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So I think I'm getting a DSLR and want some advice

Blue Apple Herps

Blue Apple Herps

aka Matthew, PhD
So, I've decided that my 6 yr old Olympus P&S needs to be replaced and I think I've pretty much decided on the Nikon D40. I want to be able to use it to get better pictures of my snakes of course, but just to also bring on vacations, trips to the zoo, other miscellaneous stuff.

So my question is, would the kit lens that comes with it 18-55mm be OK for this wide variety? Or would I be better off buying the body only, and a separate lens. Those of you that have Nikons, what lenses have you used and what are your thoughts?

Any advice/tips would be very welcome. (Though keep in mind that I'm a poor grad student so $800 lenses aren't an option)
 
Hi, good choice with the Nikon. I got a D90 here ;)

For lens, it's matter of how/what you want to shoot. I think the 18-55mm is Okay, but if you want something better with a longer range go for the Nikkor AF-S 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5. This lens is better and doesn't cost much more (i think).

you can go check this web site for very good and professional lens reviews : http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests
Thom is very respected and has some very extensive review in his Nikon section : http://www.bythom.com/

For awesome portraits there is the awesome Nikkor 50mm f1.8 for only 140$ (it's a steal a this price!) but i think it wont auto-focus with the D40 since it's an older lens. You'll have to check it out.

Personally i have the D90 kit lens (18-105mm) and I find the range very versatile. Also you might want to check for a lens with VR, it really works well ! For snakes you might like a macro lens, but they are rather expensive (+500$), but the shots are awesome.

I hope i could help you a little bit, it can get very confusing choosing a lens, but lens are much more important than the body or the number of pixels.
 
Thanks for the response (and links. I'll definitely be checking them out)! I went ahead and got the D40 with the kit lens. I figured it would be a good starting point for me to start taking pictures and then see what my needs are. I'm thinking I'll want to eventually get a macro lens, but that's definitely down the road. It actually should be here today!
 
I only have 4 words for you: I use the D40 ;)

EDIT: Ok a few extra words... I also use the Sigma 105mm macro lens. Love love love it! But the kit lens has served me well.
 
Oh it totally is. Sure you could dive in and get the latest model, but why when all you want is some pretty pictures of pretty snakes :) I think the D40 with the kit lens will be more than enough for you at the moment, and when you feel you have mastered manual modes on the D40 why not get yourself a nice macro lens then :)
 
Tula_Montage said:
Oh it totally is. Sure you could dive in and get the latest model, but why when all you want is some pretty pictures of pretty snakes :) I think the D40 with the kit lens will be more than enough for you at the moment, and when you feel you have mastered manual modes on the D40 why not get yourself a nice macro lens then :)
Click to expand...

My thoughts exactly. I'll be using it for a lot more than just snakes, which is why I think the kit lens will be plenty for a while until I really get the hang of doing things manually and have a full grasp on getting what I want, when I want it from the camera.
 
RobbiesCornField said:
http://cgi.ebay.com/Nikon-D40-Digit...286.c0.m14&_trkparms=66:2|65:15|39:1|240:1318

Need I say more?

*edit* I'm sure if you poked around a little more on ebay, you could find a nice lens for a good price, too!
Click to expand...

Yeah, I used ebay's cashback thing they have with microsoft to buy one. I made sure I bought one from an authorized Nikon dealer so I knew that I wasn't getting a grey market or "not so new" camera. Pretty sweet deal; you get 25% cashback if you use BIN and pay with paypal.
 
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