Nikon D40 body with kit lens and now new ones needed

[silent]

hi

first post but read my first copy of digital camera mag and a great mag.

i have a D40 and a kit lens and want to get some better lens on a budget. not a lot to spare and thinking of wedding photography eventually but taking better pics now of everything including planes in the air.

what lens should i get, the local shop said a 50mm is for starters and maybe a 16-85mm but its way to pricey.

recommendations?

[chris-p]

Hi Silent, welcome to the forum

Personally, I'd consider the 35mm f/1.8 prime or a 50mm prime. If you want to learn more about photography, I think thats the best way to do it. The 35mm taught me a lot...

For planes, you're going to want something long. At least 200mm. The Sigmas tend to be the cheapest - the 70-300mm OS is less than £300 and is image stabilised. If you want really cheap, the Tamron 55-200mm is only £105 (although I would avoid it personally).

If the 16-85mm is way too expensive, you're options are going to be limited...

[silent]

thanks Chris.

they are until i find a new job. if that happens quickly, my budget after a new car goes up.
i don;t really want to hammer quality so would stick to nikon and sigma as i know the brands.

have found a few lens that are nikons etc on amazon and ebay of good value. all new to. i added a 50mm one to my basket for £100 but will check if its prime. its an nikon official one.

[chris-p]

Prime means it's a fixed focal length so, if it's a 50mm, it's a prime...

Don't be afraid of second hand lenses either, especially if you're on a budget. There was a useful review on here about buying second hand lenses. Link!

[greenwing]

I don't see the logic of a 50mm lens (which is a Focal length you already have) when you want to shoot subjects that need at least 200mm (which you don't already have). Look at the Nikon 55-200 VR. Cheap and cheerful, just like your kit lens, but quite capable of good results in the right hands - just like your kit lens.

Chris

[silent]

Originally Posted by chris-p

Prime means it's a fixed focal length so, if it's a 50mm, it's a prime...

Don't be afraid of second hand lenses either, especially if you're on a budget. There was a useful review on here about buying second hand lenses. Link!

thanks. i am looking through the classifieds as we speak.

Originally Posted by greenwing

I don't see the logic of a 50mm lens (which is a Focal length you already have) when you want to shoot subjects that need at least 200mm (which you don't already have). Look at the Nikon 55-200 VR. Cheap and cheerful, just like your kit lens, but quite capable of good results in the right hands - just like your kit lens.

Chris

thanks.