Finally bit the bullet and am now the proud owner of a Nikon D40. Decided that I wanted to take the plunge away from my bridge camera (Fuji S5600) and enter the world of DSLR.
I bought the kit package, so D40 plus 18-55 kit lens.
What I would like to purchase next would be a really good macro lens, wide angle lens and also a telescopic lens?, not sure what the technical jargon is? Zoom or Telescopic?
Would appreciate some advice on the future additional purchases that would be very beneficial.
My current photos can be found here www.flickr.com/photos/martinturner just to give you an idea.
On a side note, I managed to get it for £269 which I am very happy with. I found a 10% off Jessops code. Ordered it online to be collected in store - it registered the discount when I was online, then when I went to pay and collect they said there was no discount codes (not what your website said!). Had a little moan and they gave it to me, talk about if you dont ask you dont get!
Thanks all
An 18-55mm lens is a zoom, a 300mm is a telescopic, 200-1400mm is a zoom but is also a telescopic. Zoom means it covers a range of focal lengths, telescopic means it has a longer focal length than a normal one.
Next, according to theory, should be a 55-200mm zoom, which will give you an adequate zoom capability. You might want to stretch that to a 55-300mm to give a bit extra length though.
Another option that you should get is an X2 lens. Cheaper than a telephoto it will double the focal length of any lens you attach to it, thus your standard 18-55mm would become a 36-110mm but you would go down an f-stop too.
The X2 with a 55-300mm zoom would give you most of what you want for wildlife and photographing planes and such.
For most I would advise against going wide angle unless you really need it. Usually you can step back and it saves you some dosh not having one. This would be different for a professional who would consider it an investment and for a specific purpose.
For macro see what your camera is capable of with the present lens, you might be pleasantly surprised. IF not get a cheap lens and try going reverse ;)
Oh and you dont get if you dont ask. Its worth being grumpy about it too :twisted:
Thanks Serious, much appreciated.
A mate of mine gave me the following advice, thought Id share.
Macro - Sigma 105mm, Sigma 150m, Tamron 90mm, Nikon 105mm
All are proven to be good lenses and sharp (the Nikon is probably sharpest but also rather more expensive). I would say choose whichever is within your budget, but be aware that the extra length on the Sigma 150mm is very useful if you plan on bug-hunting.
Telephoto zoom - Nikon 55-200VR, Nikon 70-300VR, Sigma 70-300 APO DG
The Nikons are superior lenses by far, but if youre on a tight budget then the sigma isnt as bad as its meagre price-tag would suggest! If youre planning wildlife/bird/sports phtography then youll almost certainly need 300mm rather than 200. The VR is very useful in situations with poor light as it allows you to use a slower shutter speed than normal (1 or 2 stops difference).
Wide-angle - Sigma 10-20, Sigma 12-24, Nikon 12-24
Buy the 10-20! Not the sharpest lens in the world, but incredibly wide and a hell of a lot of fun to use. If youre feeling loaded then look at the other 2.
your mate has given you some good advice. Especially about the length of the macro. I use a Tamron 90mm with a 2x converter to give me 180mm F5. This allows me to fill the frame with a butterfly from around a meter away. Absolutely invaluable. Also worth noting is that while the camera brand Macros are technically better, you seriously wont be able to tell at any sensible magnification. Macro lenses as a breed are unbelievably sharp, a bad one is almost unheard of, so save your pennies and buy the Sigma 105 HSM.
Dont forget though, your D40 cannot autofocus lenses which dont have Silent Wave motors. This means it can only auto focus Nikon AF-S lenses and Sigma HSM lenses.
No Tamron or Tokina lens has Silent wave or an equivalent at this time.
I presume with these lenses on a D40 you can still focus manually and use the lens that way, but its something to keep in mind when picking lenses.
PS also Serious made a slight error above, you go down 2 F stops with a 2x converter, not one. Double the focal length, double the F number, so a usable 70-300 F4.5-5.6 zoom becomes a 140-600 F9-11 monster. Not unusable, but dark and hard to focus. Also no AF system on the market will work at that aperture.
X2 converters are for good lighting. My mistake on the f-stop though ;)
As to AF systems working, it depends on the natural light available, my brothers canon 350d does work at that sort of setting, although I was very surprised that it did.
Thanks for your assistance chaps! ;)
Quote from: SeriousAs to AF systems working, it depends on the natural light available, my brothers canon 350d does work at that sort of setting, although I was very surprised that it did.
was the lens set at F9+ or was the (effective) lens max aperture F9+
as if its set at F9 it will meter open then step down to the stop to take the shot
85mm lens metering aperture f/9 = O (50mm aperture)
85mm lens shot at f9 = ° (19mm aperture)
Here is a great site to have a read of.
http://kenrockwell.com/tech.htm
The D40 is a great camera, my other 1/2 has the D40x which is pretty much the same other than its 10MP.
As for lenses then Id go for the sigma 105mm macro and a 55-200mm.
Ive got the 70-300mm nikor which is a great lens for the money (got it for 75quid new off ebay).
Great photos btw, composition is spot on.
Cheers Cornet.
I have found a 70-200 Nikkor on the bay for £120, its the AFS VR one ... think the supplier is in the states although item location is supposed to be Nottingham in the UK. Am a bit dubious as this lens is twice this price everywhere else.
The link is below, would someone mind having a look and seeing if it sounds okay (they have loads, so do buy one if I have spotted some remarkable bargain!?!). They have arguable feedback, like 20 negatives in a month, although over 3000 positives, bit hard to decide? Would you buy it? If I cannot have this then its a case of getting a 70-300 Sigma.
Or have I got it wrong and this lens is not much more brand new from a shop?
Cheers
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-NIKON-55-200mm-VR-AFS-DX-ZOOM-NIKKOR-LENS-55-200-mm_W0QQitemZ180179884971QQihZ008QQcategoryZ30070QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem
24negs... 10,000 positives... id go for it
Quote from: M3ta7h3ad24negs... 10,000 positives... id go for it
Thats just the last month, serious powerseller. It does seem ridiculously cheap though? Or do you think that is a fair price? It is supposedly brand new, although the item I believe is the same as Jessops is over twice the price? Any thoughts on that?
Im considering investing in a DSLR as Ive always had a compact camera so this is all new to me. Ive actually considered the Nikon D60 but being I take it from all the positive comments a D40 would probably be enough? I travel quite a bit and Im annoyed at the poor night shots from my Sony N1 on my recent travels. The photos I took at the Aquarium were really bad too.
Im going to Canada and New York soon so Im looking at getting something soon. I have relatives in the US so Im wondering if itd be worth getting over there instead, they could purchase it for me beforehand so I have it ready to use when Im there.
Ive got a DSLR which is great for photography stuff and going out with the intention to photograph stuff. But I am now wishing/looking for a durable compact camera for travelling and work. If I were to go hiking around Europe or similar Im fairly sure I wouldnt take my SLR, but would take a compact. Not because of the expense if it were to get broken or stolen, but the fact that its so much easier to just have a compact, mini tripod and batteries and cards in a small bag, than to have an slr (that without the lens is likely bigger than the compact cameras bag!) a couple of lenses, more rugged tripod due to the size/weight, filters, batteries etc. Add to the fact that if I were to go out at night, something to slip in my pocket is ace, compared to something requiring bags.
Im not trying to put you off a DSLR (though I guess it sounds it) but if you travel a lot, it comes down to prefer travelling and taking a few shots of places you go and things you see, or travelling with the intention of photography, as thats the only time Id take my SLR out, its too much of a hinderance otherwise!
Quote from: FuMaNIm going to Canada and New York soon so Im looking at getting something soon. I have relatives in the US so Im wondering if itd be worth getting over there instead, they could purchase it for me beforehand so I have it ready to use when Im there.
Word of warning if you do, you camera would be classed as a grey import, it would have a US warranty and youd be in the UK so Nikon/Cannon/Whoevers UK branch might not actually honour the warranty. But if something was to happen you could be able to send it back to your relatives and get them to send it to get repaired.
That being said go for it if you can, with the current exchange rate youd be stupid not to get something when your over there. Quick check on
Amazon.com and they have the Nikon D60 with 18-55 VR Kit Lens for $649.95, which works out at about £330,
Amazon.co.uk have it for £419.99.
As for which one to go for, from what I understand they are both very similar but the D60 comes with the Vibration Reduction version of the 18-55mm lens, which is a big help.
And travellings fairly easy with a DSLR as long as you get a decent bag, and remember that you dont have to take every lens youve got, I went to Madeira last year with my D50 with a 18-200mm VR and 50mm F1.8 Lens along with spare batteries, filters cleaning stuff and a mini tripod in a Crumpler Pretty Boy. Had enough space for my MP3 player, a book, few other odds nsods too and it was never any bother.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nikon-D40-Digital-SLR-Camera/dp/B000KIX65S/ref=pd_ts_ce_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics
from hot uk deals...
erm, I imported mine & was given some 3rd party international warranty - not had anyproblems...
also, dont forget sales tax in some american states.
if you can still find one anywhere, the Pentax K10D has been going for silly cheap prices since the K20D came out.
Some serious camera for the money, and the body has built in shake reduction so all lenses benefit from it regardless of how old they are.
Im not sure whether to opt for an D40 or a D60. What are the main differences between them?
As for carrying a bag around, when Im travelling I always have a bag with my iPod, book etc... in so size isnt an issue.
Quote from: FuMaNIm not sure whether to opt for an D40 or a D60. What are the main differences between them?
As for carrying a bag around, when Im travelling I always have a bag with my iPod, book etc... in so size isnt an issue.
D40
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40/ D60
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond60/You might also consider the D40X, produced just 4 months after the D40 it has 10 megapixels rather than the 6 of the D40.
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/nikond40x/page27.aspCompared side by side...
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=nikon_d40%2Cnikon_d40x%2Cnikon_d60&show=all
If you have money for a D60, then a better choice would be to get a D80. Much more camera for your money. D60 is more expensive as its a newer model and the improvements are not noticable for the price increase.
I would go and get a D40 and have a little space for an additional lens. The moment you buy a DSLR you quickly land up wanting to buy some lens.
Either go D40 and get a 70-200 VR AF-S blah blah (can get the lens for about £120) and a D40 for £220 (give or take £5).
Or, go D80.
Main reason to go for a D80 would be that it has a motor inside the camera to drive any lens that are attached. The D40/x/D60 you have to rely on lens with motors inside (this is not as big an issue as many point out). Every lens on my want list actually has a motor in it already. The only one that I have to manually focus with is a 50mm prime, although its not actually to much of a problem. You can always get a 30mm prime. Like with anything, there are pros and cons.
I love my D40 and to be honest, will keep me going for many years. As budget is tight, I much prefer to spend more on the lens than the camera, as if you upgrade you will keep you lens where the camera becomes void.
:D
Quote from: mrtand get a 70-200 VR AF-S blah blah (can get the lens for about £120)
Might want to change that the 70-200 Vr is £1000+ unless you know somewhere that can get them for £120 in case tell me quick.
Im guessing he means the 55-200
http://www.bristolcameras.co.uk/p-nikon-55-200mm-vr-lens.htm
havent seen it as cheap as £120, but Im not ruling anything out (I dont tend to watch Nikon lens prices that closely).
N and C have started producing their cheapo lenses with stabilisation in the last few months to try and counter Sony and Pentaxs in body shake reduction. For me it doesnt quite cut the mustard, I like having SR capability with my 30 year old Carl Zeiss 35mm ;)
Ive pondered today and might consider one of the Canon EOS cameras. I really cant decide. I know Ill need at least 2 different lenses for my holidays as Im going to Niagara Falls and New York City and possibly a decent flash for some night pics.
Ill probably end up getting here as I go away in 5 weeks and would like some time to get use to it.
Quote from: mrtThe Nikons are superior lenses by far, but if youre on a tight budget then the sigma isnt as bad as its meagre price-tag would suggest!
Ill qualify that - Sigma lenses are actually on a par with Nikon. The reason theyre cheaper is because their quality control is less stringent. :)
Oh and dont fall for that megapixels crap - most of it is marketing hype. Most mid-range and budget cameras take an image then upsample (enlarge) it by multiplying the pixels manyfold. You may think youre getting 10MP but in fact youre only getting 2.5 (x4).
Oops my bad! I did mean 55-200. You can get them as cheap as £120 if you shop around. A mate of mine just got one from Amazon as they had a deal on (just check and they are at £135, so have gone back up - recall ebay having a shop with some for the £120 mark).
Personally, if you bought a D40 (or D40x) and picked up at 10-20 Sigma Wide angle you would be an very very happy bunny! Do a search for 10-20 on Flickr and it will give you an idea of how much fun you can have. The 10-20 can be picked up for £250 from onestopdigital what with a D40 for ~£220, so under £500 for a nice little bundle. I own a zoom lens too, but to be honest, very rarely use it. Depends on what you are taking photos of, but I think for travelling/holidays the wide angle is a much better investment.
Quote from: EagleOh and dont fall for that megapixels crap - most of it is marketing hype. Most mid-range and budget cameras take an image then upsample (enlarge) it by multiplying the pixels manyfold. You may think youre getting 10MP but in fact youre only getting 2.5 (x4).
I agree with the first part, but no camera made by a reputable brand has ever upsampled in that way. The cheap and crappy ones used to, but even they seem to have stopped doing it for the most part.
The reason why 10mp in a compact is no better than 6 is because the lenses cant provide the resolution. In an SLR the lenses are better quality and the sensor is larger, so 10MP and even more is well worth it (although not necessarily a killer feature). I have 2 or 3 pro class lenses which easily out resolve the 10MP sensor in my K10D for example.
Quote from: FuMaNIve pondered today and might consider one of the Canon EOS cameras. I really cant decide. I know Ill need at least 2 different lenses for my holidays as Im going to Niagara Falls and New York City and possibly a decent flash for some night pics.
Ill probably end up getting here as I go away in 5 weeks and would like some time to get use to it.
If youre thinking about an SLR, dont be conned into thinking Canon are the only ones who make one. Dont get me wrong, the Canon EOS system is excelent, but so are the cameras made by Nikon, Pentax, Olympus and Sony.
The best piece of advice I think can be given to someone starting out in SLR photography and trying to choose a system is to get down to Jessops and handle each camera. The one which feels right in your hands is the one you should buy.