lenses and camera-new

[TheUsualSuspect]

hi im new and was thinking of getting a camera (nikon d40).
1.is the nikon d40 any good? i've had experience with other cameras and have been interested in photography for quite a while.
2.what lenses should i first obtain-ideal starters?
3.finally how much is a fisheye lense and where can i obtain one..?
cheers

[Nod]

1. The D40 isn't a bad camera. 6MegaPixels are enough to print up to A3 (when viewed from a suitable distance) as long as you don't crop too much. The only possible problem is that it needs AF-S (or equivalent) lenses to retain auto focus since it doesn't have an AF motor in the body which means that some good, cheap lenses aren't 100% compatible.

2. Start with the kit lens which will probably be the 18-55, or (if you can) get the slightly longer and better 18-70. Once you know which way you want to go (wider or longer) you'll have a better idea as to which lenses to go for. As mentioned before, any lenses for the D40 need to be AF-S (Nikon), HSM (Sigma) or others designed for the D40(x), D60, D3000 and D5000 so the lenses have AF motors built in. Of course, it's still possible to use the other AF lenses but you'll lose autofocus and manually focussing AF lenses isn't as easy as using older lenses on older bodies with focus aids in the screen.

3. Fisheyes vary in cost (have a look in the back of AP at the ads from places such as Warehouse Express) and are available at many photographic retailers, although Jessops have recently stopped stocking the Sigma range. Fisheyes are fun but not really for everyday use once the novelty's worn off.

Finally, welcome to the forum. Make yourself comfortable and get a round in!

[TheUsualSuspect]

cheers for the advice !

[TimF]

Jessops have recently stopped stocking the Sigma range.

Or perhaps the other way round!