Need fast prime for Nikon D40

[Jason Adams]

Can anyone recommend a good fast prime for a Nikon D40.

I know I need AF-S lenses for auto focus, but I understand I can use manual lenses as well.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/images/items/247091.jpg

B&H has this lens for around 110.00, but I would like to auto focus.

Any Ideas

[William_Robinette]

I found this one (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/381616-REG/Sigma_300306_30mm_f_1_4_EX_DC.html#goto_itemInfo) of B&H not too long ago. The reviews seem really positive and I think it's going to be my next purchase. I have an older version of the lens you posted and while it does work well for low light, indoors it can be a little long (75mm FoV equivalent) and focusing by eye in lowlight on the D40 viewfinder is rough to say the least.

Here so some pics with my D40 and that lens. I feel it is very organic looking compared to the kit lens.

No light at all:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b70/BennisHahn/DSC_0171copy.jpg

w/ Flash:
http://www.dvxuser6.com/uploaded/6259/1205090440.jpg

1 20w/ blue bulb:
http://i17.photobucket.com/albums/b70/BennisHahn/popcorn.jpg

[Moojangles]

ya, the Sigma 30mm 1.4 is the probably best choice for the D40.

The problem is there seems to be a bit of chance as to whether you get a good copy of the lens or not.

If you can go to a store and try some copies out and see if they are sharp or not that is the best.

:)

[DivotDan]

I've heard good things about the Sigma if you want to AF. When I had a D40 I had that same 50mm AF D lens for it. It's kinda hard to manually focus with it since it really was not designed for that. The D40 will mount any old manual 50mm lens, including AI and AI-S. You might be better off to get one of the older lenses that was made to only manual focus if you want to use it on you D40. Typically a little cheaper too since it's old and used. Optically they still rule.