Wanting a fixed lens but not sure which to buy?

[Jbos]

I'm new to this site so forgive my ignorance in being fairly new to the world of photography. I currently own a Nikon D40 x and use a wonderful AF-S Nikkor 18-200mm lens. I am wanting to have a little different look in some of my shots so am thinking I would like to buy a used fixed lens but don't know which one would suit my purpose best.
I mainly shoot children and like close-up shots. It was recommended that a fun lens with a cool different look would be a 35mm f2 lens. But then I've heard no that I need a 35 mm with f 1.8? And then I hear no I need a 55 mm with I don't know what the f would be? So now I don't know what to do...
Also wondering if anyone here has ever purchased a lens of this type off ebay? Are there certain descriptive words I need to look for? I'm sure I want auto focus even though I am mainly shooting manual these days...right?
Helplessly melting in this San Antonio heat hope someone can help me with my dilemma!
Jbos

[Jo.T]

If your interested in close ups, have you thought about a macro lense the tamron 90mm is great and makes a great portraite lense as well.
Have a look through your pics and see what focal length you use the most, Primes are very different to use, set your lense to 35mm or 50mm and try taking photos for a day.

Ebay, always do your homework first! know your lenses and the prices.
If you are buying through a company use a power seller that has a over 99% rating.
for private sales look for a good rating, make sure the lense is scratch and fungus free.
Always use Paypal that gives you some protection.
Set your price limit, mine is 1/2 - 2/3rd new Ebay price. to many times i have seen people pay more for a 2nd hand lense than you can buy it new on ebay.
Dont get caught up in auction fever if you miss one something else will come up, so stick to your limit.

I will say i have bought a lot off ebay but i also support my favorite camera store as much as possiable. Im happy to spend a little more for the after sale service, most store carry 2nd hand lense too with a limited warranty.

[TheMoons678]

I've purchased about a dozen nikon lenses on ebay, and over a dozen on craigslist. I think Craigslist is your best bet because you can try it out and see close up the condition before you buy. Here are your 3 options:

1. D40X with AF-S prime that will autofocus with your camera ($175 35mm f/1.8, $200 50mm f/1.8G, $400? 50mm 1.4G, etc...)

2. D40X with AF/AF-D lens. Cheaper, but must be manually focused. ($100 50mm f/1.8D, $90 50mm f/1.8 (non-D), 50mm f/1.4D $250, 35mm f/2 D $200?)

3. This is the option I did when I had a D60 and wanted to start using primes:
sell your D40X for about $250-$275 on craigslist, buy a D80 for $300-$350 on craigslist (enjoy the 11 point AF system, motor to autofocus cheaper AF/AF-D lenses, dedicated ISO/WB buttons, dual command dials for manual mode,...) Upgrading from D40X to D80 will cost less than $100. You can now refer back to option 2 and get a 50mm f/1.8D.

The cost of keeping you D40X and buying 50mm f/1.8G: $200
Cost of selling D40X, buying D80 + 50mm f/1.8D: $200

Note: check the shutter count of any camera before you buy it. Have them take a recent pic and email it to you unedited. You can inspect the pixels (for hot/dead pixels), and see the shutter count if you download opanda exif viewer (free), or simple upload that picture to www.myshuttercount.com.

[sk66]

Why?
You haven't told me anything that suggests your lens is the problem. Whatever focal length you buy is already covered by the 18-200.
If you don't now what you want *specifically* then I can't tell you what to get.

BTW, forget the "thrifty fifty" and similar....I'll let you in on a dirty little secret. They are "thrifty" because everyone eventually sells them off. If one fits your budget and does what you need, then fine. But they usually aren't the best choice.

Oh, and hair thin DOF/ "great Bokeh" is WAY overrated.

[TheMoons678]

Originally Posted by sk66

Oh, and hair thin DOF/ "great Bokeh" is WAY overrated.

Reminds me of a father telling his 16 yr old son that he doesnt need that red sports car that he wants, and how wise it would be to get a volvo.

Speaking as a new amateur, bokeh/DOF shots are what attracted me to buy a DSLR. It's been the one thing that we wanted most and couldnt achieve with our P&S.

I'm sure it'll get old as they realize that shooting everything wide open at 1.8 wont give you the sharpest images.

[sk66]

Originally Posted by TheMoons678

Reminds me of a father telling his 16 yr old son that he doesnt need that red sports car that he wants, and how wise it would be to get a volvo.

Speaking as a new amateur, bokeh/DOF shots are what attracted me to buy a DSLR. It's been the one thing that we wanted most and couldnt achieve with our P&S.

I'm sure it'll get old as they realize that shooting everything wide open at 1.8 wont give you the sharpest images.

Ah yes, control of DOF is important. No question.

But f/1.8? Not for me.... not unless I'm shooting in a dark bar with ambient light only.

[Jbos]

Thanks to all of you who gave me great feedback to my seemingly naive question concerning a new lens. Think I will take a bit of time and consider all my options before jumping into anything. Maybe even better...I'll just sit back and read all the advise you guys have and maybe I'll learn how to take better photos...maybe!
Thanks again, I need all the help I can get!