Quote:
Originally Posted by jaibir Hi Guys,
I own a Nikon D40 with the standard 18-55 kit lens. I've spent the last few months finding my way around the camera and have just started to make proper use of it.
I've identified two main weaknesses that I need to address in the kit:
1. No Image Stabilisation in the stock lens - I do a bit of low light photography and do miss this. The 18-55 Nikon lens with VR is 9k in grey at JJ Mehta.
2. Zoom: I do need to invest in a decent zoom lens. For this as well, VR would be necessary. I've identified the Nikon 55-200 AF-S VR. It's available for 11k.
One option I have is to invest in the lenses and keep my existing camera (19k). The other is to upgrade the entire kit. For this I'm looking at the Olympus E-510 (38k with b&w including two lenses - 14-42 and 40-150). Netting of what I might get for my existing camera, the investment would be about 5k more for a higher pixelage camera with b&w, less if I can get it in grey.
Which option of the two would make more sense? I haven't used anything outside the Nikon/Canon universe earlier so don't know about lens/accessories availability and maintenance options.
I'm in no particular hurry and can wait a few weeks before making the purchase. I'll be travelling to Thailand in June. Would it make sense to make the purchases there?
Sorry for the long post. Hope someone who has a bit more experience with cameras can guide me.
Thanks
Jaibir |
Jaibir, my belief is once you've invested in a system both in terms of money and time learning about it, it's a waste to do it all over again. My suggestion is stick with the D40 and get the 55-200 VR to expand your zoom range.
As far as low-light photography goes, the VR in the 55-200 will help a little but not too much. It's already a slow lens and VR will give you a two to three stop advantage.
Stabilization in body vs. lens is a endlessly debatable topic. The stabilization in lens school of thought says that different lenses require different VR solutions. A macro lens like the Nikon 105mm VR is optimized for close focussing distances. You can't make those tweaks with one-size-fits-all body-based stabilization. Quote:
Originally Posted by kvish VR lens may give 1 stop advantage. From my little experience, I found that for lowlight f2.8 is minimum. You need something with a higher aperture than kit lens. Also D40 has superb high iso performance. I suggest you pick up a 50mm prime (f/1.8) bump up the iso and you'll be happy with lowlight performance. It should be available for < $150. There is no point in changing your complete system for this. |
VR actually gives more than a one stop advantage. I've taken sharp shots at 1/8th of a second at 200mm with my 18-200 VR but then I also have very steady hands.
I agree with the advice on the 50/1.8. Quote:
Originally Posted by jaibir The problem is that the D40 requires an autofocus motor in the lens (AF - S, AF - I lenses in the Nikon range). This isnt available in the 50 mm prime. With that, I would be stuck on manual focus.
I would need to upgrade my camera body at some point to access a wider variety of lenses even if I do stick with Nikon in any case. |
Jaibir, I hear your pain about the limited focussing ability of the D40. That to me is a major drawback. As I've said earlier in this thread, one advantage of choosing Nikon over other systems is the availability of second-hand lenses - the D40 negates that. However, as far as low light is concerned, you may not be able to AF anyway so getting a 50/1.8 may not be a bad idea. Its bright, sharp and cheap. Sells new for $100 in most countries. Officially from Nikon India its about Rs. 6,500. The 18-55, 55-200 VR and 50/1.8 will make a good lens kit. On the D40 the 50mm would actually become a 75mm short portrait lens. If you want to spend more and get closer to the 50mm angle of view on the D40 then you could go for the 35/2 instead. You'll still have to focus manually though.
Lastly, I think buying in Thailand will be cheaper (anywhere is cheaper than legal India prices). |