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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> Which lens is good for me?
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07/23/2008 05:33:38 PM · #1
I've been into photography for a couple of years, but I'm still new with all this camera technology stuff!
I currently have a Nikon D40 with the kit lens 18-55mm.
I am wanting to get another lens with a better zoom. I also have a Canon Powershot S3 IS which has like a 12x zoom or something, and I LOVE that zoom.
So I'm wondering what lens should I get, that's still affordable (preferably under $300, unless I can get my parents to pay part of it for my birthday gift), and will have a pretty good zoom.
I was looking at 55-200mm's on eBay, but like I said.. I have no clue what I'm looking at/for?!
HELP??
07/23/2008 05:43:15 PM · #2
I've heard good things about the optical quality of the 55-200 VR, which fits into your price range ($230 new, $180 used @ B&H).
07/23/2008 05:49:22 PM · #3
What's B&H?
07/23/2008 05:49:57 PM · #4
Originally posted by Ktizzle8807:

What's B&H?


//www.bhphotovideo.com
07/23/2008 05:57:35 PM · #5
Oh ok, thanks!
Are there any other lens suggestions?
It would be nice to have one that I could use all the time and not have to switch between my current lens. I saw there is a 18-200.. but that is definitely out of my price range right now.

And what's a good, affordable macro lens?
07/23/2008 06:06:39 PM · #6
as you can see i have a D40x, i have a few lenses but with this camera your kinda limited to buying curtain lenses
the auto focus with the d40 only works with Nikon's- AF-S lenses and sigmas- HSM that i know of off the top of my head there are still so many lenses you can buy but most have a high price tag attached to them. as someone above had said the 55-200vr is pretty sweet i don't own it personally because i have just the 55-200 but the vr just makes things better. i pretty much use the 55-200 most of the time and it has yet to disappoint me.

Message edited by author 2008-07-23 18:11:32.
07/23/2008 06:13:19 PM · #7
Originally posted by Ktizzle8807:

I saw there is a 18-200.. but that is definitely out of my price range right now.

I don't know anything about Nikon lenses, but I've heard that one's excellent. Ken Rockwell actually compares the 55-200 and the 18-200. He's got lots of other info you might find interesting.

For reference, your S3 IS focal length is 36-432mm in 35mm equivalent, which on your crop sensor (assuming 1.6x) is roughly equivalent to 22-270mm. In other words, if your SLR lenses covered 22-270mm, it should be similar to your S3 IS range.
07/23/2008 07:05:54 PM · #8
Since you have a super-zoom point-and-shoot, a decent zoom might be worth waiting you and in the meantime work on the basics of "manual" photography and lighting.

I think this is well worth the 100 bucks. this has a 90$ rebate right now. You're going to get pro-quality glass as opposed to the cheaper zooms which might disappoint. Just a thought.

07/23/2008 07:40:41 PM · #9
chances are, your not going to find a lens from 22-270mm with good optical quality.

Then D40 doesnt have a motor in it to drive the lens focus. so, you need a lense that has the motor in it. the 18-200 is a nice lens and will last you a good while. you will eventually notice lens barreling with it though.

You should really consider that 55-200 as youll have a great kit then. 18-200 with decent optical quality. in this link you can see all of your zoom lens choices.

also, what do you mean by "better zoom"? do you want a lens that can zoom farther like the 55-200? a lens that can zoom for a wider range like the 18-200?

Lastly, Ken Rockwell gives a lot of information, but you need to balance out his opinion with a few other sites. Check out //www.bythom.com/
and //www.photozone.de/Reviews/overview

good luck!

Message edited by author 2008-07-23 19:40:57.
07/23/2008 07:47:25 PM · #10
I had one of these and was quite pleased with it.

Nikon AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED VR
07/24/2008 10:57:54 AM · #11
Originally posted by Ktizzle8807:


It would be nice to have one that I could use all the time and not have to switch between my current lens. I saw there is a 18-200.. but that is definitely out of my price range right now.


I guess if I were you, I wouldn't be concerned with switching lenses. Since you have an S3, you can always take that for situations where you don't want to carry multiple lenses.

In my opinion, a major purpose of getting a DSLR is to get multiple lenses for multiple tasks.

For your use, either a 55-200 or a 70-300 would fit the bill. I have the 70-300 and while it's not the best in low light, it will produce some great photos. I've never used the 55-200.
07/24/2008 11:35:51 AM · #12
Originally posted by Ktizzle8807:


It would be nice to have one that I could use all the time and not have to switch between my current lens. I saw there is a 18-200.. but that is definitely out of my price range right now.


Doh! I guess i missed this. I agree with mjwood0. If you wanted a dingle lens, the coolpix 8800 might have been the better camera purchase then.

That said, lets work with what we have. the 18-200 is really nice and a good walk around lens. your going to meet some optical compromises with the lens and eventually replace it. long story, short, youll get good at PP.

If you dont wan to spend the money, keep the lens you have (which is decent) and get the 55-200. that lens also decent and less expensive.
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