Nikon D40 - Next Lens

[James Wilson]

I have a Nikon D40 with the 18-55 lens but now want a new lens that allows me to get closer to the action. I want the next good lens up not the top of the line lens. Which lens would you with experience recommend? Thanks for your advice.

 

[Chris Allington]

I have a Nikon D40 with the 18-55 lens but now want a new lens that allows me to get closer to the action. I want the next good lens up not the top of the line lens. Which lens would you with experience recommend? Thanks for your advice.

If your looking for something that would enable you to get close and still capture all the action... i'd recommend a Sigma 10-20.

 

[Joe beier]

If your talking about a wide angle(closer to the action literally) then chris recommended a good lens. If your talking about closer picture wise(zoom) then a 55-200 would be your next step. Both are fairly inexpensive.

 

[Drew.Gardonia]

James sorry for the thread jack, but since I have the same question, I won't make a new thread.

I have an EOS Canon Digital Rebel XTi and I too was wondering what lens I should go with.

all I have are some kit lenses (EF 75-300mm F/4.5, 28-80mm F/4.5, 50mm (Nifty Fifty), and a screw on fisheye wideangle lens that attaches to my other lenses.

I'm wanting something with a F/2.8 on it.

 

[Kevin Cramer]

If you are considering buying a specific lens, it might be worth borrowing it for a week or so from one of several borrowing companies that are fairly reputable.

I have an EOS Canon Digital Rebel XTi and I too was wondering what lens I should go with.

I'm wanting something with a F/2.8 on it.

I don't know what your price range is, but the Canon EF 70-200 f/2.8L IS USM Lens is amazing (as are all L lenses haha). I realize it is more of a zoom lens, and maybe not the best for storm pictures, but seeing your 75-300 up there makes me think it might be somewhat useful for you (and it fits your F/2.8 requirement)

 

[Patrick Martin]

James - I would second the Sigma 10-20 for a Nikon mount. It'll give you a whole new perspective, the image quality is very good, and I think it'll be your least expensive UWA (ultra wide angle) option for a Nikon mount.

Andrew - If you are talking about going with a UWA, you could go with a Tokina 11-16 which will give a constant 2.8, and it's built like a tank, but you are limited in the focal length. You can also go with the Sigma 10-20 (canon mount) which is a fine lens, although 3.5 is the quickest it'll be, but frankly, if you have the extra $'s, I'd go with a Canon 10-22. Even though it "only" goes to 3.5, the image quality will be better than the Tokina. I'm renting the Canon 10-22 for 2 weeks in June to stick on the front of my XSi.

 

[James Wilson]

I'm thinking this one

Or even this one

 

[Hank Baker]

I would not do either one of those lenses. They would be the worst choice you could make, We are a sigma dealer, they make great lenses, just not that one, and the Nikon lens you posted was the worst lens they make.
I would recommend a Tamron 70-300.with a 1:2 Macro, we have them for 149.00 refurb or 199.00 new in box. Dont confuse the Tamron 70-300 with the Tamron 75-300mm two different animals.

Also, neither of the lenses you chose will work on your camera, they do not have a motor. You have to get a lens with a motor to work on the D40.

 

[Tyler Burg]

I have a Nikon D40 as well...the Sigma 10-20mm for nikon mount is an EXCELLENT lens.

If you want a zoom I'd suggest the Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G ED-IF AF-S VR a little expensive (not really $600) but worth it. PM me if you want example images at 300mm. I've barrowed this lens from a friend multiple times and its my next purchase. Good luck.

 

[Wes Carter]

For the money it's hard to beat the Nikon 55-200 VR lens. It's less than $200, and the Vibration Reduction is a lifesaver in low light conditions. It will make your photos much sharper at slow shutter speeds when camera shake is the killer. What it won't do is help freeze fast action, you need a wide aperture for that.

It seems the biggest negatives are slow focusing and plastic body.

Here are some links to reviews of this lens:
Ken Rockwell
DP Review
Matt Ballard
Thom Hogan

 

[Jim Saueressig]

Personally though I am using Pentax these lenses are available to all cameras.

I think all collections need a kit lens range 18-55 and the following

Sigma 10-20mm or equivalent
something 70-300 or if you can afford it toss the kit and get the 18-250
a very fast 50mm like F 1.4

I have:
Pentax Kit 18-55
Tamron 70-300 (basically replaced by the 50-500)
Sigma 10-20mm
Pentax 50mm F:1.4
Sigma Bigma 50-500mm