D40X, next accessory?

Hello All,

I just found this wonderful forum, and am wanting some advice.

I have:
D40X
18-55mm lens
55-200mm lens
CPL & 8pt filter
Speed Flash
Tripod
Wireless remote

I am looking to getting another accessory, and trying to weight the pros & cons. I am looking into getting either AF extension tubes, macro lens, or ...

I enjoy taking pictures, mainly of my family, scenic, and macro/close up. I am still trying to research what all is out there. I am also reading the book by Bryan Peterson "Understanding Close Up Photography" to help get some better technique.

What do you think I should get with your experience?

zoomermel said:

What do you think I should get with your experience?

Click to expand...

Do you have a spare battery and memory cards? Looks like you're off to a good start with what you have listed.
--
Jeff
http://www.jeffcole.smugmug.com

Right angle viewer and GND filters.

I do a lot of close up and macro photography and started doing so with a D60 which is similar to your D40X.

One of my macro lenses is the 55 2.8 AIS, no metering or AF but neither is necessary. I also bought some cheap second hand extension tubes. This is a very affordable way to start but you may want a longer working distance and focal length, something to consider when choosing lenses for CUs and macros. For flowers etc a shorter focal length and working distance is fine but for bugs etc you will need to go longer.

Nikon's 60mm 2.8G macro lens is highly regarded and there's a 105 2.8G VR that is more expensive and heavier. Tamron's 90mm 2.8 macro is very popular, a good performer with a useful focal length. All macro lenses are good, you reallly cannot go wrong whichever you choose.

The 50mm 1.8 would give you a fast prime lens for low light and because it has an aperture ring can be used with the cheaper MF extension rings and a lens reversal adaptor that would give you a higher level of magnification. There's no AF with the 50mm 1.8D on the D40X though you will get metering, same goes when using it with AF extension tubes.

You could just use AF extension tubes, or even one of Canon's close up lenses, with what you already have. There are plenty of choices so you should be able to find something within your budget for what you want to shoot.

Happy shooting, Lizzie

That right angle viewer looks interesting, never thought of that! It would come in handy right now especially because i just had knee surgery.

Those GND filters also look pretty good, I have not heard of them before today. I wil read up on them.

Thanks!

Yuppers! I got a spare battery ( always charged), 4x 2GB card, and a 4GB card.

I even got a 1Tb USB storage drive for all my photos.

Ive been shooting for awhile...

zoomermel said:

Yuppers! I got a spare battery ( always charged), 4x 2GB card, and a 4GB card.

Click to expand...

Right on, you have that covered.

zoomermel said:

I even got a 1Tb USB storage drive for all my photos.

Click to expand...

I've heard too many horror stories about all makes and models of USB Drives failing. Don't put too much faith into any of them. I still use one but it's a last resort for fail-safe storage, my current laptop has dual 500mb sata drives and an option to set them up in different raid modes. I also burn DVD's right away for a little extra security and even DVD 's fail after time.

IMO the best option would be an NAS Raid backup and they are not cheap. I'll have to save up for one in the future

--
Jeff
http://www.jeffcole.smugmug.com

I try to keep it dependable, I dont plug it in to anything until i need it for use. It is dc'd from USB and power until I need it.

I know they can fail, I have had many fail on me, so hopefully it helps....

If you like doing family portaits, then a second, slave flash is a must have in my book.
--
Randy C.
D40
San Antonio, TX

An SB-600 flash and a 35 1.8
--
http://www.sportsshooter.com/cyadmark
Ann Arbor, MI USA

No that TC won't work with that lens, and no you're not getting that camera/lens at
that price.

Equipment in profile