Hi, I'm just really getting into my D40 and want to add lens to be able to do wildlife shots. I know getting Nikon lens would be the best, but I can't really afford the good ones right now. Has anyone tried the Opeteka lens with their Nikon, or can you recommend a good inexpensive lens to get started with?
What kind of wildlife are you shooting? You may not need a long/fast lens although ideally those would be best. A little more info on what you plan on shooting would help with suggestions. Also, what's your budget?
Deer, turkey, coyote, birds is what I would like to be able to get in our area. I can't do alot of walking, but I can do some. I hoping the lens will be able to help me get them closer. I have a Nikon d40, The lens I have are the 18-55, 2x adapter, 55mm-200 Nikon lens at this time. The price depends.
The two best current lenses are the Nikon 70-200 f2.8 VR or the Nikon 200-400 f4 VR. Those are the cream of the crop. Make sure to get a lens that lets in a lot of light.
Long lenses from Nikon are too pricey for most amateurs, me included. Consider going with a 3rd party lens, especially Sigma. From 100m up, Sigs perform very well optically (see www.photozone.de for lens reviews). They are not as well made as Nikon stuff and are not as rugged, but they're a third of the price and you're not likely going to be using them every day or in rugged situations anyway. I have a Sig 100-300 f/4.0 that I'm very happy with. With the 1.4 TC it becomes 420mm f/5.6. About $1000 purchased new. If you have some budget and want long, the Sigma 500mm f4.5, a very good lens with decent low light performance, can still be purchased new for less than $5000. If low light performance + budget is important, then consider the Sigma 120-300 f/2.8, about $2300. Finally, the Sig 50-500 f/4-6.3 is a well regarded lens, with very good reach, and sells for under $1000, but it's not as good in low light.
Sigma lenses do not hold their value as well as Nikon glass, so bargains in the used market are common.
Since you are asking about lenses for wildlife shots, I don't see that you really need large aperture lenses. The "normal" f3.5-f4.0 maximum aperture lenses should be adequate for most situations. Since you already have lenses up to 200mm and a 2x teleconverter, you are in good shape unless you want to shoot the eye out of the eagle. The longer the telephoto, the more $$ it is going to cost but consider the third party lenses from Tamron, Sigma and some others. Stay away from the unknown brands as the low price often indicates lesser quality in the glass and construction of the lens. While you don't need the latest, greatest lens to take wildlife photos a lens longer than your current 200mm will set you back some serious change even if it has a maximum aperture of f4 or so. The thing to remember is that f8 at 1/250 on a sunny day is the same no matter what lens you are using so unless you need the larger aperture (f2.8) for some particular reason, save your money and use the difference to get a longer lens. Kidding aside, since you indicate that walking is somewhat of a problem, you might want to consider a blind like a hunter would use to get right in the thick of the action.
I was looking at some of the reply's and I think they did not see "inexpensive" in your original post. I think you are limited in your lens choices with the D40. The D40 does not have a motor to control the AF (auto focus) in the lens. Nikon makes a 55-200mm lens with a AF motor built in that works on the D40. Cost used is about $150-$175. That would be your best inexpensive alternative in my opinion. What ever you choose, make sure it is compatible with the D40 based on the AF issue.
I agree with the concensus of opinion that the Nikkor 55-200 f/5.6 is the best "on the cheap" lens for that wonderful little D40. For $125-175 you can't buy a better lens at 5 times the price. Sure it's gotta be treated like fine china but thatt's the price you pay for this baby. I have this lens, use this lens and love it. It's the cheapest and one of the best I own. Just baby it and you will love it.
Do you really need metering now days?I mean You snap off a quick test shot and adjust.Isn't that what folks used to do with Polaroid backs?At least try manual shooting,and If you can take the slower pace you stand to save a lot of money,and don't have to compromise quality .A 300mm 2.8 IF Nikor runs 800-1200 used and that's not too shabby. Add a teleconverter and you will be running with the big dogs.
Sigma motor lens 75-300 NIB for $150 on Ebay. Had to clean contacts in camera and on lens with alcohol, but it currently works as advertized and is my prime lens.
Must use Buy It Now and PayPal.
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