Nikon D40 - Lens Size Advice Needed.

[Cuban]

Very happy with my D40, but have found, perhaps as you'd expect, some limitations.

I have a requirement now for a lens bigger than the 200mm I have, but our
friends at Jessops tell me the largest I can use on the D40 is a 300mm.


Back when I was first looking at the camera, a list was posted on a thread
here (see below) which left me with the understanding I could get a anything
between 300 and 800mm?

So are Jessops correct?

I need to sort something out before Thursday, so any help would be appreciated.

Oh and yes, before it is mentioned, I am considering moving up (D80) but that
is a whole new subject!

iamlofi said:

If you have a issue with the lenses that are compatible with the D40 here is a list of current ones that will work. And as i said before more are comming out very shortly

Nikon
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-70mm f/3.5-4.5G IF-ED
AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 12-24mm f/4G IF-ED
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 55-200mm f/4-5.6G ED
AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED
AF-S Zoom-Nikkor 28-70mm f/2.8D IF-ED
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 200-400mm f/4G IF-ED
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 24-120mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G IF-ED
AF-S VR Zoom-Nikkor 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED
AF-S VR Micro-Nikkor 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED
AF-S VR Nikkor 300mm f/2.8G IF-ED
AF-S Nikkor 400mm f/2.8D IF-ED II
AF-S Nikkor 600mm f/4D IF-ED II
AF-S VR Nikkor 200mm f/2G IF-ED
AF-S Nikkor 300mm f/4D IF-ED
AF-S Nikkor 500mm f/4D IF-ED II

AF-S Teleconverter TC-14E II
AF-S Teleconverter TC-17E II
AF-S Teleconverter TC-20E II

Sigma
12-24mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG ASPHERICAL HSM
17-35mm F2.8-4 EX DG ASPHERICAL HSM
APO 50-500mm F4-6.3 EX DG HSM
APO 70-200mm F2.8 EX DG MACRO HSM
APO 100-300mm F4 EX DG HSM
APO 120-300mm F2.8 EX DG HSM
APO 300-800 F5.6 EX DG HSM
APO MACRO 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM
APO MACRO 180mm F3.5 EX DG IF HSM
10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM
APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSM
30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM
APO 800mm f5.6 EX DG HSM
APO 500mm F4.5 EX DG/HSM
APO 300mm F2.8 EX DG/HSM
80-400mm f4.5-5.6 EX DG OS

[poah]

you are limited in what you can use because of the lack of a focus screw. non AF-S(I) lenses will meter correctly but you'd not have any autofocus.

[_dobbo_]

As poah says because of the lack of a focus screw you can only use Nikkor AF-S lenses, or Sigma HSM lenses.

This was the thing about the D40 that never made sense to me, as it's a budget camera but doesn't work with any budget lenses.

The sad truth is you are probably looking at well over £500 for any lens >300mm that has the required focus mechanism in the lens itself.

[Cuban]

_dobbo_ said:

The sad truth is you are probably looking at well over £500 for any lens >300mm that has the required focus mechanism in the lens itself.

They were suggesting the Tamron 70-300mm, at their price £199, but this is
cheaper and wasn't offered, Sigma 70-300mm f/4-5.6 DG Macro.

Would this also not be suitable? Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG OS HSM

[Simpo Two]

_dobbo_ said:

This was the thing about the D40 that never made sense to me, as it's a budget camera but doesn't work with any budget lenses.

It was a cost saving idea - they have to leave something out or they wouldn't sell any D80s. AF-S lenses are not necessarily expensive. The D40 was launched as a 'starter' camera, with every intention that if the buyer got more enthusiastic they'd trade up.

Looking at the list there's a 600mm AF-S lens so I guess the Jessops man was simply telling you what they had in stock.

My understanding that any Nikon AF-S or Sigma HSM lens will work.

Edited by Simpo Two on Tuesday 8th July 20:12

[RobDickinson]

Simpo Two said:

My understanding that any Nikon AF-S or Sigma HSM lens will work.

My understanding also.

Tamron/tokina dont have an AF-S or HSM equivelant

That 120-400 HSM OS sigma will work.

[Cuban]

RobDickinson said:

Simpo Two said:

My understanding that any Nikon AF-S or Sigma HSM lens will work.

My understanding also.

Tamron/tokina dont have an AF-S or HSM equivelant

It seems it does now.


Tamron 70-300mm f4.0-5.6 Di LD Macro Lens

Lightweight and compact telephoto zoom lens suitable for both 35mm and digital SLR cameras. 1.5m close focus in normal setting plus a macro mode which enables you to photograph 95cm away from your subject. 62mm filter thread. Nikon fitting version now has a built in AF motor so is now compatible with Nikon D40 / D40x / D60 cameras. Maximum magnification ratio of 1:2 for macro capability.

[RobDickinson]

Yeah that should work but I doubt its the piezo ring system AF-S/HSM/ring USM is.

Its probably just a little motor and gears ala micro USM.


edit:- as in the same motor they put on the canon version of the lenses, as no canon have body motors anyhow.

Sigma have specificaly added HSM to their 18-50f2.8 in nikon fit, but charge more for it, dont know why they dont offer that in a canon mount too.

Edited by RobDickinson on Tuesday 8th July 22:12

[Cuban]

RobDickinson said:

Yeah that should work but I doubt its the piezo ring system AF-S/HSM/ring USM is.

Its probably just a little motor and gears ala micro USM.


edit:- as in the same motor they put on the canon version of the lenses, as no canon have body motors anyhow.

Sigma have specificaly added HSM to their 18-50f2.8 in nikon fit, but charge more for it, dont know why they dont offer that in a canon mount too.

Edited by RobDickinson on Tuesday 8th July 22:12

Thanks for that Rob, what negatives would having the motor bring?

[RobDickinson]

Cuban said:

Thanks for that Rob, what negatives would having the motor bring?

Negatives? Less positives...

Ring USM/AF-S means you can manualy focus when your in AF mode, i.e. override and correct .

Cant do that with just an old school motor and gears, typicaly.

Also motor/gears is usualy slower and noiser than the piezo/ring stuff.

[Cuban]

Gone for the Sigma 150-500mm f5.0-6.3 APO DG OS HSM Lens

Thanks for your help.