Good, compatible lenses?

[Snake Dave]

Hey everyone

I'm getting the Nikon D40X for Christmas this year :D

It comes with a basic 18 - 55mm kit lens, however, depending on how this fares, I may buy a more powerful lens that can perform good close-up macro shots and get high-quality long-range shots. Can anyone recommend a good, compatible lens? It says that my lens fitting is a 'Nikon AFS', does that mean I can only use lenses that have AFS? Because I really like a Sigma lens, but that's for a Nikon AF/AS I think.

Any help would be much appreciated.

Thanks

David

[The Nothing]

Sigma 105mm Macro
or one of the Nikon 100mm Macro

Great for in-your-face macro as well as portrait lenses

I'd really not suggest a telephoto "with macro" They'll kill you for good macro shots. Get a good, dedicated macro lens, and an all-around lens like a 70-300mm to go with the kit lens...

[Joejr14]

Sigma 105mm Macro
or one of the Nikon 100mm Macro

Great for in-your-face macro as well as portrait lenses

I'd really not suggest a telephoto "with macro" They'll kill you for good macro shots. Get a good, dedicated macro lens, and an all-around lens like a 70-300mm to go with the kit lens...


Agreed on all points. I've got the 105mm nikkor micro...it's FANTASTIC. It's also really expensive!

You can pick up the Nikon 70-300 for about $150. It's a pretty good lens and I took some wonderful shots with it last summer on my cruise, but it can be a beast when you're full out at 300. Very touchy as far vibrations and images being out of focus at 300.

I would strongly suggest you not try and purchase something that's a zoom/macro combo. There's really no such thing. Zoom lenses have a completely different focal distance than macros do. I can be 10" away from a hatchling with the 105mm whereas I'd have to be 10 feet away with the 70-300.

I'd suggest trying to test out these lenses before you go and purchase one. When you do, I'd suggest BuyDig.com/Adorama.

[Tula_Montage]

I have the Sigma 105 macro for my Nikon D40 and I adore it... I practically stole it for £180 (they retail at £300+ in the Uk).

Although it is not automatically compatible with the D40 or D40X you will not be disapointed. I now realise that manual focus is the only way to go with macro photography. But why not learn to walk before you can run... The 18-55 is a cracking, lightweight, fun lens! I take it with me everywhere because it is soooo diverse. I have gotten really nice shots, from a distance and close up like this:

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b115/tula-montage/royals/sick2.png

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b115/tula-montage/boas/male7.png


There really is no point whatsoever in you spending hundreds of pounds on a fancy lens when you have not worked out the limitations of the kit lens. I realise that the kit could go far, but not far enough - thus why I purchased the macro.

Heres some shots with the sigma.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b115/tula-montage/boas/boliviandecember.png

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b115/tula-montage/corns/christmas2.png

Just remember, a camera is only as good as the person behind it.

[Denise]

I have the Tamron 90Di macro and love it (check out reviews before you buy).... I prefer a shorter working distance with snake macro photography tho... and have a Sigam 50mm macro too... My friend has the Nikon 60mm macro, (thats why I bought the 50 so we now have 3 lenghts to choose from LOL) and its a fantastic lens if you can stretch to it price wise;-)
I always use AF.... Only because I often missed my shots trying to get focus correct manually... Iv never been disapointed with AF ;-)
Den
Den