What kind of lens should I get?

[dukeboy1977]

I don't get why people would advise a beginner to buy a lens that won't autofocus with their camera, especially since focusing manually with the D40 is a bit tricky in the best of situations... but that's me.

The only time I have ever felt limited by the autofocus using my 50mm 1.8 is when I've been trying to photograph my 16 mo old son running around indoors. He just moves too fast for me to focus on him. Sit him on a sled and take Christmas photos or take pictures of him in his high chair, or get pictures of him laying on the floor playing with his cars and the 50mm 1.8 works great.

Very right! I use my 35mm 1.8 for photos of my 15 month old when he's running around because it will autofocus. It's alot easier and do-able for me trying to "capture" him when he's wound up! lol

 

[djacobox372]

Don't get the 50mm f/1.8 for your D40.

It won't autofocus.

If you want a 50mm get the f/1.4 AF-S which A) is a killer lens and B) will autofocus with your camera.

Having said that, probably the best lens for your money is the 35mm f/1.8 AF-S DX, which is tack sharp, will focus with your camera, has a great "normal" focal length for your cropped sensor and is fast focusing.

I don't get why people would advise a beginner to buy a lens that won't autofocus with their camera, especially since focusing manually with the D40 is a bit tricky in the best of situations... but that's me.

For the $300 price difference between the 50mm 1.4 af-s and the 50mm 1.8 af-d he could upgrade his body to a d200.

Just research the going prices on ebay:

Sell D40 for $300
Buy used D200 for $500 or D80 for $400

Total cost of upgrade= $200 for the d200, $100 for the D80

Just something to think about. A lot of people overlook this when buying new lenses for their AF-S only cameras. It's often just as cheap or cheaper to upgrade your body to something that accepts AF lenses then to buy the AF-S version. On lower focal lengths AF is plenty fast enough.

 

[Bram]

Don't get the 50mm f/1.8 for your D40.

It won't autofocus.

If you want a 50mm get the f/1.4 AF-S which A) is a killer lens and B) will autofocus with your camera.

Having said that, probably the best lens for your money is the 35mm f/1.8 AF-S DX, which is tack sharp, will focus with your camera, has a great "normal" focal length for your cropped sensor and is fast focusing.

I don't get why people would advise a beginner to buy a lens that won't autofocus with their camera, especially since focusing manually with the D40 is a bit tricky in the best of situations... but that's me.

For the $300 price difference between the 50mm 1.4 af-s and the 50mm 1.8 af-d he could upgrade his body to a d200.

Just research the going prices on ebay:

Sell D40 for $300
Buy used D200 for $500 or D80 for $400

Total cost of upgrade= $200 for the d200, $100 for the D80

Just something to think about. A lot of people overlook this when buying new lenses for their AF-S only cameras. It's often just as cheap or cheaper to upgrade your body to something that accepts AF lenses then to buy the AF-S version. On lower focal lengths AF is plenty fast enough.

Very valid point indeed, if he upgrades his body now to somethign that will accept the AF lenses it will be very handy in the long run if he would (persay) be looking at the 80-200 af-D which WILL NOT AF on our D40's buit will on persay a D300 or D200 or D90 which I believe all three of them have AF motors built into the body. Bit pricey yes but in the long run a great idea. I myself was thinkign about a portrait lens right now but thoguth hey why not do the body first which will accept the AF lenses. Like Djacob said, definately something to think about.