Nikon 35mm f 1.8 + SB-600 OR sigma 18-200 OS HSM?

[JasonKR]

Hello guys,, this is my first posting,,

I'm using D40 with 18-55 lens (non-VR)

and i'm thinking to buy a lens for it., or flash

i take 50% nature, 50% people pictures

1) Nikon 35mm f1.8 + SB-600
OR
2) Sigma 18-200mm OS HSM?
OR
3) 55-200mm VR + SB-600

well... it's really hard to decide one...

my budget is around $400

please feel free to recommend one..

thanks.

[inkista]

If you're just starting out, my advice is get one thing at a time. Don't buy a bunch of new equipment all at once, particularly if you're still getting used to the camera. It usually takes a period of time to become used to any new piece of gear, and how it interacts with the camera.

Prioritize what it is you want to do the most and what's frustrating you the most about your current gear, and that will usually point you towards what you want most. Also make sure that a gear shortcoming really is a gear shortcoming, and not a matter of technique (e.g., lack of sharpness could be caused by shooting wide open, too slow a shutter speed, bad handholding technique, misfocusing, or not post-processing more than by the lens).

Are you most frustrated by lack of reach? Then get the 55-250.

Are you most frustrated by the look of the pop-up flash? Then get the SB-600 (although I also advocate waiting to buy a speedlight until you're completely comfortable shooting in full Manual and swapping stops among iso, aperture, and shutter speed, because flash photography adds another two or three factors to juggle, exposure-wise, and you need the basics of ambient down first).

Are you most frustrated at the lack of out of focus blur and low-light capability? Then get the 35/1.8.

Are you most frustrated by having to change lenses all the time? Or the need to pack a single lens when you travel instead of a variety? Then the 18-200 may be worth sacrificing some image quality for. (Personally, I just cart the extra gear, and have learned to change lenses quickly, using the body cap to shield the camera, but different squids for different kids).

[Lespaulstandard]

Inkista is right. Get what you need to fill a void in your equipment.

That said, I'm going to recommend the 35mm f/1.8. I just purchased this lens and I haven't taken it off my camera (D60) yet. For the price, the clarity is amazing. Well noticable over the 18-55mm kit lens. The other benefit is, like others have said, it will actually help you to become a better photographer. The lack of a zoom forces you to move around the subject to get the shot you are looking for, and this process makes you think about the shot more as you compose it.

[JasonKR]

ummm... thanks for the advise...ummmmmmmmm.. still .. can't decide one..