lenses - what else?

[jk]

I currently have a Nikon D40x and a 18-135 lens. I am wondering what other lenses would be nice additions to the mix. I like macro, wildlife and landscape shots. I would love to say money is no object, but alas it is. I am strickly a hobby photographer but every now and then I actually get a "keeper". I have noticed that this lens tends to produce some darker shots when to light is lower, although that could be operator induced. I am after all a rookie but take my camera with me almost everywhere. I am trying to read everything I can, but only so much can sink in! I don't know how post any shots on the forum, but read it almost everyday and get inspiriation from the wonderful shots. Thanks in advance!![/img]

[Southern Wolf]

Since you like macro... I would suggest a 105 macro. Both Sigma and Tamron makes a good one... however I dont know which model with work with the 40 since the autofoucs motor HAS to be in the lens.

[Bonish Photo]

Since it's just a hobby, I dont know if I'd spend the money right now on anything that will pigeon hole you in one category. If you were to spend the money on a 105macro, a fine lens indeed, then that lens is somewhat useless for many other things you might like to shoot.

Your lens you have now is a good mix of semi-wide angle and a short telephoto, so I I was in your shoes and looking for my next lens, I'd probably go with a mid to medium telephoto. Something that is going to get you closeup to the wild life you say you like to shoot photos of. Best bang for the buck is the Sigma 50-500 that many of the members on here can comment about. I'm looking at this lens myself as soon as I can save up the dough.

One thing to keep in mind, if you want to try some macro stuff, buy a set of Kenko Tubes, or a Canon 500D close-up filter. This way any lens you have can now be a macro when you want it to. Saves you a ton of money, and boy are they great fun to play around with, especially if you enjoy any of Dalantech's work!!

Those are my thoughts on the subject

[jk]

Thanks Pat,

You make some great points - is that Canon 500D filter compatible with a Nikon??

J

[bob_r]

Thanks Pat,

You make some great points - is that Canon 500D filter compatible with a Nikon??

J

They should work with a Nikon as long as it takes the same size filter. I recommend going with the tubes rather than the 500D. I have both and the tubes get most of the use. The tubes will work with any lens where as the 500D will only fit lenses with that filter size. I've been out in the field a number of times with lenses that wouldn't work with the 500D, but they all work with the tubes. The tubes will also give you more magnification. I don't believe there is a good substitute for a real macro lens, but either of these will do in a pinch.

Bob R

[mhayes]

As recommended above, you will have to chose wisely if you want to maintain auto focus. I shoot with Nikon too (a D80). The D40 requires that the lens have an internal motor. In Nikon lingo these are designated AFS. Sigma uses HSM and so on. I use a Tamron 180 mm macro and it does not have a self-contained motor. It would be useable on the D40 but would not auto focus. I am happy with my Tamron macro, but all of my other lenses are Nikon.

The extension tubes are a good recommendation, but you will have to check to see what functions they will allow with your camera/lens combination. Some of the Nikon cameras have limited metering and A/F functions with extension tubes. You may want to look for a used 60mm or 105mm Nikon macro lens. The recently now old model can be found reasonably priced.

If you are looking for a telephoto zoom, I would recommend that you look at the 70-300 VR Nikon. It will auto focus on the D40 and has vibration reduction. It's can be found now for less than $500 and does work well for me. The Sigma 50-500 mentioned above will require more expertise and a very solid tripod for good results on the long end and I'm not sure if is HSM.

Go slow when looking for your next lens. Make sure you understand all of the useable functions with your current camera as well as the capabilities it will provide if in the future you decide to upgrade your camera. With Nikon now coming out with a second full-frame sensor camera, you may want to take that into consideration.

So many choices. It is however most important that you are actively shooting with what you have.

Let us know what you decide to do.