Help with d40 & 550-200 mm lens

[bhurtado]

I'm very new to photography, and I purchased a D40 to get myself started, which came with a Nikkor 18-55 mm lens. I purchased a Quantaray 55-200 mm 1.4-5.6 lens last night, and I'm having trouble changing the aperture lower than 5.6 in aperture priority or manual mode. I know that the lens only works in manual focus since the D40 doesn't have an internal motor, but should this affect my aperture setting?

I bought this lens to shoot a wedding and a dog show, should the focus be fast enough? Or, was I way off in purchasing this?

Thank you,

Brandon

 

[Cedarhill]

If you are shooting at 200mm focal length, then the aperture will not open any wider than f/5.6. Is that what is happening?

 

[bhurtado]

Yes, that's correct. Can I use a wider aperture at focal lengths less than 200?

 

[jbr13]

Not sure but my guess would be that this lens is a 4-5.6 aperture. I have seen on lenses they put a 1:4-5.6 that doesn't mean it is a 1.4 - 5.6.

If this is the case you minimum aperture at 55mm will be F4 and go up to 5.6 as you zoom in.

 

[2005magnum]

the lens will open up as the focal length is reduced. I have a suggestion for you. Return the Quantaray and buy the Nikon 55-200.
--
http://digitalphotonut.zenfolio.com/

 

[bhurtado]

Unfortunately, I bought it off craigslist, so I can't return it. What is the difference between the two? Also, what aperture and shutter speed work best with this lens for fast action shots?