Looking to get zoom lens for my D40

[Husky_1]

Hey everyone,
I am looking into getting a zoom lens for my D40. This is not necessarily going to be used for the tank pics, instead wildlife/family etc.

Anyway, I am considering a 70-300 and the following two lens come to mind:
Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 APO DG Macro Autofocus Lens for Nikon AF-D
or
Nikon Zoom Telephoto AF VR Zoom Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S Autofocus Lens

Obviously the Nikon would be better, but is it worth the price difference. Would I better off buying the sigma and trying to save for something different including maybe a good macro. Another option would be to buy the Nikon 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED AF-S VR DX.


What do you guys with experience think the best route would be? Please assume that money is an issue

 

[maxalmon]

I had the Nikon 55-200 VR lens, not a bad lens and if you shop around you can find one for $200. While its a good lens at a decent price, I wasn't really impressed and got rid of the lens a few weeks back.

I'm pretty much hooked on Sigma EX lens (EX is their better Glass)
I had thought about the Sigma 70-300mm but after much research and talking with other photographers I found that most skipped the 70-300 and went with the 70-200 f2.8. Most online reviews praise the 200 while the 300 gets mixed reviews. I just got the 70-200 last week and have nothing but praise for optics and quality, a beast to carry around as it's heavy and large. I would much rather spend the extra money on a f2.8 over the f4.5.

 

[Husky_1]

Thanks, this is exactly what I am looking for. Do you know what resale value is on a cheaper lens? I cannot afford the $750 now, but seems like buying the cheaper sigma, then saving for the other lens is the way to go.

 

[maxalmon]

I would check craigslist, sometimes you can find them. I'd invest in the best glass you can afford...

 

[Iostream]

Honestly, the Nikon 70-300mm VR is a great lens, and I think worth the extra cost. It also helps that Nikon lenses hold their value better than 3rd party. If you are looking for a step up from the Nikon kit lenses in general, the 16-85mm VR + 70-300mm VR is a great combo that wont break the bank (or your back) in the way that the F2.8 Nikors do.
A generally good rule is to get the best glass you can. It will certainly outlive your D40 and probably your next few bodies as well. I still occasionally use some glass I purchased over 15 years ago for my N8008 35mm body.

 

[Husky_1]

Great input, based on maxalmon's suggestion, I wonder if I am best off waiting until I can buy the sigma 2.8 EX. I still have to check craigs list as well.

 

[jthao]

nikon 18-200 vr for all around shooting.

or this combo is the best imho:
nikon 24-70 2.8
nikon 70-200 2.8

 

[nickb]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=13799600#post13799600 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by jthao or this combo is the best imho:
nikon 24-70 2.8
nikon 70-200 2.8 [/B]

That would be a great combination but each of these lenses is about $1,600!

 

[xtm]

Husky,

I have been using the 18-55 non-VR (came as a kit lens) and a 55-200 VR and I thought those were very good combo. However, I got tired of switching lenses all the time and (also) missed some good opportunities while changing lens. As for performance, I thought the image quality was very acceptable on these lenses.

For "all around" lens, I'd most likely recommend the 18-200 VR (if your budget allows) I just bought one and while I thought it was a very good lens as far as sharpness is concerned, I was a bit disappointed with the barrel distortion on the wide end. At 18mm you can clearly see "bends" on vertical objects. This was never an issue with my 18-55 kit lens. Also, there's a bit of vignetting when I put on the Polarizing filter.

The hood (HB-35) is quite huge when mounted on an already-huge lens. If you're only using the built-in flash on the D40, you will see a shadow on the bottom of your photos. For this to disappear, you'd have to invest on an external flash.

If budget is a little tight, my next suggestion would be the 18-135mm or the 24-120mm VR. These are not "fast" glasses by any means but they fit most people's budget.

I *personally* would avoid third party lenses (Sigma, Tamron, Tokina.....) but that's just me.