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View Full Version : complete beginner knows nothing about lenses?


wendytomney
10-19-2007, 04:44 PM
can anyone point me in the right direction?
i have a nikon D40x which came with an 18:55 lense. what does this mean and what can i shoot with this?

i think i am asking a really silly question but i dont know where to start so i'm hoping that someone will help me.

i'm also really interested in macro photography. what lense will i need for that?
:)
admin
10-22-2007, 11:07 AM
Wendy, the numbers 18-55mm refer to the distance between the sensor (or film on film camera) and the optical center of the lens when the lens is focused on infinity.

The focal length of the lens on most adjustable cameras is marked in millimeters on the lens mount. Since your 18-55mm is a zoom lens, the distance mentioned above when fully zoomed out (wide) is 18mm and 55mm when zoomed in (close-up).

There are different make macro lenses available for your Nikon, to name a few:

Sigma 105 mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro Lens Nikon AF - $399.99
Nikon - 60mm f/2.8D AF Micro-Nikkor Macro Lens - $549.99
Tamron 70-300 F4-5.6 DI Macro Lens - $189.99
wendytomney
10-22-2007, 08:10 PM
thankyou :D i will get the hang of this - i'm determined!
laura
05-12-2008, 11:47 AM
Hi Wendy...I know this is an old thread, but hoping you might see my post!! In have a Nikon D40X also and I am looking for a macro lense. Just wondered if you have bought ot tried any of the ones mentioned above. There are so many different options it can get very confusing!!!
gocamels
05-15-2008, 03:10 PM
I have the Tamron 70-300 Macro for my Canons, and it's very sharp, but the autofocus is slow. Much slower than the AF on my Canon lenses.

The zoom is handy to have, but if you're really interested in Macro, I'd say go for the Sigma or the Nikon. Both are good, fast lenses.
wendytomney
06-15-2008, 05:28 PM
Hi Wendy...I know this is an old thread, but hoping you might see my post!! In have a Nikon D40X also and I am looking for a macro lense. Just wondered if you have bought ot tried any of the ones mentioned above. There are so many different options it can get very confusing!!!

Hi Laura, sorry for the delay. i havent been on the board for a while. i havent taken the plunge with a macro yet - still researching...

as a fellow D40x user, what other lenses do you use?:)