Lens Setup

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MikeHowarth

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Hi guys

Haven't been round for a while but would really appreciate peoples thoughts.

I bought a Nikon D40 about 12 months ago and went with the twin lens kit (18-55 & 55-200).

Overall I'm still really happy with the camera and don't feel that I've outgrown it yet, but I've found that the lens set up doesn't really suit my needs.

On a recent holiday I found myself frequently changing between lenses which was pretty frustrating so looking for a bit more of a flexible walkaround lens. We're also going on a safari early in the new year and after a similar trip last year I found the 55-200 to come up a little short.

Initially I was looking at the 18-200 and then supplementing this with 70-300 however I was wondering whether this is really overkill and maybe something like the 18-105 and the 70-300 would cover most of my needs a bit better.

Anyone running a similar set up and have any thoughts?

I also saw the 55-300 recently and wondered whether this is optically any better than the 70-300?

Finally with a bit of christmas money I'm looking to add some filters to my setup. My initial thought was to add a circular polarizer and then some grads, I initially looked at some when buying my set up but funds wouldn't allow. Whats the concensus on decent makes? B&W, Lee?
 
Its nice to have an overlap, but a rule of thumb is increased zoom range on a lens means that its optical performance maybe hindered.

the 70-300 range of lenses are generally pretty good. I would suggest keeping that and maybe think a bit harder on your shorter range lens. I am not a Nikon user so cant suggest what is out there.
 
would you use a longer lens for anything other than your trip? If not, hire one. Seems silly to spend money on a lens that you'll use for a week or two, then may not get used until the next time you take a trip of that nature again.

I made the same mistake when I had my D40x. Went to SA, went to a game reserve, bought a Siggy 70-300mm, hardly been used since. Sat at home in my bag.
 
To be fair that isn't a bad suggestion, I'd never really thought about it and looking at somewhere like lensesforhire I could probably get a 80-400 for the trip.

I'm mainly in to landscape photography so had been thinking about going for the Tokina 12-24 so hiring may free up funds to get the Tokina lens quicker than I thought.

That still leaves the walkaround lens though, would something like the 18-105 be worth a look?
 
MikeHowarth said:
To be fair that isn't a bad suggestion, I'd never really thought about it and looking at somewhere like lensesforhire I could probably get a 80-400 for the trip.

I'm mainly in to landscape photography so had been thinking about going for the Tokina 12-24 so hiring may free up funds to get the Tokina lens quicker than I thought.

That still leaves the walkaround lens though, would something like the 18-105 be worth a look?
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Happy to help!

Take a look at the 16-85 as your walkabout lens. It's a good option
 
Thanks for the recommendation, haven't come across the 16-85 lens before.

Just had a peek on flickr at some of the images - looks a very sharp lens.
 
MikeHowarth said:
... I could probably get a 80-400 for the trip.
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You could, but don't forget that the 80-400 won't autofocus on a D40 body. You need an AF-S lens rather than an AF lens, because your body doesn't have a focussing motor in it.
 
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