What is the highest quality lens compatible with the Nikon D40 for the cheapest price?

Question

I have owned my Nikon D40 for a few months but the zoom which is on the standard lens is not very good and it also does not allow me to manual focus. I have researched lenses but they are all so expensive! Is there a nice one that is not too much money?

Answer 1

If you need zoom, try the 55-200 VR. It's tack sharp and is very inexpensive. If you can afford it, go with the 18-200 VR. It is probably the only lens you will ever need. Prices on that have come down quite a bit in the last few months. Try going to a local Ritz to check it out. I have found that they are very willing and ready to demonstrate all their digital gear and let you try it out. Check out the difference between the 55-200 and the 18-200.

Answer 2

You need a lens that has a built-in motor, which will add to the cost of the lens.

The Nikon 55-200mm VR is about $250 and has a built-in motor (called AF-S).

Just introduced but not yet on the street is the Sigma Photo version of the lens (link below). It's also a 55-200mm lens and has the built-in motor. However, it doesn't have image stabilization. I suspect the street price will be around $200.

Those are all telephoto zooms.

If you're looking for a zoom lens in a more normal focal length,
try the Sigma 18-50mm f/3.5-5.6 HSM lens, about $140. Gives a point of view from wide to moderate telephoto.

Hopes this helps.

EDIT: I should add, the standard zoom with the Nikon D40 is the 18-55mm which is very similar to the last Sigma above. Also, TO MANUALLY FOCUS with the Nikon 18-55mm, just slide the switch on the lens from A to M. And voila, you can manually focus.

Answer 3

The standard 18-55mm lens will autofocus, if you just turn off the AF switches on the side of the lens and on the camera body. Just remember to switch them back later for quick shooting.

For the best zoom for the buck, I'd recommend the Nikon 55-200mm or the Nikon 55-200mm VR. They are both a fraction of the price of the Nikon 18-200mm VR that I bought, but are very versatile and will compliment your existing lens well.
Regular 55-200mm:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/55200.htm
VR version:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/55-200mm-vr.htm

Prices are close. The 55-200mm goes for $199.99 and the 55-200mm VR goes for $249.99. For the very small difference, I'd recommend getting the VR one, as it's a fantastic feature that will give you steadier photos (less blur) when shooting in low light or capturing the heat of action.

Here's links to some good prices with no sales tax and free shipping.
http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/541535233.htm
http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/541531257.htm

Another alternative is to check your local Craigslist, as many owners of the non-VR lenses have upgraded and are offering their old lenses at very reasonable prices.

I hope you find this helpful. If you have any other questions, please ask.

Answer 4

I would definitely recommend the D60. It's 10MP are almost twice as much as the D40's plus it's other features are basically better. It is, after all, the more expensive one. You can get just the body for $300 if you look on eBay. This is a VERY good deal. I would have gotten a D60 but I felt the lenses may have run up the cost too high (I needed at least a 250mm lens).

Answer 5

"Cheap" and "High Quality" are mutually exclusive terms. Why its a regular oxymoron - like "jumbo shrimp" or "civil war".

Look to Sigma and Tamron for less expensive lenses.

Check at shutterbug.com and Search for their test reports of lenses you're interested in.

Answer 6

IF... you will go to your Local News Stand.... or Large Public Library.... you will Find... SEVERAL PHOTOGRAPHY MAGAZINES...!

IN the back there are Many Dealers.... many in NY that ship.... Anywhere....!

They Have NIKON Compatible Lenses.... for Good Prices!

Thanks, RR