A question for Nikonians! - DPChallenge Forums

08/27/2008 11:14:30 PM · #1

Hello all...

My D40x is my very first SLR, and it has served me well. By no means do i feel that getting a "better" camera will mean that I'll take better shots. If there's one thing I've learned on DPC, it's that practice makes perfect, and I'm really just starting to understand my camera, much less lighting, etc.

With that being said, I've been going through kind of a mental struggle. While i don't think that I would immediately benefit from a new body, I AM interested in shopping around for some better/more specialized lenses. I would like something with more reach than my current 55-200, and something faster than my 18-55. This I think WOULD improve my photography, and or allow me to shoot things that i can't with my current gear.

Here's the issue... I knew the limitations with my body when I purchased it, meaning I need to stick with the afs series of lenses, or an after market equivalent with a built in focusing motor. Right now, these are at a premium as they haven't been around long enough to support much of a used gear market. I read about the new D90 that was released today, and this will also be using this series of lenses.

So the questions is, do you think this technology will continue being integrated into the lineup thus allowing me to take my lenses with me if i DO decide to upgrade my body eventually? Would I be better of biting the bullet on a different body that will support a wider variety of lenses?

Like most of us, money is definitely a big deal for me, and i want to make smart decisions so I don't have to pay for things more than once! On the other hand, A new body would not financially allow me to purchase those lenses I want!

What do you guys think, what have you heard, what's your opinion.?

amathiasphoto

Sigma 70-200mm f/2.8 EX DG APO IF for Nikon

08/27/2008 11:22:16 PM · #2

dont know too much about the limitations on these, but-

A- the 50mm 1.4 or 1.8 are both reasonably priced, FAST and provide top notch results. SO worth the money, and then some.

B- Longer than 200? Unless your shooting wildlife, dont get longer, get closer! Move around more, be flexible. That will improve your shots more than a lens. (of course a more open 200 f2.8 is always nice).

crayon

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

08/27/2008 11:24:37 PM · #3

i guess you should seriously put into consideration on the lenses you purchase next, depending on whether you'll eventually end up with a full frame nikon body someday.

08/27/2008 11:30:35 PM · #4

Thanks for the Reply Adam. My main interest in getting a longer lens is for surf photography, which means i can't really get closer without a waterproof housing! lol However, a faster 200mm would also allow me to crop more without losing so much detail. Probably some trade off either way.

Here's an example...

This was about as close as i could crop and even then I was starting to lose detail and get grainy.

My main question though, is if i should stick with an AFS only body in the hopes that the newer models of camera will continue to support it, or wait and upgrade to a different body that will support all kinds of new and old lenses?

Message edited by author 2008-08-27 23:36:05.

08/27/2008 11:34:11 PM · #5

Crayon

I don't see myself moving to that level of body anytime in the near future. I would consider something like the D80 or D90, but anything beyond that would be overkill for me at present. I enjoy photography very much, and will definitely be continuing to shoot long into my future, but in the end it's a hobby. I've got a lot of them, and they all seem to suck down money like a man stranded in the desert!

Message edited by author 2008-08-27 23:35:00.

jbsmithana

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 12-24mm f/4.0G IF-ED

08/27/2008 11:39:28 PM · #6

I took quite a few surf shots while in Hawaii recently. A fast lens (ie. 2.8 or better) is not needed. Normally you have pretty good light with surfing. What you need is reach. I would look at a longer lens, maybe 400mm. The Nikon 80-400 is not AFS so that is probalby out for you but I know Sigma makes a new lens, the Sigma
120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM APO, that I think will autofocus with the D40x.

Here are a few I took with the Nikon 80-400:

BTW - as for your lenses fitting your next body I don't think you have much worry. If you ended up buying a full frame sensor (D700 or D3 currently) maybe (although they do work with the DX lenses) but it does not sound like your budget or your shooting needs will ever warrent that.

Message edited by author 2008-08-27 23:42:29.

08/27/2008 11:43:11 PM · #7

Yes stick with AF-S they are going nowhere. IMO an older 80-200 2.8 AF-S and a teleconverter would do just the trick. You would have the reach and a fast quality optic for probably around $650ish.
But I would get faster glass for sure!

08/27/2008 11:49:26 PM · #8

Thanks Erick! I'm probably not as destitute as I'm making myself sound, but who wants to spend money foolishly right??

I guess I'm just looking for reassurance that the technology will continue to be valid, and i won't be investing in the next betamax or minidisk! lol

Message edited by author 2008-08-27 23:49:47.

DarkRider

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

08/27/2008 11:57:11 PM · #9

There is nothing wrong sigma glass if your not trying to make a living with it. Investing in really good glass will outlast many bodies. All of the VRs will add some speed to your setup. The 70-200VR is awesome and I love the 18-55 2.8 DX both are on my to get list. So is the sigma 10-20

08/27/2008 11:59:59 PM · #10

Hey Scott!

Absolutely no problem with Aftermarket stuff on my end. In fact, that's quite possible the route I would go.

08/28/2008 12:05:01 AM · #11

Originally posted by Jaker:

Thanks Erick! I'm probably not as destitute as I'm making myself sound, but who wants to spend money foolishly right??

Nothing wrong with spending wisely! :-)

I have had good luck buying used and the 80-200 AF-S is the same quality glass 70-200VR just no VR. Now VR is nice but not having it has yet to hinder any shot I wanted to take with it.

Message edited by author 2008-08-28 00:05:24.

Samsung Galaxy S24, S24+, S24 Ultra

08/28/2008 12:12:38 AM · #12

Interesting that you brought that up. I tend to just leave the VR on, but i should take some test shots with it off as well, just to see what the difference is in the end result.

crayon

08/28/2008 12:24:19 AM · #13

Originally posted by Jaker:

Interesting that you brought that up. I tend to just leave the VR on, but i should take some test shots with it off as well, just to see what the difference is in the end result.

AFAIK, the only time VR should be OFF is when you are shooting on a tripod

levyj413

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

08/28/2008 12:27:38 AM · #14

Jaker, I think you might be misunderstanding something. AF-S lenses work just fine on bodies that have the AF screw, like the D200. The screw on the body just doesn't engage anything on the lens.

So you can't go wrong buying those lenses - they work on every Nikon body.

FWIW, Sigma calls AF-S "HSM."

Message edited by author 2008-08-28 00:31:47.

08/28/2008 12:33:26 AM · #15

Originally posted by levyj413:

Right,they will mount but they won't autofocus... correct? Or am I totally wrong???? I know I can't use another series on my particular body and have them autofocus, but is it not the same the other way around??? that would change everything...

DarkRider

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

08/28/2008 12:37:27 AM · #16

Nope, On my D300 every type of AF lens will AF. I can use all of your lenses and all the rest

08/28/2008 12:40:24 AM · #17

Jaker is right. The D40 and D40x can only use AF-S lenses.

ETA: If you want autofocus. You can use them as manual focus only.

Message edited by author 2008-08-28 00:41:24.

DarkRider

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED

08/28/2008 12:40:44 AM · #18

Here is a list of AF compatible lenses for your body. If it helps

08/28/2008 12:41:52 AM · #19

HOLY CRAP!!!!! Someone please slap me, or kick me down a flight of stairs or something!! I just ASSUMED that they wouldn't be compatible with other bodies, as other lenses aren't compatible with my body. You know what happens when you ASS U ME.

Well this changes my whole line of thinking!

Tamron SP AF 17-50mm f/2.8 Di II LD Aspherical (IF) for Nikon

08/28/2008 12:42:47 AM · #20

Originally posted by DarkRider:

Here is a list of AF compatible lenses for your body. If it helps

They are all AF-S

levyj413

Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max

08/28/2008 12:43:42 AM · #21

Originally posted by Jaker:

Originally posted by levyj413:
Jaker, I think you might be misunderstanding something. AF-S lenses work just fine on bodies that have the AF screw, like the D200. The screw on the body just doesn't engage anything on the lens.

So you can't go wrong buying those lenses - they work on every Nikon body.

Right,they will mount but they won't autofocus... correct? Or am I totally wrong???? I know I can't use another series on my particular body and have them autofocus, but is it not the same the other way around??? that would change everything...

You're wrong. Totally. :) But that's okay - we're gonna get it straight.

Lenses that aren't AF-S have a little opening on the back of them. Bodies that can use them to autofocus have a little screw that sticks out and engages a gear that sits inside that little hole. Look here and scroll down to the first set of pics below the camera itself. See that little screw sticking out of the D80?

That screw isn't on the D40, D40x, or D60. So your camera can't autofocus with lenses that rely on the camera body. You can still manually focus using them.

AF-S lenses have their own internal motor. So they autofocus just fine whether that screw is on the body or not. So the lenses you buy for the D60 will work with any other body if you choose to upgrade later.

Make sense?

Message edited by author 2008-08-28 00:45:07.

08/28/2008 12:44:39 AM · #22

OK, now I'm confused again... I took to long to post.

Can I use...say my 18-55 Af-S on a D200 and still have it be fully functioning?