Can someone suggest me a good lens to use on D40 to take nature & portrait shots?

Question

also tell me about the Nikon 55-200 mm lens. Is it good for landscape photography. I heard about this 50 mm f 1.8 lens, will it work on D40 in auto-focus mode ?

Answer 1

The 55-200 Vr is a good lens for portrait and nature pictures. The VR part helps you handhold the lens 2 to 3 stops slower than you regular lens. I have the 18 - 200 mm VR and the Vibration reduction is very helpful in telephoto and slow shutter speed.

If you use the 50mm 1.8, you have to manually focus that lens, because it does not have internal focusing.

Answer 2

I own a D40 and am also contemplating buying to 50mm f/1.8. It will NOT AF with the D40, as our camera lacks the internal focus motor. I have heard from many D40 owners that it is still a WONDERFUL lens and has helped them learn all the ins and outs of their camera. Plus, for the price, why turn down what is considered one of Nikon's sharpest lenses ever?

I don't know anything about the 55-200mm lens, but Ken Rockwell has a good review on it and highly recommends it. (http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/55-200m... for the VR version.)

Answer 3

I have the Nikon 55-200mm VR lens and it is excellent.  However, before you buy it, look at the 18-200mm lens.  It is expensive (about $700) but it means that you don't have to switch back and forth.  If you are doing nature photography, it will allow you to zoom in on a bird up on a high branch, then zoom out to catch a wide-angle landscape, without ever having to change the lens.  Especially when you are working outdoors, changing a lens is a hassle, and you risk getting dust and dirt in your camera.

Unless you are a pro, the 18-200mmVR is possibly the only lens you'll ever need and is well worth the investment.  And it is designed to work with the autofocus, which is, in my opinion, very important.