I just got a d40 and as of right now have the 18-55 lens. I'm looking for something with a little more zoom for Wakeboarding mostly and possibly other things later. I looked at the 55-200, but I don't think I would be able to take picture inside the boat with a 55mm. I've seen several other one that look good my favorite being the 18-200mm VR lens but 600 is out of my price range. Other have been the Nikor 18-135 or nikor 18-70. What would be the best thing to use? <BR> <BR>I know it might be pushing it, but i would like to spend 150ish, 200 at the most. <BR> <BR>I know very little about photography and plan to take a class in the fall at school, but until then need some help.

<a href="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/554880.html?1205075022" target="_blank">http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/554880.html?1205075022</a>

I saw that thread, but didn't see anything about the 18-135mm or 18-70mm. Are those any good? <BR> <BR>I am afraid that 55mm will be to close for in boat pictures and I don't want to have to take 2 lens.

I'm thinking that this lens would be more versatile. I have the kit lens that came with my d40 (18-55mm) how does this compare to that lens? Better or about the same? Would I even need the other lens? If so what advantages would the other have over this one? I am sorry for all the questions, but am very new to photography and am trying to learn all I can until I can take a class.

Chad, <BR> <BR>I have a Canon, so don't know anything about specific Nikon lenses, but generally speaking, I use a 70-200 in the boat for wakeboarding. It is true that you won't be taking pictures of 'others' in the boat with that lens, but if you use something that maxes out at 70, your wake shots are going to always have a lot of water in the them, and not much rider. You can of course crop seeing as how you have a lot of pixels, but IMO it is not ideal. Unfortunately, the purchase of your camera was only the tip of the iceberg...welcome to the world of 'dang, that lens is expensive but I need it!' <IMG SRC="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0>

I think you'll have a tough time finding a "do it all" zoom worth a <a href="mailto:sh@t">sh@t</a> for $200. If you can't afford the Nikon 18-200 the next step down is the new Tamron 18-250 which is in the $400s. It doesn't have the IQ of the Nikon nor VR but it's not terrible. The problem is once you see shots taken with your body with a decent lens like say the 70-200 all common sense goes out the window.

Like I said, Im very new to photography, what makes the 18-200vr lens so much better? Any pictures to show difference is picture quality?

Rich I have the same camera and am using the Nikon DX 55-200 and it is ok for shooting from the boat or chase boat but is lacking for shooting at the tour stops from the shore. I was looking at the Tamron 18-250, but your comment has me wondering? <BR> <BR>Chad I can get some in boat shots with the 55-200, just sit on the sun deck. But plan on changing lenses, it dosen't take long.

Well it's all relative to your expectations. Here are four shots taken in Carmel with a Rebel XTi and the Tamron 18-250. <BR>At 18mm <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/558328.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR>At 90mm <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/558329.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR>At 140mm <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/558330.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR>At 250mm <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/558331.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR> <BR>It does start to get soft over 200mm unless you stop down to f8, I felt it's best range was 20-150mm where you could shoot it wide open. <BR> <BR>As far as the tour goes even 250 will probably be short from the shore and once you get over 200mm it's nice to have IS or VR (I hear Tamron is making a VR version of this lens as well)

Also relevant... <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/521017.html?1196386096" target="_blank">http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/521017.html?1196386096</a>

Thanks guys, I ended up getting the 55-200mm VR It hasn't come yet, but i hope to be using it this Friday when we go out. I'll let you know how it turns out.