This is my first time starting thread in photography forum. I am wanting to purchase a macro lens for my Nikon D40. You have to understand I have a really nice camera, but I am an average photographer with a small pocketbook. I am wanting to learn more, and be able to take quality pics. I have looked at threads and reviews on the Tamron 90, and I am leaning toward this lens. I can top out about $400-450 for my purchase, less would be great. I need thoughts on going for the Tamron vs going for maybe a used Nikon 105. Or possibly saving and buying a used Tamron 90. Has anybody bought a used lens, good or bad experience?
Macro lens for my Nikon D40, new or used?
- Thread starter ramone58
- Start date
Scott-CapeCoral
New member
Sorry, I can't help you but thanks for posting this because I need to know the exact same thing. D40 club <-- 
There isn't anything inherently wrong with buying a used lens. My preference is buying from someone with a return policy just in case there's a problem. B&H, Adorama and KEH all have good used gear departments. I bought my primary lens used from B&H and couldn't be happier with it.
How comfortable are you with manual-focusing? If it's just for macro, it's probably good to manual focus anyway. The reason I say this is that only AF-S lenses will be able to auto-focus on the D40 (or whatever the name is for the other brands, where the lens has the focusing motor built in, AF-S is the Nikon designation).
If you are also very comfortable with the theories and can go without any metering (or use an external meter), you can buy the very old Nikkor 55mm f3.5 lens. You can get that used for under $50.
If you check my pictures in this thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1754490
most pictures there are taken with the 55/3.5
If you are also very comfortable with the theories and can go without any metering (or use an external meter), you can buy the very old Nikkor 55mm f3.5 lens. You can get that used for under $50.
If you check my pictures in this thread:
http://www.reefcentral.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1754490
most pictures there are taken with the 55/3.5
tahiriqbal
Sialkot
I have recently bought a lovely hardly used Tamron 90mm macro lens for £225, not sure how much it would be in US $. Can't fault the lens and must say very pleased with my purchase. If you got the budget for around $400 then you shouldn't have any problems finding a decent used Nikon 105mm Macro or Tamron 90mm Macro lens.
My second Sigma lens for outdoor shooting...
and this is my Nikon camera kit with standard lenses.
Good luck with lens hunt.
My second Sigma lens for outdoor shooting...
and this is my Nikon camera kit with standard lenses.
Good luck with lens hunt.
xtm
Active member
Just a quick note about the Tamron 90.. your D40 does not have a screwdriver motor, which means that it will NOT AF the "screwdriver" version of the Tamron 90. If you decide to buy this lens, make sure to buy the one with the built-in motor (BIM) so it can AF on the D40. Best thing to do is call B&H and speak to a rep and have him give you a Tamron 90 with a BIM.
