New Lense

[Nibblewood]

I currently have a Nikon D40 and the lens that came with it (18-55mm). I like it, however I find that it can't accomodate both close up macro and longish range zoom at a level I would like. Now comes the tricky part. I'd like a new lense to fill one of these problems (if not both). I think the priority for the moment is a better zoom. I don't have a huge budget, which i know limits it alot. I don't mind getting second hand and im not too bothered about getting the best brand. So my question is first and foremost, what lense should I get? Since i accept that that is a very vague question, i was also wondering what price i could expect to pay for a budget lense with a medium zoom for the Nikon, and where i'd get it.

Thanks very much for even reading to this point, and I await any answers eagerly!

[Learning]

For the longer zoom I suggest that you compliment your present lens with a 55-200 VR. Using two separate lenses instead of one super zoom gets better image quality. The 18-55 Nikkor kit lens is a good lens. It is much better than the kit offerings from most manufacturers.
If you don't mind a gap between 55 and 70mm then the 70-300mm VR may be better. I use one and am satisfied.
For macro on a budget then I suppose something from Sigma or Tamron will do, but if you can afford it and are prepared to carry the bulk and weight of the 105VR Nikkor then for general macro use it is unbeaten. I am lucky enough to own one and its performance is remarkable. Many people on this forum are very satisfied with the Tamron 90 and Sigma 105 macros.

[daft_biker]

My suggestion would be a 70-300mm with a "macro" function. It will give you that extra reach and increase your close up capability.

Your 18-55mm probably gives a maximum "macro" magnification of about 1:3 or one third lifesize. Some 70-300mm lenses (or similar telephoto zoom) will give 1:2 or half lifesize allowing you to fill the frame with smaller subjects.

You can probably get a new 70-300mm for a couple of hundred quid but you might want to do some research as to which one to go for as some will be better than others and some cost most that others. Sigma do some if you want somewhere to start looking.

If half lifesize still isn't close enough and you want to get even closer on a budget there are several options discussed here. I think extension tubes are a good way to get into macro....no need to spend several hundred quid on a dedicated macro lens to start out with

[AndyTake2]

The Nikon 70-300VR is a cracking lens for it's price. My Wife uses it all the time on a D60 and a D700, and it can produce some great results.
I'd go that way if possible. The Macro is something I'd save up for - there are some nice lenses out there for it.
I own a Nikon 60mm Macro and a sigma 180 Macro, both of which are great. If I were to start again with macro, I'd go for the 105 VR, which is a bit mroe expensive, but that VR is something that is really tempting.

[Dorset_Mike]

My suggestion would be a 70-300mm with a "macro" function. It will give you that extra reach and increase your close up capability.

The Tamron 70-300/4-5.6 has a useable 1:2 macro and retains f4-4.5 for a considerable portion of its range, I used one for most of the time on Brownsea last Saturday, the macro was adequate for dragon and damsel flies and 300 was long enough for most of the bird shots from the hides.

[Zanuha]

i would recommend a Sigma 70-300 APO DG macro.
i have it for my canon and it is excellent for both long range shots and macro.

[Nibblewood]

Thanks a lot for all of your replies. Im probably going to save up for a bit. Where is the best place to buy lenses both new and second hand? I looked on amazon and there were some good prices there, but I don't know if I could get anything better from a more specialist shop? Thanks

[Learning]

Where is the best place to buy lenses both new and second hand?

Some major dealers advertise regularly in AP. There is also one minor dealer (mainly of second hand kit) who has featured in a less than complimentary way on these forums. For Nikon gear all the official Nikon retailers who advertise regularly are respectable although in one case they have a rather high opinion of themselves, with prices to match. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[Bawbee]

Check for best prices here: CameraPriceBuster Always worth a check for new.

[Nibblewood]

Ok then, i've narrowed it down to two, Sigma and Nikon. They seem to be pretty similar, both being 70-300mm. Are they actually any good, and which one would be more reliable (in terms of the make).

[Learning]

Not many people will have experience of both. Those of us who have bought either seem satisfied with our purchases. Look at the supposedly objective reviews, feel the lenses on your camera at a decent dealer and take your pick. Either of the lenses on your shortlist are very competant so it just comes down to personal preference.

[sillyconguru]

Ok then, i've narrowed it down to two, Sigma and Nikon.

I assume that the 'DL-M' of the Sigma's model number denotes that it has a built-in focussing motor, the Nikon lens doesn't have this and thus won't AF on your D40. Neither lens is great but they are certainly usable (the Nikon less so, because of the lack of AF motor, on a D40).

Oh, by the way. Please spell it 'lens', not 'lense'.

[El_Sid]

Ok then, i've narrowed it down to two, Sigma and Nikon. They seem to be pretty similar, both being 70-300mm. Are they actually any good, and which one would be more reliable (in terms of the make).

I have the Nikon one and it's tolerable although I suspect a touch of decentering is present as it's softer to one edge than the other. Probably not a lens I'd truly recommend. As far as the Sigma goes opinion has it that the APO version is the better lens for very little more.

None of these lenses however will offer AF on the D40 (they all require an in-camera motor and coupling) for that you need either an AF-S type Nikon or a HSM type Sigma.

For a similar price to the lenses you originally linked to you may be better looking at these Ex demo 55-200mm AF-S lenses from Ffordes... Slightly shorter range but they will AF on the D40.