A very nice Nikon lens that has good zoom power that will not break the bank for my Nikon D40?

Question

I'm just a point and shoot photographer nothing fancy so I am looking for a lens that will give me nice zoom ( better then the one it came with ) and not break the bank.

Answer 1

I recommend KEH

They are reliable and honest, they even rate the condition conservatively.

I have purchased lenses that were not mint, like new, and rated excellent yet they arrived in about as mint condition as it gets. The prices are competitive for used lenses. You just have to make sure the lens you choose is DX compatible for your D40. Sigma and Tokina make lenses that surpass the quality of some Nikkors so don't buy the advice on sticking with Nikkor only.

When and if you look through KEH please note that you get what you pay for there. If a Nikkor 70-300mm is listed at $100 and a Sigma 170-500mm is listed at $450 there's a reason and it doesn't have to do with condition unless it's noted ...both excellent then the Sigma has obviously more demand and appeal for a reason. Use your head...

Answer 2

I take it that your camera came with 18-55mm lens?

Well, from here and at increasing cost you have the options:

1. Add 55-200mm lens, and exchange them as needed

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-55-200mm-f4-... (regular - $160)

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-55-200mm-4-5... (VR - $190 -- much better choice)

2. 18-135mm:

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-18-135mm-3-5... ($290)

3. 18-200mm VR. Probably the best all-around lens available today:

http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-18-200mm-3-5... ($650 - yes, it comes at a price)

Try to stay away from non-nikon made lenses. The nikkor glass is far better than the substitutes. So if you can't afford one - you much better off to wait and save up.

Also, since you already have the great D40 body - you really should do yourself a favor and learn a little about photography. Using it for point and shoot, is like using Formula 1 race car to drive to a grocery store. The potential of your camera is huge, and if you read up a little on technical side and composition, your pictures will improve greatly! You've got the tools!

LEM.

Answer 3

I got a Tamron AF18-200mm F/3.5-6.3. 3 weeks ago. It had a rebate and was around $350. I have a Nikon D300 and used it about 95% on a trip to Mexico.

Answer 4

Check this and see the community talk.

http://feeds.feedburner.com/NikonLensRss

Answer 5

18-135 has the best zoom for the price.....18-200mm is more expensive...