Camera lens and/or body problem?

Oh great and wise photograhpy gurus: I'm having a problem with my telephoto lens. The camera body (D40) doesn't seem to recognize the lens. No shutter, no focus, no display - nothing. My standard lens works fine.

Is there room for operator error here, or is there something wrong with the lens?

What lens is it?

I was afraid someone would ask that. I don't know - I'll have to get back to you on that one.

D-40, that's a Nikon body right, has the lens work with that body before and this problem just started?

Check the contacts on the lens, they may need cleaned.

is the aperture ring locked on the smallest setting? (if it is a modern lens w/o a ring, disregard this)

Yes, Nikon body and Nikkor 55-200 1:4 - 5.6 lens. It worked just fine before. It hasn't been dropped or anything. Everything seems to look clean.

(Message edited by swass on February 04, 2010)

The reason is because the lower models of nikon like the D40 and D60 do not work with a lot of the newer lens. if you look at a lot of the lens online, it will say that it does not work with the D40 or D60 usually, thats what ive seen.

That sounds reasonable...except the lens worked fine on the same body before.

hmm, thats weird, ive just seen that on some of the lenses ive looked at because of the smaller bodies that the D40 and D60 have.

The reason is because the lower models of nikon like the D40 and D60 do not work with a lot of the newer lens. if you look at a lot of the lens online, it will say that it does not work with the D40 or D60 usually, thats what ive seen.


This is not true. Non AF-S lenses will still work on the D40 and D60, they just will not autofocus. Swass has a different problem going on here.

Double check those contacts and the aperture ring as mentioned above. Have you swapped on a different lens to make sure you don't have something non-lens related going on? We've all been guilty of thing like missing SD cards or having a setting wrong that won't let the camera work.

my bad, i went back and checked, and it says on 'most of the lenses'--- ". AF not supported by D40 and D60 cameras. "

I took it to a camera shop. It didn't work on another D40 body either. It'll cost almost as much to fix it as it would to replace it. Any suggestions on a replacement?

Something tells me I have worn out my WW welcome.

Swass, I'm a Canon shooter so I can't help. Sorry.

Nah Swass, I still like you. What is your price range and what are you looking to do with it.? Asking what lens to buy is like saying what car do I buy? So many different options.

The D40 is the lower end of DSLRs. Although a very capable camera it does have its limitations. Not to say great pictures can't be taken with it but that body with a cheap lens won't get the same results as some people on this forum. However, a lot of photography has more to do with the person behind the lens as opposed to the equipment.

With that being said, how about a all in one walk around lens. It may look a little big on the D40 body but this is a lens you can use anywhere.

Tamron 18-270 f/3.5-6.3. Again it has it's limitations but is compatible with your camera and will leave you satisfied until you feel the urge to upgrade your camera and start dropping thousands of dollars on this hobby. Check the reviews out for yourself and see how good it is. I like Tamron. Although I don't have this one, all my "pro" lenses are Tamron.


http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/581247-REG/Tamron_AFB003NII_700_18_270mm_f_3_5_6_3_Di_II_VC.h tml

That's good to hear, A.P.

Thank you for the advice. I'd like one comparable to the one that's broken (in the same price range). I don't see any point in going with a Nikkor lens again, so I'll look at Tamron.

The 55-200 only goes for $170. Not to sound crass but at that price range, just pick whatever. Glass that cheap is mediocre at best.

With lenses, you really get what you pay for. The lens is WAY more important than the camera body. A great lens on a cheap body will give you great results. A cheap lens on a great body will give you garbage.

should be a 5 year warranty on the lens (unless it is gray market) check to see if it says "us" before the serial number. If it is under warranty, ship the thing off for repair! I personally can't justify the sigma/tamrron lenses . in this price range because they are not any better made, and you don't end up saving all that much money.

I hear ya. Thanks, A.P.

+1 for the Tammy glass, most of my stuff is Canon L, but I do own a Tamron 17-50 2.8 and love it, very sharp.

I 2nd what AP said,

"A great lens on a cheap body will give you great results. A cheap lens on a great body will give you garbage".

True dat.

Swass, have you checked out Fred Miranda, you might pick up a good used lens at a good price. Great place to buy used gear.

http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/board/10/1

Ok Swass, if you only want to spend a couple hundred bucks, take a look at this one.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/550952-REG/Tamron_AF014NII_700_18_200mm_f_3_5_6_3_XR_Di_II.ht ml

With the rebate it is only $230. Again, don't expect miracles and at times you may get frustrated but it will suit all your needs and in the end be happy.

I'm a casual photographer, at best. I'm sure that one would be more than adequate. Thanks again for the help.

A.P.,

I took your advice and ordered this lens. It should be here today. I appreciate the help.

Two thumbs up!

Which one did you go with?

The second Tamron that you recommended. I like it much better than the Nikkor it replaced.

Moochos grassyass.