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View Full Version : A Newbies question on lenses.

Montymint
23-05-2009, 09:38
Hi guys,

I have a bit of a daft lense related question.

I've recently picked up the photography bug that seems to be going around, and afer buying a D40 with a 17-70mm lens I'm happy enough to start investing more money into glass.

Now, I'm due to go to portugal at the end of June (so lots of reading / praccy to get in haha!) and i'm looking to take a lot of photographs of the older buildings in Faro, and take a lot of beach shots of an island where my parents have a house, as well as try a few night shots as we get clear skies there.

My question is, what lens would be more suited to my needs? Something like a nifty fifty since I'll be doing a lot of walkabout shots, with maybe another lens or go for a 10-20mm ??

I'll have about £400 to play with so I'm not too fussed. I'm already investing in a decent tripod and remote for the camera for longer exposure shots here, so that won't need to be taken into account.

I'd appreciate any help as I'd like to gt over there knowing I've made the right choice.

Kind regards

Peter
melevo
23-05-2009, 09:47
the tokina 12-24mm IMO, i found it more pleasing to use, instead of the 10-20mm
Montymint
23-05-2009, 09:56
Will it AF on a d40?
sdb123
23-05-2009, 10:28
Will it AF on a d40?

They have released a version of the Tokina 12-24mm with an AF motor in, so yes, the newest version will AF on a D40.
Montymint
23-05-2009, 10:30
that's cool, I'll probably look to buy one new in that case, so I'm sure it'll AF.

so by the looks of it going into the lower focal range is the way to go then?
Chumpalot
23-05-2009, 10:33
.

so by the looks of it going into the lower focal range is the way to go then?

If you're going to be taking pictures of landscapes, beaches and open areas then I'd say a wide angle lens would be a worthwhile purchase :thumbs:

I upgraded my D40x kit lens (17-55 iirc) to an 18-70 DX. I must say for the price difference the jump in image quality is wonderful. The 18-70 DX can be had for around £100.

Hope this helps.
sdb123
23-05-2009, 10:34
From your opening post I would certainly look at an ultra-wide angle (UWA) lens, this will complement your existing lens nicely. The 50mm is a good walkabout lens however will be MF on a D40 and for me, is a little too long on a cropped-sensor camera.

If you don't fancy purchasing a lens you could always contemplate hiring a lens or two for the trip. :)
melevo
23-05-2009, 10:34
get down to your local outlet and have a play, proof is in the pudding, and see what pleases you.
Montymint
23-05-2009, 10:39
I have the 18-70mm DX and I'm enjoying it loads :)

I considered hiring but I wasn;t sure what the stanc3 ould be on taking one abroad for 2 weeks.

Melevo, I think you are right, I have a jessops and a jacobs literally over the road from eachother so I could go and have a play with a couple,I just don't like salesman patter haha as I always end up buying what I feel is a rushed purchase.

thanks for the input so far guys!
sdb123
23-05-2009, 10:43
Melevo, I think you are right, I have a jessops and a jacobs literally over the road from eachother so I could go and have a play with a couple,I just don't like salesman patter haha as I always end up buying what I feel is a rushed purchase.

Take your camera along, get a couple of lenses on to 'test' and then leave the shop(s) and view the pictures on your computer at home. :)
Montymint
23-05-2009, 10:44
Thats a good plan, I'll try to get a test in tomorrow a week in advance of payday, that way I cannot spend anything!! :P
Chumpalot
23-05-2009, 10:54
Don't be forced into purchasing something you don't need, or want :thumbs: Good luck with your purchase :)
Montymint
26-05-2009, 21:37
hmm Jessops don't seem to stock tonkinas.

are there any otehr reliable places to get these at a reasonable price?

I don't fancy the bay or simplyelectronics, good prices but I can;t risk the delivery.
HoppyUK
26-05-2009, 23:00
Warehouse Express stock most things and are ultra reliable.

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/category/basecategory.aspx?cat03=3077&brand=251

Go to Norwich and you can try everything under the sun for yourself :)
Montymint
27-05-2009, 16:43
cheers for the link Hoppy! Think I'll order myself one in a couple of weeks. Norwich is a *tad* out of my way from Newcastle :p