Iam buying a Nikon D40X, can I use the lense I already have on my Nikon D70 (28-300mm)?

Answer 1

Fhotoace totally dodges the question of autofocus, which is the real concern with this lens. I'd challenge him to name a Nikon lens equivalent to the 28-300mm--because there is no Nikon equivalent. It's great that he talks about "secret features" and all that, but that's of no help to you.

In this case, a 28-300mm that works on the D70 will meter but not autofocus on the Nikon D40x. The D40x requires lenses that are Nikon AF-S, AF-I, or Sigma HSM labeled, which means there's a built-in focusing motor in the lens, in order to autofocus.

Personally, I would just skip the D40x and go for the D80 or a close-out D200. Your D70 uses compact flash and will autofocus with regular Nikon AF lenses, as will the D200. The D80 is the least expensive Nikon that will work with your existing lens. If you get a D40x, you'll probably have to re-work your lens lineup, adding to the cost. Note also that the D80 and D40x use SD memory, not compact flash.

I also don't understand why you'd get a D40x if you have a D70. Other than 10mp and modest improvements in in-camera processing, the D40x is actually a step down from the D70, which works with more lenses, has two control wheels and a nice information LCD on top. My opinion now: either get a D80, which is something of an upgrade, or just spend the money on a better lens for the D70.

Answer 2

Sure... most any lens that works on the D70 will work on the D40X, though it may not autofocus. Just like the D70 and other digitals, you can't meter properly with the older, non-autofocus lenses. Any AF series lens should mount and meter, but you need AF-S or AF-I lenses for full functionality on the D40X.

Also, Nikon-mount Sigma HSM series lenses will autofocus on the D40X... I'm not sure about the precise series for some of the other 3rd party lenses... I'm pretty sure you're talking about a non-Nikon lens, with that 28-300mm.

The story is pretty simple... early Nikon AF lenses (introduced in 1986) had no focusing motors of their own, but instead a mechanical coupling to the camera body. They also had the electrical contacts for new cameras, but retained some of the other mechanical couplings to allow use on older bodies.

The newer AF (series S and I) lenses, like all of the Canon EOS series, include motors in the lens itself. The D40x can electronically couple to these lenses for autofocus, but it doesn't have the body-mounted motor to drive the older AF lenses... that's one of the cost/size reductions in the D40 vs. some of the older digital Nikons.

Here's a useful chart that shows the level of compatibility between Nikon bodies and lens series.

Answer 3

Yes, but you will have to manual focus. The lens will probably still meter though.

Why do you want to get a D40X if you have the D70 anyway? It's not really an upgrade methinks. If you want to upgrade, get the D200 or the newer D300. The D40X is actually in the entry level while the D70 is a little bit higher than that.

Answer 4

You have a heap of long winded answers here that go on and on about this and that rather than just answering your question. I would say yes your lens will work on the D40X because I'm assuming it's a Sigma 28 - 300?

Anyway, I suggest that rather than ask on Yahoo, go to your camera store and ask if you can put the lens on one of their D40X's to see if it will work. That way you will know for sure.