Hi! I bought a basically brand new D40 over the summer. the 18-55 kit lens has done a pretty good job, but I'm looking for something a little more. What would you suggest for a college student on a budget?

The 55-200 is the other half of a common pair of lenses that gives decent results.

____________________________________________________________________
When no one is looking, Pigs can walk on they're hind legs

You should also look at the 55-300 Nikon if you want a lens with longer reach. It is a bit more expensive than the 55-200, and I sympathize with your having a limited budget, but consider both lenses before you decide on one.

Randy

Hi Francis,

Where is your 18-55mm falling short?
What is your subject(s) and ambient lighting conditions?

For more reach, I agree with the others. The 55-300mm would be my first choice followed by the 55-200mm VR depending on how tight your budget is.

If you are shooting in low light without flash, the 50mm f/1.8G AF-S or 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX are inexpensive and very sharp lenses.
Good Luck and Enjoy your Nikons!

Best Regards,
Marty

>If you are shooting in low light without flash, the 50mm
>f/1.8G AF-S or 35mm f/1.8G AF-S DX are inexpensive and very
>sharp lenses.

I agree with this, I have the 35mm f1.8 and I think for the price it is a very good lens. I bought mine probably 2 years ago and use it all the time on my D40x and a good bit on my D7000

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

The D40 is a terrific camera. Personally I have D90 and D7000 but still enjoy the little cam. Instead of 55-200 get a 55-300. I bought one on eBay from cameta camera -refurbisbed. It was like new. Also plan buying a prime lens - 35mm 1.8 apreture. It is the best artistic tool if you are on a budget. Enjoy your D40!

I would also go with the longer reach lens get a refurbished one at a reasonable price something like this: http://www.keh.com/camera/Nikon-Digital-Zoom-Lenses/1/sku-DN07999115723X3?r=FE.

"Step into my world and see as I see"

My Nikonians Gallery

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

Being in college and on a budget, the D40 is a great choice. With the kit lens (18-55mm)you can shoot normal range shots in medium light situations. For some zoom capability the 55-300mm will give you the most zoom, but being on a budget as you are the 55-200mm VR will give you the most bang for the buck. For a prime lens, you can't go wrong with the 35mm 1.8 which is well suited for portraits or low light situations. With these 3 lenses you'll be able to shoot almost anything and get excellent results. Good luck and enjoy your Nikon D40.

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

Visit my Nikonians gallery.

Hi everyone! sorry I haven't been active on here for a while. I've been working on my car, since it's one of my favorite things to photograph

here's a few that I've taken recently...

<a href="http://s726.beta.photobucket.com/user/sbislife/media/DSC_0806_zpsfdfd0148.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww266/sbislife/DSC_0806_zpsfdfd0148.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/></a>
<a href="http://s726.beta.photobucket.com/user/sbislife/media/DSC_0803_zpsbf790170.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww266/sbislife/DSC_0803_zpsbf790170.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/></a>
<a href="http://s726.beta.photobucket.com/user/sbislife/media/DSC_0792_zps8ea595ed.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww266/sbislife/DSC_0792_zps8ea595ed.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/></a>
<a href="http://s726.beta.photobucket.com/user/sbislife/media/DSC_0782_zpsbc281ec0.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww266/sbislife/DSC_0782_zpsbc281ec0.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/></a>
<a href="http://s726.beta.photobucket.com/user/sbislife/media/DSC_0776_zps72f3d660.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i726.photobucket.com/albums/ww266/sbislife/DSC_0776_zps72f3d660.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"/></a>