Looking to upgrade! need opinion

[djacobox372]

It's all about the glass.

But...

Considering your tight budget you may want to upgrade your body to something that works with AF lenses, or better yet a d200/300 which will work with AIS manual focus lenses.

A d200 cost around $450 used these days, not only is it a much better body then a d40, you'll be able to pick from a FAR wider selection of lenses.

Here are some recommend lenses, none of which will work completely on a d40:

80-200mm f2.8 AF = same great optics as the 70-200mm f2.8 at 1/3rd the price.
105mm micro nikkor F4 AIS = amazing macro lens for $100 or less
50mm 1.8 AF = the lens every noob should have
50mm 1.4 AIS = a better lens then 50mm f1.8 AF for less $$
300mm f4.5 AIS = great telephoto for around $150
70-300mm f5.6 ED AF Zoom = great lens for the budget minded

 

[AdrianC]

I have the exact same setup (except for the flash), and frankly I would only upgrade if I wanted better ISO quality and more frames per second. I use the function button to change the ISO, and I don't mess that much with the white balance, so I don't care much for the extra buttons on the d90 or d200.

I would put just more money in my lenses, if I was you.

EDIT:

That said, if I didn't own a dSLR the d200 would be my choice over the d40x.

 

[Derrel]

The Online Photographer: The Lens is Not More Important Than the Camera

You might like to read this as counterpoint to all the lens-lens-lens talk. Just to get a better and more complete perspective. it's entitled The Lens Is Not More Important than the Body; it's wise to remember to actually parse the title: the lens is not more important than the body; there's actually a critical relationship between the lens and the body.

 

[Idahophoto]

For portraits a Tamron 60/2 macro and the 85/1.8 are my two favorites. The Tamron 60/2 is by far the best in my opinion super sharp and very fast. The 85 is awesome I have never used Nikons but Canon is very nice and I would expect Nikon's version to be right up with it. For Cameras I went from D40 my first digital SLR to the Nikon D90 I loved the camera and for portrait work I don't think you can find a better camera. I really miss it.

 

[Bram]

Thanks so much guys! All of you thanks alot, definately put things into perspective for me, special thanks to Djacoboc372 for the lens list. Also a special thanks to Derrel for that article. Both very helpful!