best bang for buck lenses?

[YBlegal]

i have a nikon D40 and im wanting to get some new parts for it. so what would be a good "up close" type of lense, and what would be a good all around lense?

right now i have the "kit" lense it came with and i also have a VR 55-200

i like the pix the 55-200 takes better than the kit lens, i just hate having to be 50ft. away from an object to get it into the frame,

also what is a good flash to upgrade to?

i will be starting to take some photos for my fiance as she is wanting to get into a modeling carreer so any input is appreciated.

[sfr002]

AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G from Nikon

AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D from Nikon

SB-600 AF Speedlight Unit from Nikon

[AHHthatsJDMyo]

another one of these threads
at least this guy gave us some info.

i use my 35mm 1.8 for my portraits. its cheap ($200 at ntp) and it auto focuses on your camera. and whats wrong with the kit lens? from my experience the quality of the 55-200vr isnt any better than the kit lens, it just has more reach.

[YBlegal]

^ maybe mine needs to be cleaned? i notice a major difference in photo quality between my kit lens and the 55-200

[8600RPM]

AF-S DX NIKKOR 35mm f/1.8G from Nikon

AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D from Nikon

SB-600 AF Speedlight Unit from Nikon

what he said.

Just be advised that the 50mm won't autofocus on your camera and it's very close to the short end of your 55-200.

[Michael.]

I'll do some test shots with her if she wants, while teaching you...

[YBlegal]

^ you sir have a shared_pm

everyone else, thanks for the info i think im gonna pick up the 35mm just for the fact i prefer the autofocus feature most of the time, its nice to know its there

[AHHthatsJDMyo]

^ you sir have a shared_pm

everyone else, thanks for the info i think im gonna pick up the 35mm just for the fact i prefer the autofocus feature most of the time, its nice to know its there

good choice! I LOVE MINE.

[Teggy02]

AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D from Nikon

I wouldn't pick up that old school nifty 50 unless you like doing meter readings by hand as well as focusing. I agree though, it is the best "bang for your buck" but you have a D40... unless you're planning on upgrading sometime soon, stick with DX AFS lenses.

[Teggy02]

You mentioned taking model pics. In my opinion, the best portrait lens I have ever shot with was the Nikon 105 f/2 AFD DC. SO sharp... but SO expensive.

I know there are better portrait lenses out there, but that was the best lens I personally ever used... I couldn't afford that bad boy, so I shoot the 85mm 1.8D for most of my portraits. It gets the job done.

I think Nikon makes an 85mm AFS lens now too (which would af and meter on your d40)... I'm sure one of the other Nikon guys on here can confirm that though, cause I'm not 100% sure.