Hi new to DSLR's with a few questions

[Hazegry]

Hi guys I just got back from Disney world and had fun with my Canon Power Shot SX110IS I took 1620 pics while there. These are a few of them Flickr: hazegry's Photostream .
I found that I was always trying to out shoot the camera or it wouldnt do what I wanted. I did get some good shots but when I blow them up they get grainy I tried to use one as a wallpaper and it was disapointing. So I went to BestBuy and bought a D40 it was a stretch for my budget well the wife said it was a stretch I felt comfortable buying the D90 lol. Anyways I have a D40 I bought a uv filter and a lowpro trekker 100 backpack to protect the camera. I also have a tripod and monopod I bought to use with the cannon.

I like to do cityscapes and landscapes I also like to take pics of animals but dont get the chance that often unless its my dogs. I would like to get into macro photos to use with my art. I started taking photos a long time ago just to draw the photos but now I would like to step up my skills as I rarely get time to draw or paint anymore.

So I am looking for recommendations on a good zoom action lens a wide angle for city and landscapes and a macro lens. I have 275 to spend on lenses and a flash if I need one. I don't mind manually focusing a shot for city and landscapes and the macro shots if it saves money I would rather give up auto focus to save money than picture quality. I am open to any suggestions and recommendations I have some more of my hobby stuff for sale so I should have more funds soon. I am looking to get the best picture quality on a budget if I have to give up a bell or whistle for that so be it I also understand I will need more than 275 to get everything I want.

[Shokinen]

Hey Hazegry,

275$ doesn't bring you far away in this world but you still have a few options. I'm assuming you purchased the kit including the 18-55mm.

-Zoom: the 55-200 could be a nice addition for 330$ VR (the non VR version is 230$ but the VR version is better in low light).

- Macro: no cheap options here except the new 85mm f/3.5 that will be available in December for 580$.

- Wide: 18mm is only a bit longer than what is normally consider wide angle. You won't find a cheap option here either. Tokina 11-16mm is 790$ and the Nikon 10-24mm is 1100$.

-Flash: the Nikon SB600 at 280$ is a nice addition to your kit. You could also look at the SB400 for 140$. The downside of the SB400 is that it can only be tilt vertically and is a little bit less powerfull.

All the prices are in Canadian and doesn't include anything discount.

Hope this help.

[PowerPix]

For wide angle, the Sigma 10-20mm lens is $480.

[OsmosisStudios]

Take a look at popular online camera stores like B&H and Adorama for pricing: you'll note that <$300 doesnt get you very far (I can think of 2 lenses, 2 flashes and... well that's it). You'll be better off waiting, saving money and then getting something you really want.

[jnelson]

I agree with the above comments. The prices Shokinen posted seem a bit high, you can check BHPhoto, adorama and amazon for prices. Also check craigslist in your area for used stuff. The 55-200 VR is a great lens that you can find used around 175. Also, the older nikon 70-300 can be had used for about 125 but will require manual focus, not the best if your looking to shoot animals or birds. The sigma 70-300 APO is about 209 brand new and will AF on the D40 and offers a macro mode that shoots 1:2 (not true macro, which is 1:1, but better than nothing). Thats about all i can think of for teles, i cant really think of any inexpensive wide angle lenses, but i can say that i had good experience with the kit lens @ 18mm. Also, if you want to really get into macro, you can get a 50mm 1.8 and a reversing ring to attach it to your kit lens, ive never done this but hear it can be fun for super macro.

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by jnelson

I agree with the above comments. The prices Shokinen posted seem a bit high

Shokinen posted $CAD values, which are a bit higher than the american prices. Even though the dollar is practically at parity

[Hazegry]

I figured as much on the prices of lenses this is what I am thinking of using for now untill I can afford the fancier stuff. Amazon.com: Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras: Camera & Photo one of these with a reversing adapter for macro shots it might not go totaly to 1:1 but I saw some pics my friend took with hers reversed and it was good enough for me. Wide angle nothing yet might have to bite the bullet on that one and as far as a zoom I am looking at this Quantaray 251666095 70-300 mm DI f/4-5.6 Digital Series AF Zoom Lens for Nikon I think I might get a good flash to start with I am not sure on that one I am just doing this for fun so its not like I am getting paid for my shots they are just for me. I am thinking about getting a remote as well I am not sure yet. The guy I bought my backpack from on ebay is trying to add extra shipping charges now so I might have to get a different bag oh well thats the way it goes some days

[Hazegry]

just found the sb400 for 114 at amazon so I may go that route

[Shokinen]

Keep in mind the 50mm f/1.8 will not auto-focus on your D40.

You might want to check for the 35mm (280$ CAD) but I don't know if you can use a reverse ring with the 35mm.

[Hazegry]

you cannot use the reversing ring with the 35mm so I went and bought the 50mm lens, reversing ring, quantaray QF30 flash, a lens cleaning kit, and understanding exposure by Bryan Peterson. That took all my extra camera funds for now. I might have to stay at work for the next 3 days but after that I am going put some stuff up for sale on Craigslist to get a few more lenses or maybe a nice ball mount tripod. I got the flash at Ritz camera for 79 bucks that was cheaper than at amazon by 40 bucks so I feel I got some good deals and added some nice equipment to my camera bag.

I have added over a 1000 pics to my flickr account so take a look and tell me what you think.