[Chimpster]

Yep - student loans have come through and I'm looking at buying a new lens for my Nikon D40. Obviously cost is a factor and I couldn't go over £200 sadly.

Currently I'm looking at these two lenses. Would appreciate some feedback or other suggestions within the price range I've given as I'm still very much a newbie with regards to it all

Sigma - Lenses - Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4.5 DC Macro HSM

Amazon.co.uk: NIKON AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED Lens for Nikon D series digital reflex: Electronics & Photo - NIKON AF-S DX VR Zoom-Nikkor 55-200 mm f/4-5.6G IF-ED Lens for Nikon D series digital reflex

Any feedback more then welcome!

[Dabhand16]

Compromise is always a difficult thing to advise on.

The Sigma will have a better low light capability and the constant f2.8 is really good. The 55-200 will give you more options in terms of reach.

It all depends on what sort of photography you will be doing most. Arguably, the 55-200 will be a more general purpose lens and will serve you better for sports or wildlife.

I had the standard 18-70 Nikkor kit lens for a long, long time before I bought a Sigma 10-20 and 70-200f2.8 and I really like it. I do consider this one (the 18-70) to be my general purpose lens, but the 10-20 is probably on the camera most. From my point of view I'd favour the 17-70, but it might not be your best choice.

You could always consider a used lens if you can buy from a trusted source - like on here for instance. That will give you more options. A used Nikkor 18-70 can be had for around £150 or less and a new 50mm f1.8 Nikkor for £60.

As I said - it depends on what sort of photography you are going to do most.

[EKIMIKE]

I recently bought the 18-70 for my D40x, and its a real good lens. I have to say, to pick up a used one for £150 is mad - Dixons have it at £135, although i don't know how long that may be for. I got mine from PurelyGadgets for £164 inc. P&P and it as delivered very quickly. Onething that may be a problme (i don't really know) is the warranty card is in Japanese but i think it's worldwide warranty on lenses anyhoo.

Another option to consider is the 18-135mm at £165 from Clifton Cameras. This obviously gives you more focal length but i went for the 18-70mm as Thom Hogan gave it a better rating but he's a pro so im sure it wouldn't be too noticeable.

The place to look for lenses is Nikon AF-S DX 18-135mm Cheapest Prices, Reviews and Price History - thats a direct link to the nikon lenses. It doesn't have Sigma for nikon fit but check out the canon fit to get an idea of who sells them at what price. Remember to check out Onestop Digital as well.

MiKE

[Dabhand16]

Good price Mike - I've not checked prices for a bit so my info is obviously out of date. They used to go for about £199 in the shops not so long ago.

Dutchie has got an 18-135 on e-bay at the moment - check out the e-bay forum or the classifieds - can't remember where she posted it.

[towershot]

You don,t say what you allready have? or what usage you want it for, but my vote would be the 17-70 then save for the other.