I want it!

[Tara333]

I am looking to purchase a new lens. I have a d40 and currently own a 35mm and the basic 18-55mm. I had purchased the 55-200mm but I didn't care for it. Does anyone have some suggestions on an inexpensive zoom lens? I particularly need something that can focus in a low light, recital setting and will be good for portraits. Two completely different things, I know, but if someone could make a suggestion that would be greatly appreciated!

[OsmosisStudios]

Yeah, youre not gonna get "good in low light", "zoom", and "inexpensive" in one package.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by OsmosisStudios

Yeah, youre not gonna get "good in low light", "zoom", and "inexpensive" in one package.

+1
Pick two, you can't have all three.

[dcclark]

Start saving for a constant f/2.8 70-200 lens. That's the best you'll get... and it'll cost!

[Tara333]

I figured as much. I just don't want to make the mistake of purchasing another lens that I'm unhappy with. I realize I'm asking basic questions but I had another photographer (who I suspect knows very little by some of the other interactions I've had with her) tell me that I shoot with landscape lenses. So, now I'm doubting myself. What would be ideal for portraits?

[OsmosisStudios]

A large-aperture telephoto prime. Something like an 85mm f/1.4.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by Tara333

I had another photographer (who I suspect knows very little by some of the other interactions I've had with her) tell me that I shoot with landscape lenses.

I suspect the same.....WTH is a "landscape lens"?
The 85 f/1.4 OS mentioned is one of the best. For versatile I'd choose a 28-70 f/2.8 but a lot depends upon the typical situation and your style (do you tend to work near or far?). Ask three other people and you'll likely get 3 different answers.

[jml79]

How has no one mentioned a 50mm prime for portraits. The f/1.8 is very inexpensive for such a great lens and the f/1.4 is not to expensive either.

[sk66]

because she already owns the 35mm and the 18-55. And IMO the 50mm is really too short for some of her requirements and is not an "ideal" choice for anything. It is, however, an inexpensive and very fast lens.

[vandergus]

If one of your primary uses is a recital setting, you may be able to get away with a manual focus lens. In such cases, you're distance to the subject and lighting will be relatively constant. You can dial in the focus and exposure at the beginning with some test shots then shoot away during the performance. You could save a ton of money and still get a really nice lens. The short list should include...

Nikkor 180mm f2.8 ED Ais: $300
Nikkor 180mm f2.8 P: $100
Nikkor 105mm f2.5 (any): $100-$200
Nikkor 85mm f1.8 Ai: $250

Not sure how well they would fill the additional role of portrait lens, though. For studio portraits they would probably be fine, but you might get frustrated by the manual focusing for candid portraits.