What next?

[thomasw234]

Hi!

I'm really starting to get into photography, and currently I have a Nikon D40, Sigma 18-200mm (not-OS) and a Nikon SB600 flashgun. After xmas I'll have some money which I can spend on kit, and I'm wondering what to get. I like all kinds of photography, so deciding what to look into is tricky.

So far my thoughts are a Sigma 10-20mm, or a D80 body (second hand). Both are around £350, which is my max budget. I'm not sure whether I can justify so much on a lens though... I'm not convinced that I'd get enough use out of it.

Does anyone have any suggestions??

Thanks, Thomas

[tinysmall]

If you're feeling creative, or do a lot of landscape, I would leap at the Sigma 10-20.

If you're just looking for a general upgrade path , then go to the D80 (or even a D200, there's a lot about now for not much more than an 80!)

Either the D80 or D200 will open up a range of new lenses to you, as unlike the D40 they will drive the AF on older lenses..
..and the Nikkor 50mm f/1.8 is an awesome lens which will work on either, and brand new its only about £85, and will shock you with it's low light performance and sharpness compared to the lens you have, it's fantastic value for money..

just my 2p worth!

What Ben said. The sigma 10-20 is a good lens but you could spend your money better. I would go for the D80 or D200 (both can be had for a bargain if you shop around) and then whenever you get a bit more, invest in some decent second hand glass. As an example of what can be had, I picked up a 70-210mm nikon lens (way better than a kit lens and of a similar standard to the current 18-70 that comes with the D300) for £35. Bargain. Of course, non of the older lenses will auto focus on a D40 and non of them have image stabilisation but I've never had that anyway so I don't exactly miss it.

[thomasw234]

Thanks for both of your replies! I've looked at the D200 on eBay, and I think it's just a bit too much to pay for a camera. For the time being I'll look out for a well priced D80!

Thanks!