Upgrade Body or Lenses?

[justin220]

Afternoon all,

I have had a good 2015 photography wise, I have really started to enjoy it and use my camera more, and even started up a photography club through work.

I currently have a Nikon D40x which I appreciate is showing its age somewhat, however it was a gift for my 21st so holds some sentimental value. I still have the kit 18-55mm lens, and have recently bought a 35mm prime lens which has almost became my go-to lens. I really enjoy using it.

I'd like to spend some money upgrading in some way, but wondered what the general consensus would be? My 18-55mm was my only lens for a long time and it is definitely showing its age. I am also keen on trying a new type of photography such as wildlife but would need maybe a 70-200/300mm? Then I see all the superb landscapes on here and start looking at 10/12mm range. Or would a replacement for my kit lens be the better option?

I want something to give me a new challenge, or options.

Or should I just go for a new body?

[mike80]

I suppose it mainly depends on your budget... but if you are looking at getting a wider range of focal lengths I'd go for decent lenses first.

Or if you are generally happy with the lenses, but want better low light capability, then the body!

Just remember that lenses hold their value a lot longer.

[DibblyDobbler]

Lenses! Get something like a 70-300 for wildlife and a maybe a Sigma 10-20 for landscapes - shouldn't need to spend a fortune

[colinevan]

Nikon 18-200vr Should cover you for 90 percent of what you need.

You don'y necessarily have to get rid of your d40. There not worth much to sell and its a fantastic backup cam.

A used D300 is a fabulous camera and a good platform to learn on as it offers many features that will up your game considerably ie off camera flash, decent sturdy body that will easily cater a heavier lense etc.

Also no Automatic function which will quickly get you thinking about what your doing. I purposely bought one to learn .

[Golaboots]

Wouldn't bother with the 18-200, wasn't great when I had a d80 which is the same sensor as your d40x. the 18-140mm is meant to be better.

Good shout on a used d300 above, other than low light (or video) they're great.

[justin220]

Thanks all, I think I had already talked myself into my answer when I typed the thread.. Will keep going with the D40x a little longer and get a lens or two ordered up

[Tony1963]

All I can add to this thread is that if you can, buy the very, very best lens you can. If you buy a top quality lens secondhand, for example, five years later it could well be worth more than you paid. And you'll get much better pics in the meantime. And of course, you get admiring glances from all around you! I'd rather have one good lens than any number of cheapy things.

[tonyb1968]

The Nikon 70-300mm f4.5-5.6 G AF-S VR IF-ED Lens is one worth buying, its around £400 new but on a DX (as its an FX lens) will be equivalent of a 105-400mm on a DX format camera.
Its also pretty good for wild life and most things in general
I would also save up for a body, the 40x is an OLD DSLR now and nostalgia will do nothing for you, I still have my D80 but then again my D7100 is far better as is my D750, I use it but not very often and only normally if I am feeling fit and carrying a couple of camera's to have a play around.

The thing with lenses is that once you have them then you normally keep them, its very rare that you upgrade anywhere near as much as you would a camera body, I still have my 70-33 Nikon 4.5-5.6 VR, its a good lens if a little slow compared to say my F4 70-200 VR, but it as a bargain lens for around 400 quid

Also look at some primes like the F1.8 G 50mm, they seem to have gone up in price, should be around 150 but going for nearly 180 now!

[tonyb1968]

Golaboots said:

Wouldn't bother with the 18-200, wasn't great when I had a d80 which is the same sensor as your d40x. the 18-140mm is meant to be better.

Good shout on a used d300 above, other than low light (or video) they're great.

There is a good one on ebay at the moment, 7k shutter count and has all the bits you need (body only but 2 batteries, 8gb card etc) for 230 quid, total bargain!

Nikon D D300 12.3 MP Digital SLR Camera - Black (Body only) Perfect - header is this

[justin220]

Appreciate all the comments.

Must admit one thing I find my d40x struggles with is low light. Which can be frustrating.

I think I'll opt for a lens or two for now, and maybe look into a new body next

[Simpo Two]

I think new lenses will open up more photographic opportunities than a new body.

justin220 said:

Must admit one thing I find my d40x struggles with is low light. Which can be frustrating.

I think I'll opt for a lens or two for now, and maybe look into a new body next

If you get a fast lens (ie <f2.8), that will help to offset the low light issues (trade-off being DOF). Or get a flashgun, like the SB800 I have spare...