sese

As I think to know that we have some photographers in the E60 forums, I'd like to know what lens you would choose if you had a Nikon D40 with the 18-55mm kit lens already?

UUronL

Do both of these work without a standard AF drive motor in the camera body?


I'd recommend the Nikon 18-70 DX.


You're looking to -replace- the kit lens correct? All of these lenses are similar in focal length and aperture. The extra zoom up to 70mm on some of the lenses is useful IMO.

You might also consider trading up to the newest version of the 18-55 kit lens that has VR.

slickrick

I'm a Canon guy (30D) but I have owned Sigma before. I can tell you that if I'm not buying Canon i'd buy Sigma.

Rick...

rsyed

I am not sure the AF of these lenses will work with a d40!! double check this please!!!!

BrianTx5

What are you looking for in a new lens? Do you want something with a wider angle, or a longer telephoto than your current lens? Or are you looking for macro capabilities?

KnIgHtCoM

+1 To what Brian said. If you could provide us with a little more information on what your uses will be for the lens, we can better aide you in your decision. I'm assuming you're on a budget since your decisions are between a Siggy and a Tammy.

sese

I'd like to have a wider range of focal length in both directions. 17mm is good, 16 even better. More than ~ 90mm would be too much (-> quality loss).

Now I thought about AF-S DX NIKKOR 16-85mm / 3,5 - 5,6G ED VR....

KnIgHtCoM

The Nikkor lens has a good range and great optics, but you're sacrificing speed for focal length. For me, I'd take a lower f/stop any day over extra focal length.

ImolaRedM

I agree but I don't understand the comment about having to sacrifice speed for focal length in the Nikkors. I prefer faster lenses as well but the trade-off is a heavier lens. Nearly all my lenses are f/2.8 or faster. There are cheaper lenses with speeds of up to f/5.6 but I find these lenses severely limiting and almost useless in any situation other than bright outdoor settings.

I haven't used Sigma or Tamron lenses in quite some time but I wasn't impressed with what I did use. However, I do understand that they have some a long way so take my bias with a grain of salt.

Since you don't state what your price range is or other needs I'll assume the sky is the limit and that you're looking for a short zoom. My favorite lens in that category and the one I use the most out of all that I have is the Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED Nikkor. If size is an issue a nice alternate in the DX format would be the 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED DX. I prefer non DX lenses simply because I expect to move to a full frame digital camera one day. I also still have a Nikon F5 film camera that I use from time to time. However, the DX lens will be better for a non-full frame digital camera if you are worried about lens weight.

Keep in mind when you buy a lens that that lens will long outlive your camera. The lens is also what has most impact on the light that hits the recording medium. So my suggestion is to spend more on the lens(es) since you're likely to carry that lens onto your next camera. Think of it as an investment.

Depending on your price range I would suggest these lenses in order for most shooting situations. For this discussion I'm limiting my list to zoom lenses.

1. Nikon 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED or 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED DX
2. Nikon 80-200mm f/2.8D ED or 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED
3. Nikon 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED or 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED DX

UUronL

Actually, be careful here - DX refers to the lenses designed for cropped sensors... AF-S is the piezo-electric crystal focus system that is required for the D40.


I'd stick to one of the known "good" medium range lenses in this class. Of those, the 18-70DX is one, the 18-200DX is another that is regarded on the same level. I personally have and use the 18-70 and like it a lot. I would say you might consider a VR lens. I have a Canon IS lens (24-105 L) and I really enjoy having IS.


These were taken with my 18-70DX with my D70.