Buying a d40-d80..which one?

[attack_donut]

I've got the lenses from my N4004, and getting digital colour means simply buying a body, however, I do want to make sure all my lenses work with a new digital Nikon, I've heard some don't like older lenses.

Here's what I have:

Nikon AF Nikkor 35-70mm f/2.8 (all steel construction one, very heavy. Older lens I'm guessing.)

Tamron SP AF Aspherical Di LD (IF) 17-35mm f/2.8-4

Nikon AF Nikkor 75-240mm f/4.5-5.6 D (plastic construction, has serial number 2139xx)


Assuming that the d-40-d80s would all like these lenses equally, is it just a matter of getting the latest one, or is it a case of newest isn't neccessarily best?

Cheers!
AD

P.S. Set a budget of $500.00 US, which is why the D90s are out, can't get one for that range.

[Barney]

Assuming that the d-40-d80s would all like these lenses equally

The D40/D40x/D60 bodies won't auto focus on non AF-S lenses. The D50/D70/70S/D80/D100/D200 will.

[attack_donut]

How do I determine if the lens is an AF-S?

[Barney]

It should say on it. Other than that check out the Nikon website and google. If the lens is described as AF or AF-D then it isn't AF-S (i.e. it doesn't have a built in focus motor).

By the way, 3rd party manufacturers label their lenses differently, e.g. Sigma call their AF-S designation HSM.

[GeoffR]

The 35-70 f2.8 is NOT AF-S because it was replaced by the 28-70 f2.8 AF-S.
The Tamron is almost certainly not AF-S because I don;t think the have an equivalent.
The Nikon 75-240 is the only on I think you need to check as I have no knowledge of this lens.

[Learning]

If the lens AF is driven by a screwdriver shaped spigot and socket then you need a D50 or D80 from the lower end cameras. If you can afford a D200 or D300 so much the better. If you want to stay with full frame then be assured that the D700, D3 and D3x will also AF with the older AF and AF-D lenses. The only exceptions are a tiny number of very odd lens designed for a very rare AF version of the F3. You can't use them but I understand that if you find one at junk prices they are worth buying as a collectors item.
Just buy the D80.

[Towershot]

D80, good camrera and you can use a lot of old lenses on it.

[IvorETower]

All the lenses should work on the D40 as well as the D80, but they won't auto-focus on it. In your situation, I'd go for the D80 0ver the D40 anyway

[attack_donut]

Thanks for the heads up and advice. Will let you know what I find at a good value.

Cheers!

[phiggy]

My choice would be the D80 I have 2 sitting in there boxes at home that I used for a short while before buying a D3 and a pair of S5ro bodies.
Most of my accepted work in national and international exhibitions were taken with the D80.
I certainly would go for one over the over priced s/h D200s
I doubt you will be disappointed.
I know I'm not and they will work fine with the lenses you have.
The Nikon AF 35-70mm f2.8 lens you have is a corker and sort after by FX owners