Getting my D40 tomorrow, need a little suggestion.

[ANP !!!]

Hello guys,

After viewing this thread
http://www.dcresource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=28957

I got extremely tempted and decided to buy the D40 tomorrow.

Just wanted to know if I should go for the VR lens or should stick with the kit lens which doesn't come with VR ? Is the difference really noticeable ?

[cyclone2]

The difference between VR and no VR is quite frankly, huge.

[teko]

I find VR is more useful for zoom lens (telephoto). The margin of error is greater when you use large zoom with shaky hands. It all depends on lighting too. If you plan to shoot a lot of low light photos, perhaps the VR kit lens will be better for you.

I myself use the 18-55mm Nikkor and 55-200mm VR Nikkor with my D40.

[erichlund]

I manage to muddle through with my 17-55. It doesn't have VR. OTOH, it's not exactly a "kit" lens. ;)

VR is great, so long as your subjects do not move. Once you start shooting action, VR doesn't really help, because as soon as you really benefit from it, you are getting motion blur from your subjects. So, what you shoot will help decide whether you need VR or not. BTW, if you use a tripod, you do not need VR.

[ANP !!!]

Thanks guys, I will get my D40 with 18 - 55mm VR AF-S DX tomorrow, with UV filter, 4gb SD card, Travel bag and Tripod, what else will I need ??

[fionndruinne]

You haven't mentioned what you're going to be shooting, so we can't give you much specific help. I don't even see UV filter and tripod as necessities, right out of the gate.

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

I'd suggest a spare battery and then confine any further purchases till you've done some shooting and identified an actual need. Don't buy something just because it looks cool. Like Fionndruinne said, what do you plan to shoot if you want more specific advice.

[K1W1]

Tripods and VR do not co exist. :D

[fionndruinne]

If you plan on shooting in low light, VR is much more convenient than a tripod (of course there is a limit to what VR will do), but you ought to then be asking yourself whether you wouldn't be better served by a larger aperture lens, which will speed up the shutter. If you're not shooting in low light, a tripod is unnecessary save for a few select things.

[ANP !!!]

Thanks guys :), I will be using the D40 on every possible chance I get, Landscape, people, scenery, low light, fireworks, lightning, indoor, plants and the list goes on. I love doing slow shutter speed pics so I think tripod comes in handy there.

Went to shop today, only to find out its out of stock, searched everywhere, but no win. Damn I was so excited today, and it was killed instantly, Will have to wait a week before it gets in stock.

[XaiLo]

Sorry to hear that, good luck getting one next week and congrats!

[erichlund]

Tripods and VR do not co exist. :D

I'm pretty sure that VRII lenses can be left in the on position on a tripod, but it's still a good idea to turn it off. However, VR and Tripods server to similar but different purposes.


If you plan on shooting in low light, VR is much more convenient than a tripod (of course there is a limit to what VR will do), but you ought to then be asking yourself whether you wouldn't be better served by a larger aperture lens, which will speed up the shutter. If you're not shooting in low light, a tripod is unnecessary save for a few select things.

More convenient, but VR only reduces camera shake due to hand holding. If the shot is critical, a stable tripod is always the best idea, unless it's simply not possible.

[erichlund]

<snip>
I love doing slow shutter speed pics so I think tripod comes in handy there.
<snip>

Yes. Don't skimp here. You don't have to get a super expensive tripod, but don't get the $40 special with the leg braces. Leg braces are there because the tripod is so unstable that they have to make you believe it is strong. I spent about $900 on my rig, which is way more than most. You can get a decent tripod for and head for about $250 to $400. I would be doing some serious investigating if you find something cheaper.

Some people want a light tripod. Just remember this, mass increases stability. If you are going to remove mass, for something like backpacking, then you have to get the stability back other ways, like 1. a pod with shorter legs or 2. technology - carbon fiber is stiffer than aluminum, so adds stability despite light weight. Giving up size doesn't cost you money. Adding technology does.

[ANP !!!]

Got my D40 today, its amazing, captures great pics and is quite snappy


http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/xtrimer/IMG_0717800x600.jpg
http://i409.photobucket.com/albums/pp172/xtrimer/IMG_0718800x600.jpg

Thanks guys.

[Rooz]

congrats. and you got the VR lens. well done. :)

[Dread Pirate Roberts]

Judging by those photos you're new D40 is going to absolutely kill your current camera for image quality. You'll be very happy. Don't forget to post some pics when you get a chance.

[ANP !!!]

Thanks yea pushed for the VR lens and the wait was worth. VR isnt much noticable but it does help a lot sometimes.


Yea the camera crushes the IQ of all my old cams, its just simply out of this world. Very amazing.

[ooverdrive]

You are gonna love this cam my dear friend .

[XaiLo]

Ooverdrive you guys are from the same country, you've started a national trend. :) How are you doing my friend.

[Visual Reality]

So you were going to buy it then ended up getting it as a birthday gift from your mom.

Damn, lucky dog :p