufficient zoom on the kit lens. I'm willing to go out and learn / practice - can someone recommend a reasonable second lens for me? I hope to take this lens on our next Disney trip (October)

Thanks for your advice!

Get the 70-300VR zoom lens. You won't miss the difference between 55mm-70mm. You can walk to bridge that distance. You will miss the long end of a zoom if photographing animals at a distance.

 

[Evad]

Here is another vote for 70 - 300mm vr. This is the lens that I am looking to add to my kit as well. Have heard many good things about it.

 

[El Nebuloso]

Another vote for the 70-300 here. It has a long reach, is reasonably priced and has VR.

 

[Gdad]

+1 for the 70-300vr