Replace Nikon D40 lens or upgrade?

[oufyaba]

Hello folks,

I have a 6 year old Nikon D40 camera that has been great, but recently the original lens that came with it has been acting up, and I tried cleaning the lens, and I think I have done more harm than good and ended up breaking something inside the lens and now looks broken. (Nikodn DX AF-S NIKKOR 18-55mm)

Question: I am not a hardcore photographer and just like to take some good quality point and shoot pics using the DSLR and occasional play around with the manual settings. Should I shop around for a replacement lens, get a different better quality lens(18-105 MM?), or just upgrade to a newer DLSR since the D40 is 6+ years old? Any suggestions and recommendation are appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[480sparky]

Which thread would you like us to respond to? This one, or one of the other three?

 

[Overread]

oufyaba, whilst I welcome you to the site, I've had to close and remove your other 3 threads - please just stick to a single thread in the most appropriate section and don't crosspost the same thread in multiple subsections.

 

[oufyaba]

this one would be great. sorry for the duplicate posts.
what do you guys think about the following lenses as possible replacement for the 18-55 lens that came with the camera?

[h=1]Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens
[/h]or


[h=1]Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF Nikkor Lens
[/h]
or other options?

 

[Solarflare]

I am not sure, but isnt the D40 are among those Nikon FX cameras that do not offer a motor for the autofocus to the lens ?

If that is true, you can only use the G and not the D lens. Or more precisely, you can use the D lens, but you'll have to manually focus.

 

[oufyaba]

thanks for reply and yes, I think you are right about the auto focus. Which of those two are better?

[h=1]Nikon 50mm f/1.8G AF-S NIKKOR Lens
[/h]or
[h=1]Nikon 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX Lens
[/h]

 

[xj0hnx]

Personally if it were me, I'd get the 35mm AF-S f/1.8.

 

[Infidel]

Those are prime lenses (no zoom). For your purposes, I think you will be disappointed. I suggest you find a used or refurbished 18-55mm kit lens as a direct replacement for about $100.

 

[o hey tyler]

I am not sure, but isnt the D40 are among those Nikon FX cameras that do not offer a motor for the autofocus to the lens ?

If that is true, you can only use the G and not the D lens. Or more precisely, you can use the D lens, but you'll have to manually focus.

HUH? All "FX" Nikon DSLRs up to now have a focus motor. The D40 is an entry level DX body and does not have a focus motor.

 

[Solarflare]

I am not sure, but isnt the D40 are among those Nikon FX cameras that do not offer a motor for the autofocus to the lens ?

If that is true, you can only use the G and not the D lens. Or more precisely, you can use the D lens, but you'll have to manually focus.

HUH? All "FX" Nikon DSLRs up to now have a focus motor. The D40 is an entry level DX body and does not have a focus motor.

Right. No idea why I added FX, that didnt belong there.

The new upcoming FX camera d600 that Nikon announced wont have this motor, though.

Personally I think thats an extremely huge bummer. Theres some FX lenses out there that arent available as AF-S, like the good old 105/135mm DC primes. Thats like the first lens I would think about getting when hearing FX camera, lol. Okay, the second. After a 50mm/1.4 prime.


P.s.: Hey, other sources say d600 will actually have this motor !

 

[Bukitimah]

You sound like you have no problem with the body just a broken lens. If that is the case, the most obvious choice is to look for a replacement. Of course since you are replacing the lens, look at something you like.

If $$ is not a problem, then upgrade both body and lens. With the new camera, I am sure you are going to shoot more and enjoy it.

 

[Solarflare]

He or she seems to be happy with the D40, though. Its quite a good camera, judging from the Wikipedia article. It even has a feature I would love to have: an electronic shutter.

 

[TonysTouch]

I loved my D40. It was great but I outgrew it. For what you are doing I would replace the lens. I wouldn't go with the 18-105 though. I have heard it is not as sharp as the 15-55mm. I have heard good things about the Tamron 28-300mm, for amateurs/hobbyists, and it may be pricey for a hobby but it is similar in price or cheaper to a new body.

 

[greybeard]

There are a ton of 18-55 and 18-105 kit lenses in like new condition for sale, many at very reasonable prices. If you are wanting to upgrade the body, give the d3200, d5100, or d7000 a look. If it were me, I would upgrade the whole thing and get a new body and new kit lens.

 

[Markw]

I would upgrade both if the price allows. If money allows, D3200 is a great choice as the D5100 and D7100 are probably going to be replaced soon.

If not, the Sigma 17-50mm F/2.8 OS lens is probably your best replacement choice after the 17-55mm F/2.8 Nikkor.

Mark