Nikon D40x lens recommendations?

[michika]

My package lens, 18-55mm has just been damaged. While its been sent away for repairs I am without a lens for 6-8 weeks. Can anyone recommend any of the following?

- Macro lens
- Replacement for my 18-55mm if it can't be repaired.

[Matt]

It is an expensive lens, but the nikkor 18-200mm is a fantastic lens for that camera. We have one, and it is the only lens we ever use.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVJjlasZT5cv

[Aquattro]

It is an expensive lens, but the nikkor 18-200mm is a fantastic lens for that camera. We have one, and it is the only lens we ever use.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVJjlasZT5cv


I was using one of these lenses the other day, it is really nice (and pricey). My next camera purchase will be the D80, and this is the lens I'm looking at.

[michika]

Cool, thank you, I will look into the 18-200mm. Any other recommendations? They don't have to be Nikon products, I'm open to other compatible lenses.

[Der_Iron_Chef]

It depends how much you want to spend. I would recommend the Nikkor 17-55mm F2.8G over any other zoom lense that Nikon produces. But it's...well...effing expensive.

I'm also a HUGE fan of the fixed focal length 50mm f1.8/f1.4 lenses. Very versatile under almost any lighting conditions.

[spoot]

Just bought the 50mm f1.8 and I love it. However, your d40x does not have a screwdrive motor, so you will need to pick AF-S lenses otherwise you'll be manually focussing everything.

What is your budget?

[michika]

My budget somewhat depends on which I'm buying. For the macro I'm willing to put out up to 1K at the most. For a 18-55mm or something similar, I probably don't want to spend more then $300. If I can though, I will buy used to save myself some money.

[Marlin65]

I shoot Canon but look here for reviews.
http://www.fredmiranda.com/
Or if you are looking used look in the forum here.
http://www.bccamera.com/

[Marlin65]

Oh most package lenses are not that great. I would think twice about getting it fixed and put the money towards a better lens.

[michika]

I figured I might as well see what it costs to repair, and then I can go from there. I would like to have the package lens if I do re-sell my camera or upgrade in the future. It didn't cost me anything to send it in for and estimate and maybe a repair, so if it can be fixed relatively cheap, I might as well do it.

Thanks for the links!

[saltaddict]

Check out the Henrys Ebay store. Sometimes you can find great deals on Nikon lenses. I have a friend who has been doing professional photography for years and he swears by this place.

http://stores.ebay.ca/henrys-com

[michika]

Thank you for the link.

[Delphinus]

Upon Diana and Raf's recommendations I picked up the Nikon 60mm f2.8 micro (Nikon calls their "macro" lenses "micro" lenses ...). The reviews on it were great and it's not terribly unreasonably priced if you're budget conscious.

http://canreef.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=36153&

This is an ebay ad from the same place I bought mine from (KEH Outlet):
http://cgi.ebay.ca/60mm-f2-8-Nikon-D-Micro-Lens-Bargain_W0QQitemZ290220213696QQihZ019QQcategoryZ33 43QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Mine had the same description (ie, "used" "70% condition of new") .. which worried me a little until I saw it. The optics were in perfect condition, any wear is on the surface due to handling etc. and that doesn't concern me too much since it doesn't affect the function or performance.

Anyhow, maybe food for thought... I like the lens, it's just about the only lens I use now for shooting my tanks. Unless I'm using the Olympus which is better for the top-down shots since it fits in the canopy :)

[Delphinus]

Link seems to have an extra "v" at the end, try this one maybe:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVJjlasZT5c

It is an expensive lens, but the nikkor 18-200mm is a fantastic lens for that camera. We have one, and it is the only lens we ever use.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BVJjlasZT5cv

[michika]

Thats so odd, it worked for me the first time. Maybe I accidentally deleted the v when I clicked on it.