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Discussion in 'Creative Arts' started by 4REphotographer, Feb 7, 2008.

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  1. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

    Oct 22, 2006
    6,197
    Arlington, VA
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    Chris
    #1 4REphotographer, Feb 7, 2008
    I currently have a D40 and I have the 18-55mm kit lens and while it is a great lens I am thinking about a replacement which is a little faster and a little longer. I have a thing for really crisp pictures, I am just not happy with soft pictures. I am looking at an 18-70mm or the 18-135 which I have heard good and bad from both. If anyone has either of these please chime in, or if you have any other ideas. Thanks
     
  2. bludevil12

    bludevil12 Formula 3
    Lifetime Rossa

    May 12, 2004
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    David L.
    #2 bludevil12, Feb 7, 2008
    Canon. That is all.
     
  3. tl731

    tl731 Formula Junior

    Oct 13, 2004
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    #3 tl731, Feb 7, 2008
    I have the 18-70 on my d50 and love it. It was the lens I paired my d50 with when I purchases it preowned last year.
    Its very sharp, and very well made compared to the quality of the kit 18-55.
    You might want a little more reach, in which case the 18-200VR would be an excellent option.
    Not sure of your budget, the 18-70 can be had for 180-200, the 18-200VR can be found in the low 600 range.
    best of luck
     
  4. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

    Oct 22, 2006
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    #4 4REphotographer, Feb 8, 2008
    I got the 70-300mm for Christmas so range isn't a problem. :D I never knew about the 18-70mm until yesterday and I thought it would be a perfect companion. Thanks for the input, could you post some pictures taken with the lens? Thanks.
     
  5. Protouring442

    Protouring442 F1 Veteran

    Sep 5, 2007
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    One Stupid SOB
    #5 Protouring442, Feb 8, 2008
    As I understand it, only D40 lenses will work on a D40, whereas the other D series cameras will accept any lens made for Nikon DSLRs.

    Shiny Side Up,
    Bill
     
  6. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

    Oct 22, 2006
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    #6 4REphotographer, Feb 8, 2008
    All lenses work except for the auto-focus on some. The D40 doesn't have an AF motor which makes it much smaller and lighter. An AF-S lens has the motor built-in so that it quieter. Any AF lens will work but you will need to manual focus unless it is a AF-S.
     
  7. Cicada

    Cicada Formula 3

    May 22, 2005
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    Bryan
    #7 Cicada, Feb 11, 2008
    the 18-70 lens that came/comes with the D70/D80 is a great lens. very sharp throughout the entire range.

    another good lens you might want to check out is the 18-200 VR -- its a decent 'all in one' lens with, as you can expect, a lot of utility.

    you might want to rent the lenses you're considering from rentglass.com -- they do nikon glass now, too. Great way to try everything out for a fair price.
     
  8. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

    Oct 22, 2006
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    #8 4REphotographer, Feb 11, 2008
    I think I am going to go with the 18-70 since it is a perfect match to my 70-300. I really like the 18-200 but it is pretty expensive and I would feel stupid having the 18-200 and the 70-300. Any thoughts on comparing the 18-70 and the 18-135? The 18-70 is faster but the 18-135 is obviously more range without having to switch to the 70-300 but it doesn't have VR. Maybe get the 18-135 and then the new 16-85? There are just so many choices. :D Thanks for the advice and I never knew you could rent lenses, any lens I want over $500 I am definitely going to rent first.
     
  9. Agntbrd

    Agntbrd Rookie

    Jan 8, 2006
    16
    #9 Agntbrd, Feb 12, 2008
    From what I have read, the 18-70 is supposed to be a little better than the 18-135. Makes sense, the wider the range a lens has to cover, the bigger the compromise.
     

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