Shopping for New Camera

[Justin Carl]

Never underestimate the kit lenses.
Here is a write up about the 18-55 that comes with the Nikon.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-55-ii.htm
I really miss this lens.
I actually traded it in for the 18-135 because I was looking for something a little more versatile.
Now I'm kicking myself!
The 18-135 will not focus up close like my 18-55 did.
I might actually go back and buy it again.

 

[Vibrant Chameleons]

Never underestimate the kit lenses.
Here is a write up about the 18-55 that comes with the Nikon.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/18-55-ii.htm
I really miss this lens.
I actually traded it in for the 18-135 because I was looking for something a little more versatile.
Now I'm kicking myself!
The 18-135 will not focus up close like my 18-55 did.
I might actually go back and buy it again.

Hey Justin. I actually read that the entire section on the D40 and I'm pretty excited about picking it up tonight. He really made my final decision.

Now my next decision... What Macro lens would be the best in a decent price range? I'm looking to pick one up in the fall. Any suggestions?

 

[Justin Carl]

Sweet!
I bet your really excited.
I cant wait to see a bunch of pictures of you whole crew.
Don't expect to take amazing pictures right away.
It has taken me 4 months to really learn my camera, and I still don't know much.
Auto mode takes great pictures, but to get your moneys worth you need to shoot in A or P.
I bought my macro used from www.keh.com for 300$ shipped.
Here is the macro I use.
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/60mm-afd.htm
It is a bit on the old side, but it is a great lens!
It's not auto focus, so you will be taking several more pictures.
The updated auto focus review is here:
http://www.kenrockwell.com/nikon/60mm-afs.htm

Josh at Lost Lake Chams got me turned onto Ken Rockwells site.
It's now my camera bible.
I have bought several books like Nikon D40 for Dummies, and didn't learn a thing.
His website has been the great source of information I have found so far.

 

[Vibrant Chameleons]

Yeah Justin, I'm totally pumped to get rid of this crappy point and shoot camera and add the D40.
I've learned quite a bit so far from reading Ken Rockwells site. The stock 15-55mm is pretty brilliant.

I was actually looking at the Nikon AF-S Micro NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8G ED but that'll have to wait since it's $520+tax.

I'll be testing out my camera this weekend as it's supposed to be nice out. I'll be sure to post a few shots

 

[Tygerr]

I've just got a Sigma 105 2.8 DG EX Macro (Nikon mount), and I'm quite happy with it.
It's a lot more reasonably priced than a Micro-Nikkor at the same focal length (though the Nikon 105 is VR).

Although I was tempted to get the Sigma 150, I figured with the crop factor of 1.5x on my D70's sensor, 105 was long enough, and probably a little more practical.

 

[Vibrant Chameleons]

I've just got a Sigma 105 2.8 DG EX Macro (Nikon mount), and I'm quite happy with it.
It's a lot more reasonably priced than a Micro-Nikkor at the same focal length (though the Nikon 105 is VR).

Although I was tempted to get the Sigma 150, I figured with the crop factor of 1.5x on my D70's sensor, 105 was long enough, and probably a little more practical.

When you get a chance, can you post a few shots with that lens?

 

[royden]

Hey Justin, Wanna buy my 18-55?

I'm about to replace it with a 10-22.

After shooting the 60mm, I can't go back.

 

[royden]

whoops - forgot - I'm in the canon family - I believe you have a nikon.