The D40 needs this lens

I cannot add more to the excellent (5-star) reviews already submitted, but I have just purchased this lens and can only say that it does the D40 real justice, if you don't mind swapping with the kit 18-55 when you need it (splash out on the Nikon 18-200MM F3.5-5.6G IF-ED AF-S VR DX if you do not want to swap lenses) I would actually say this lens is essential, matched to a D40, with the kit lens, I can see no need for anything else for day to day photography.

Super sharp lens for a tiny price

Put simply, this lens is fantastic. I have just got back from a trip to New York and decided to buy this lens for night shots, and pictures where I really wanted to control the depth of field, and at this, it excelled. It is super sharp, has excellent control over the depth of field, and is light and above all, cheap.

I shoot on a D40 which cannot Auto Focus with this lens, but this was not a problem at all, and whilst you can now get an AF-S 35mm lens which the D40 can Auto Focus, it is £90 more expensive. I also found that as I took more time thinking about each shot as I had to manually focus each time, I ended up taking better pictures, compared to ones I might rush over with an Auto Focus lens.

At f1.8 the shallow depth of field is staggering. Focus on your mouse, and the mouse mat will appear blurry, it really is that shallow! Moving up above f2.8 and above is when the lens really shines, with super sharp images, which surpass those taken on much more expensive lens.

You really cannot go wrong for the price. The only thing worth noting is that on every Nikon digital camera except the D700, and D3/D3x, you are really getting 50mm with a 1.4 crop (due to the cameras smaller DX sensor), making this a 73mm lens. If you really want something a little wider then get the more expensive 35mm AF-S f1.8.

I've said it once, and I'll say it again, this lens is fantastic. If you don't have one, get one!

excelent next purchase lense

Excelent next purchase lens for my D40 in the next step into the world of digital photo's. point and shoot, auto focus with reduced camera shake, simple Nikon bayonet fit. I would recomend a UV lens on the front for a bit of protection. 52mm screw thread makes this compatable with many other attachements and filters. For me a good solid buy at a fair price.

Look at the photos not the reviews

Nikon AF-S VR 70-300 f/4.5-5.6G IF-ED

I've been an amateur photographer since 1958. My first serious camera was a Hasselblad 500C (How serious do you want to get?) which cost me £150. It had a f2,8 Planar 80mm standard lens and that lens set the standard for the others. My usual print size was whole plate (8.5 x 6.5inches) and the results were magnificent. Times have changed. I took a series of photos on the first day this lens arrived and, just to test its quality, I cropped so that a print on to an A4 was equivalent to an A2. All the negative reviews were set aside. If this lens gives me this quality I am more than happy.
I was very pleased with the VR. Something undreamed of back in the '60s. One question though. someone should know the answer. In the instructions it reads"Do not turn the camera power OFF or remove the lens from the camera while the VR is in operation etc" What does 'in operation' mean? Does it mean 'during the time the VR lenses are adjusting or does it simply mean 'when the VR is ON?' Should I switch off the VR after every VR use?
To repeat: just try this lens. Does it satisfy you? It certainly satisfies me.

Does exactly what it should

Not a lot to say really, the cap fits neatly over the rear of your Nikon lens and protects it from damage. Screws on and off easily and is nice and secure.

Why 4 stars and not 5? The price is a bit high for a piece of moulded plastic IMHO.

3 years on...

... and I've finally bought another lense (18-70). In all that time I've only ever had this quality lense attached to my D1H. It's amazing. Have never been bothered by the weight as it's well balanced when carried by the tripod mount. Recently I've used it on a newly purchased D300 and am still blown away by how clear the image is. It's just so, um, usable!

Something to consider about the price (believe me you DO (as commented on by another reviewer) forget what you've paid immediately you start using this beauty) is that it still costs the same as I paid 3 years ago. Depreciation? What's that then! Check out the second hand values. I think that speaks volumes!

So, not the most technical review but I hope you get the gist of how exciting I find using this lense. I am an amateur photographer and I DO have to save for purchases such as this but it's well worth it...

Nice Lens

This lens is really nice, lightweight compared to the £300 one.

However, just beware that there is no Auto focus with the Nikon D40.

Every other version works, just not the D40.

The Lens Isn't in perfect condition

I brought this lens for myself after selling the same lens with my old camera. The lens is stiff to use and when focusing makes alot of noise. I know its not supposed to be like this from previously owning the same lens before its also quite slow to focus but no one seems to want to help me.

You want me to review this? Er... ok...

As you are probably aware, Nikon have a reputation for producing excellent optical apparatus and accessories, and this camera body cap is no exception.

I have been using this product for several weeks now to cover the hole in the camera when there is no lens attached. It really does cover the hole extremely well -- not suprising since as that is what it is designed to do.

Operation really couldn't be simpler -- when you have removed the lens from the camera, you place the cap over the hole and then turn it, locking the cap into place."But what about if I want to reattach the lens?" I hear you say. Well, fear not -- you simply turn the cap the other way to release it and, bingo -- there's the hole again, just as you left it.

If you think this sounds complicated, it's not. But if you should forget how to operate it, don't worry -- there's instructions embossed onto the cap itself in the form of a weird little arrow and the word"OPEN". You could be blind and still operate this thing (mind you, if you're blind, what would you be doing with a camera in the first place? I once met a deaf girl at a disco. I tried the only bit of sign language I know --"Christmas Shopping" -- but messed it up and apparently I said"You're a witch". Whoops! Anyway...)

It's made of black plastic and you can use it right or left handed.

The only down side I can think of is that, because it's totally black, you might have difficulty finding it in the dark -- unless you're blind, in which case you probably couldn't care less what colour it is. Anyway, I'm going to give it four stars incase they bring out a glow in the dark one.

What a great lens

Really pleased with my purchase. Compact size but a great range for most purposes. Crisp definition quick focussing - what more could you want?

Still 5 stars

5 out of 5 for value for money.
Even if it is made in China, and the new AF-S G lens, as well as 35/1.8 and 50/1.8 creates a competitive environment, on FX it is still very, very good.

S T U N N I N G

This lens is absolutely stunning. I use this for portraiture work all the time and the results are incredibly sharp. In fact they are so so sharp Warburtons could use it for slicing bread!!l

Although it has macro capability I have not used this apart from checking that it doeswork. And I don't use the VR either but have tested it and it works brilliantly.

I have not had any problems with hunting/chasing with the focusing - its probably the way the previous reviewer has his focus points set in his camera. I use it on a D2H, D2X and a Fuji S5 Pro and it works great.

Prime lenses are not for everyone but the results you get are of a much higher quality than zooms but zooms give flexibility. The choice is yours but I would go for quality over flexibility every time.

And this lens is quality. Period.

good standard lens

I bought this as a replacement for my lens which I accidently dropped. It is the lens that comes as standard with the Nikon D40 and works to take good photos.