Nikon D40 replacement lens

scolesteven1 · Jan 20, 2008

Hey everyone I am looking to replace the standard Nikon D40 kit lens with something with a little bit more power and clarity.

Can anyone suggest a good lens?

adolan20 · Jan 20, 2008

This question is asked very often, but in order for us to help you we need to know what you're going to be using this for? Then we'll help you out

scolesteven1 · Jan 21, 2008

adolan20 said:
This question is asked very often, but in order for us to help you we need to know what you're going to be using this for? Then we'll help you out

sorry for not being specific, But I am looking for something that will be great for portraits or people. I am really starting to get into the human aspect of photography. And I feel that with a different lens I will be able to expand my shooting power.

also, if the lens does a fine job with other things as well (landscape etc) then that would be more than perfect.

ScottS · Jan 21, 2008

I know of several lenses that would work, but first, whats your price range?

adolan20 · Jan 21, 2008

Well prime lenses are generally the best for portraits, some will say an 85mm such as this: http://www.adorama.com/NK8518AFDU.html
others may like to be further away so they would use the 105mm such as this:http://www.adorama.com/NK10528AFVRU.html
It depends on what you are 1: willing to spend and 2: what type of portrait i.e headshot or full body. For a general portrait lens that's easy on the wallet I suggest the 50mm like this:http://www.adorama.com/NK5018AFDU.html or get the 1.4 version if you have the cash. Oh and another thing, as you may or may not know, most of these lenses will not auto focus on the D40. Good luck in whatever you choose

scolesteven1 · Jan 21, 2008

Thanks everyone!

Hmm, well I shall research this subject and get back to you.
But I have up to 300-450 dollars to spend and something that has a Auto/Man. function would be very nice.
Sorry for being such a beginner! :O lol

Mav · Jan 21, 2008

I use my 18-135mm Nikkor zoom for portraits all the time and they look surprisingly good, and it's only $200 used. You can also get an 85mm f/1.8 lens for about $300 used, but you'd have to manually focus. I personally prefer the 100+mm range for portraits, though.