Which Zoom Lens for a Nikon D40

Hello all

I have a Nikon D40 with the standard kit lens and am now considering buying an additional zoom lens for longer distance work. My questions are:-

Should I go for a Nikon Lens or an alternative manufacturer, if so which make and why?

If I went for a Nikon lens is there any proven advantage in going for the VR lenses over the standard ones or is this just a waste of money.

Thanks
Tony

Hi Tony, Well I use a mix of Nikon and Sigma lens, and are happy with the Image Quality from both. I have never used any lens with VR on it so I can't comment on it's advantages/disadvantages. If you find a lens that you fancy, then have a look at these reviews on that lens, this may give you a pointer as to whether it is good or not.

Camera lens tests, user reviews, camera accessory reviews - SLRgear.com!

__________________
Nikon User
Beacon Images

Thanks for that Barry, I am leaning towards the Nikon at the moment although still struggling to know whether its worth paying for the VR feature or not. Many reviews say its effective but I just don't know if its worth the extra cash. If anyone else has any thoughts on this please shout up.
Cheers
Tony

Hi Tony it may help others to comment if we know what you want to use your longer lens for, is it fast moving sport, wildlife, just picking out more detail in landscape shots or anything else.

__________________
Nikon User
Beacon Images

Barry, I am just getting into photography. I am finding sometimes the kit lens is a bit short for some of the shots I am trying to take.
I want to use it for a variety of work, mostly landscape to get closer in on details, also for photograping wildlife and animals without getting too close.
Cheers
Tony

Well for mostly landscape you do not need VR just a good sturdy tripod. As for wildlife and animals, well I have managed some sharp images without VR using my Sigma 70-210 f2.8 lens. But VR would have allowed sharp images in low light conditions.

__________________
Nikon User
Beacon Images

Hi tony,
i'm exclusively sigma with my nikon and i can't fault any of the lenses.
Not used a VR one but i do have the sigma 80mm-400mm with the optical stabiliser,and to be quite honest iv'e never really used it !!!!
I find with the quality of camera's nowadays i can always get the speed i need by just whacking up the iso,i find the image quality up to iso 800 is spot on so iv'e never needed the OS as i have never shot in such low light levels as to need to go above 800.

I also find that with a bigger lens i always have it on a tripod or monopod anyway !!!

So on reflection i wish i had gone for the 50mm-500mm which has'nt got the OS would have given me an extra 130mm to play with and would have saved me £300+....

Regards Steve.

__________________
Life is like a box of chocolates.....Sometimes it makes you feel SICK.

Hi Steve, I think another post needs to be made on whether anyone uses VR or OS, and if so what do they think on it.

__________________
Nikon User
Beacon Images

Hi Steve

Thanks for that, I am now looking into Sigma Lenses again and thinking of going for the Sigma 70 - 300mm lens. I am restricted in that i have to go for the motorised lenses to fit the Nikon D40 otherwise the AF doesn't work.

The 70 - 300mm Sigma lens should be more versatile than the 55 - 200mm Nikon lens and is also cheaper. Do you think there will be a noticable difference in image quality between the two?

Cheers
Tony

If you go for this lens then I would suggest that you buy the APO version, as this has better optics, especially if you wish to shot wildlife and animals.

__________________
Nikon User
Beacon Images