I've got a D40X, it's a good camera for dragging through the woods and in the rain like I do. The lack of lenses is indeed a drag.

7/12/2008 11:22:31 AM

OK..so got my wife this for her birthday coming up...
in the package I got the Nikon D40 with 18-55mm lens. it also came with the 55-200mm lens. already got a carrying case and all that jazz.

What other goodies could I get for it (in terms of hardware (lens or flashes))? What are some "must-have" lenses or flashes?
I'm guessing she'll only need a big flash if she is going to be someone very dark!?

8/7/2008 3:51:02 PM

p

[Edited on August 7, 2008 at 3:57 PM. Reason : p]

8/7/2008 3:57:01 PM

a good Nikon AFS or Sigma HSM prime (non-zoom) lens in the 35-50mm range. The sigma 50mm is a very nice lens but is about 500 bucks. If Nikon is smart they will be working on updating their lens lineup for more AFS lenses with the latest nano-coatings.

SB400 or SB600 flash is going to be VERY nice for any indoor shot or any portraits she may take.

8/7/2008 5:18:42 PM

i heard only particular lenses are compatible with the d40?? something about AF-S or AF-I?

does that mean i can't use any other lens?

8/7/2008 5:21:56 PM

any lens that uses a screw drive focus will not autofocus on the D40/60. I mentioned this early on page 1. Nikon calls their lenses that have internal focus motors (the ones you can use on the D40) "AF-S" lenses. Sigma is HSM, Tamron is BIM. Other lenses can be used but only as a manual focus lens.

[Edited on August 7, 2008 at 9:53 PM. Reason : ]

8/7/2008 9:52:50 PM

look for the 30 prime or 50 prime lens for the d40. Most lenses in those ranges are pretty good across most manufacturers. I'd first look at the SB600 flash as your first accessory, then pair it with an off camera flash cord (or even an ebay cheap pos wireless trigger for it) and a diffuser box.

8/8/2008 4:38:50 AM

^this will be a complete stupid question i have a feeling...but..

when you attach the flash to the top of the camera...how does it know when to flash? is it connected to some electrical taps or something?

8/8/2008 8:22:26 AM

Yes, there are 4 electrical contacts on the top of the camera that the flash attaches to. The middle one is the "trigger" contact and the other three are used to communicate between the camera and flash. Just turn it on and you're camera will know it's there and adjust.

8/8/2008 12:18:57 PM