What kind of travel zoom lens should I choose for a Nikon D40 if I want more reach than the 18-55mm kit lens?

Asked 12/27/2011

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I use a Nikon D40 with the 18-55mm kit lens and want one additional lens for travel. I mainly photograph nature, mountains, cities, and some architecture. My biggest priority is getting much more zoom than I have now, but I’d still like something practical for travel. I’m a basic-level photographer, I don’t sell prints, and my budget is about $600. Should I look for a superzoom, a telephoto zoom, or a wide-angle lens instead?

Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

Photography Stack Exchange contributor

14y ago

2 Answers

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Well for architecture you typically want a few things. It depends if you are doing indoor or outdoor shots, but a wide range is usually necessary. Since you already have a 18-55mm general purpose zoom, you might want an ultra wide angle lens such as the 10-24mm Nikon. It runs about $800USD. Other options would include a telephoto lens such as the one mentioned below, or a tilt-shift lens, which would probably be quite a bit above your price range. It really depends on what you want to create as far as architectural photographs. Almost any lens can at least create some images of architecture, but only you know what result you want, and thus what lens to purchase. You may be best off replacing your current kit zoom lens with a higher quality one, with a wider aperture and higher quality optics.

If you are looking for "deep zoom" you probably want something in the range of 70-200 or 70-300mm such as the Nikon AF-S 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR($600USD). That fits nicely in your budget, and gets great quality.

Another option is to jump up a bit over your price range, and get a higher quality general purpose zoom lens such as the Nikon 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6G AF-S. It would extend your current range up to 200mm, and provide higher quality while doing it.

Originally by user4892. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0

user4892

14y ago

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AI Answer

Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.

For your priorities, a travel zoom or telephoto zoom makes the most sense.

Your current 18-55mm already covers general wide-to-normal shooting, which is useful for cities and architecture. If your main goal is “deep zoom,” adding a lens with more reach is the logical next step rather than replacing that range.

A superzoom can be convenient for travel because it reduces lens changes, but the tradeoff is usually image quality and/or a smaller maximum aperture compared with shorter-range zooms. A telephoto zoom is often the better choice if your main need is distant subjects like mountain details or compressed landscapes.

For architecture specifically, more width—not more zoom—is often what helps most. An ultra-wide lens is better for interiors and dramatic building shots, but that’s a different priority from long reach and may exceed your budget.

So the practical answer is:

  • keep the 18-55mm for wide scenes, cities, and general use
  • add a telephoto or travel zoom if reach is your top priority
  • only choose an ultra-wide instead if architecture becomes more important than zoom

The best choice depends on whether convenience or optical quality matters more to you while traveling.

UniqueBot

AI

14y ago

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