[chrisE92]

Well yeah.. just bought it off my friend for $150. The catch is... his 18-55mm lens is broken. He told me to just get it repaired, but the waiting time is about 4-8 weeks and I've been told that I might as well just get a new lens.

I was going to pick up a 50mm/f1.8 lens sometime this week, but just learned that with the d40, it won't autofocus and I'll have to do it manually. This isn't that big of a problem, but it doesn't seem very practical.. especially if I'm not carrying around extra lenses.

So where should I go from here? Get another 18-55mm one (maybe the VR version) ? Upgrade to another lens (I'm thinking 18-135, but I don't know if I'm ready to throw down that much money) ? Or should I just get mine repaired? I'm looking for a pretty good all-around lens for daily use, I guess.

And is there a problem with buying used lenses?


Thanks in advance

[BillLee]

how much is the repair? is it free?

[chrisE92]

Originally Posted by BillLee

how much is the repair? is it free?

I haven't received an official quote yet, but the person I spoke to told me that it would cost at least $45 for some sort of charge, and then extra for the actual repair. The really big turn-off is that I have to wait too long, and I need my camera working.. especially during the holiday season.

[chrisE92]

how's this one? compatible with my d40, yes? At first I thought it was the kit lens I received.. but upon closer inspection, I've realized that this lens is actually longer.. and the name has "ED", whereas my kit lens is "ED II"

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-18-55mm-...8709266&sr=1-3

[Subw00er]

If I were to have one lens, it would be the 18-200VR. Pricey, but possibly the only lens you'll ever need. Its great.

[Carrera RSR]

Originally Posted by Subw00er

If I were to have one lens, it would be the 18-200VR. Pricey, but possibly the only lens you'll ever need. Its great.

Agreed on that

I have 18 - 55 non VR and the 55 - 200 VR. Good lenses for the money individually but may as well add the cost of two plus a little bit and go for the 18 - 200mm VR.

[Subw00er]

Yes, I have the 18-55VR also and used to have the 18-135. I just found that switching lenses and carrying them around, although it has a big cool factor, is just a pita and then you get dirt inside.. it has 0-wife to take picture factor. Its just easier with one lens and the lens is GREAT. Also, the 135 didnt have enough range for normal shooting. 200mm is just about right. The pics it takes are amazing. The only place it fails is in low light indoors. For this I bought a 50mm fixed lens and it doesnt require a flash, so its good for babies, etc. I dont really need this lens though, just the 18-200Vr. VR btw is worth the money.

One other thing about lenses with large/long barrels- you need to use an external flash because the barrel blocks the on-board flash. You need to use a flash anyway when shooting. the pictures come out so nice using TTL. I recommend getting this stuff for the perfect d40 or d40x setup:

d40/x body
18-200VR
SB-600 flash

BTW, I use the larger sb-800 ones, but unless you are taking pics with remote flashes, its not worth the extra money - I think the 600 has about the same flash power.

[Teshi]

First of all, in order to recommend lenses, what do you plan to shoot. No point of recommending a telephoto if you plan to shoot landscapes.

The 18-200 VR is a real popular lens but there are more formidable weapons out there if your wallet is large enough.

[UdubBadger]

id probably do something like this where it'd be a nice all around lens to start off with.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-18-135mm...8928533&sr=8-2

[Subw00er]

Originally Posted by UdubBadger

id probably do something like this where it'd be a nice all around lens to start off with.

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-18-135mm...8928533&sr=8-2

This is the lens I had. The 18-200 is far superior. The 18-135 isnt bad, and its half the cost of the 18-200, but it just didnt have the range. It would seem that 135 would be enough, but I always found myself wanting just a bit more to get in closer - even indoors.

[Incompatible]

Originally Posted by Subw00er

If I were to have one lens, it would be the 18-200VR. Pricey, but possibly the only lens you'll ever need. Its great.

X 100. I have this lens and use it extensively for work, indoor and outdoor scene documentation. I am very happy with the quality of the optics and as a one lens does it all package. The VR function is very helpful, particularly when you don't want a flash in reduced light situations. I consider not having to carry around multiple lenses a plus and I don't have to worry about dust getting inside the camera/lens (major plus).

On the downside, it is a slightly larger/heavier then a lot of standard lenses (minor negative). Also, when shooting at significant downward angles, you have to hold the lens barrel to prevent creep (minor/major negative).

The lens is pricey and can be beat by specific application lenses, but for my use it was the best way to go.

[asdflkijd]

I think you can get the attachment ring that allows you to use the autofocus feature on the camera/ lens.

[chrisE92]

Originally Posted by asdflkijd

I think you can get the attachment ring that allows you to use the autofocus feature on the camera/ lens.

really? I will look into this.


thanks for the advice guys. I actually settled with another 18-55mm, but this time with VR, since my uncle will be buying it for me as a christmas present. The 18-200 sounds amazing.. hope to upgrade to that one day

[UdubBadger]

Originally Posted by Subw00er

This is the lens I had. The 18-200 is far superior. The 18-135 isnt bad, and its half the cost of the 18-200, but it just didnt have the range. It would seem that 135 would be enough, but I always found myself wanting just a bit more to get in closer - even indoors.

use your feet

[LaYzEe]

Originally Posted by Subw00er

If I were to have one lens, it would be the 18-200VR. Pricey, but possibly the only lens you'll ever need. Its great.

+ 1000

still looking for a used d40 or d70. i found a used d70 body only for $225 obo but the guy hasnt responded back to me yet

[LaYzEe]

Didnt wanna start another thread so i'll just continue this. Im about this close on buying my new camera gear:

Nikon D40
18-200mm VR
Nikon SB-400 AF
Opteka Battery Pack Grip
4 GB SDHC

It was either the D40, D70 or D80 but im not rich so it was always pointing to the D40, used or new. lol

The 18-200mm VR will be the ONLY lens i'll ever need imho. It has a motor thats not in the d40 (Another reason why the D40 is good enough) Pricey but hey, it's all there

Decided to get the SB-400 and not the 600 becuase the 400 has the bounce effect that im looking for. Also my uncle has the SB-600 so i can always borrow from him

Some might say that getting a grip for the d40 defeats the purpose of the small d40. But the thing is the 18-200VR is heavy so itll make the camera feel front heavy, so having this grip will keep the center of gravity better and not strain my pinky when holding the camera for a long period of time.

Adorama and Amazon are the 2 websites that have decent prices for these. If anyone knows any special deals or cheaper websites, please share! thanks!

[Incompatible]

Originally Posted by LaYzEe

Some might say that getting a grip for the d40 defeats the purpose of the small d40. But the thing is the 18-200VR is heavy so itll make the camera feel front heavy, so having this grip will keep the center of gravity better and not strain my pinky when holding the camera for a long period of time.

I've gotten into the habit of holding the camera by the lens (left hand) when I shoot. Balance is good and I can easily/quickly zoom if desired.

[Subw00er]

Originally Posted by LaYzEe

Didnt wanna start another thread so i'll just continue this. Im about this close on buying my new camera gear:

Nikon D40
18-200mm VR
Nikon SB-400 AF
Opteka Battery Pack Grip
4 GB SDHC

You are off to a perfect start. Just some thoughts..

-Why not the d40x?
-18-200vr is great, you're right; it is a do it all lens, except in low light sans flash. Note that the on-camera flash is not compatible with the lens - you'll get a darker halo at the bottom of your picture where the body of the lens has blocked the flash path.
-I owned the sb400 and returned it for the sb800. It is a EXCELLENT little flash, but only useful for medium to small sized rooms indoors. It will not help you outdoors, and at something like a wedding, it will be near useless. If you still want to get it, there is a great little trick to diffuse the flash and it works great. Get a white film canister (the ones that are not totally opaque) and then cut the flat end off, and then cut a slice down the length. You'll have a great little "C"-shaped extrusion that clamps itself over the flash head. It really does work great. Since you do have access to a sb600, that should do the trick. The sb800 is not stronger than the 600, and only lacks multiflash capability. IMO the sb600 worth the $100 more over the 400.
-You really wont need the grip. Even with the 18-200vr the weighting is not bad at all - quite balanced. I'd recommend putting the money into a 8gb SDHC (kingston) card or the larger flash. Buy only one extra nikon battery. The batteries last FOREVER in these cameras. I can shoot a thousand pictures on one battery. Honestly, even buying a second battery is overkill - they're that good.
-If you dont mind a slightly smaller SD card, take a serious look at the EYE-Fi cards. The wifi thing on there is awesome. I just get back after shooting, turn my camera on, and a little while later my pictures have been sent to a pre-set directory on my hard drive. Its really slick. I think they make 4gb ones now, although I'm not sure. Do a google search for their website.

Good luck, you're going to love it! The pics it takes makes you look like a pro. Try starting out on aperture mode. I think it takes nicer pics than AUTO and its not hard to learn.

[LaYzEe]

So after using my uncles D80 the whole night last night, i was thinking...shoot, the grip feels nice, the buttons are easy to use and the one big difference that i saw that wasnt on the d40..the TOP LCD. why dont i find a used D80 instead? i know the d40/x uses the rear LCD to change settings etc but that top lcd was pretty cool for me. there are other small features of the D80 thats not found in the d40 but i wont get into detail.

i mean seriously, finding a d40/x body new or used is hard to find (for me) its usually packaged with the 18-55 and or 55-200 lens which i wont use. a used d40 bundle is around $370-400, a new one is around $420.

a d80 body only,used, i see around $450-500 on craigslist. so its really whatever good deal i find first =P

[Sniz]

another vote for the 18-200vr....great all around lens and it even forced canon to bring a copy to market.

2 pics w/ that lens to show its versatility.

wide




zoom