I noticed on the great discussion about "photography" that several members use a Nikon DSLR. I have been looking to get (haven't bought it yet) the Nikon D40x. Can you Nikon users or others help me with some questions?

1. What mm lenses do you recommend and what brand? Are Nikor good lenses?

2. Do you take a second battery?

3. Where do you recommend I buy the camera?

4. Any other advice? I will be new to DSLRs and the BWCA this year but love photography and fishing.

airdales
I used a point and shoot camera for years, then after a trip where I was completely disappointed in the Quality. I went out and bought my Nikon D50, I've had it 3 years and am very happy with it. although my friend has a D80 and I am very jealous.
I keep my equipment in a waterproof Lexan case (always under my seat)
Both my lens are Nikor, 18mm - 55mm and a 70mm - 300mm and I am happy with them. However, I wish I bought a higher Quality lens but they are very expensive. for the wildlife shots you need at least a 300mm lens, I always keep this lens on my camera then change over to the 55mm for scenery shots.
You should always have a second battery.
I bought mine at Best Buy. I also have seen them online at Ritz at a reasonable rate. they are always having some kind of sale on the Nikons.
Make sure you buy a lens cleaning kit, with all the wind and debris blowing around I find I have to clean my lens just about everyday.
Bring Lots of memory cards.

I am just an amateur, but these are things I've learned over the past few years. my D50 has opened up a whole new dimension on my trips.

Just a couple of things-

Nikkor lenses are great lenses
Don't leave home without extra batteries-

I have the Nikon D-80. Before that I had a Nikon N70 SLR so I had a couple Tamron lenses for that camera that fit the D-80. One reason I continued with Nikon, plus I like Nikon.

A friend of mine was looking a the Nikon D40x as well, but I think for a couple hundred dollars more (or so) I talked him into getting a better camera (D-80). He's very happy with his camera and I've been happy as well with mine.

I got the 18-135mm Nikon lens with mine to start with, after that it depends on what you type of photos you want to take.

Yes, Nikkor lenses are very good lenses. I have four batteries for my longer canoe trips, but I'm really amazed how long a battery does last in warm temperatures. Most people wouldn't need four batteries, but if I need them I have them. I do camp/canoe in the shoulder seasons so it's nice to have the extra batteries.

I was only into my second battery at the end of my eleven day Quetico trip this past summer, but again in warm temperatures. I also used a second camera.

I don't know where you live but I bought my camera at National Camera in the Twin Cities (Maple Grove) The main reason if you buy the camera there you get a couple a free passes on how to use your digital SLR. Otherwise, I buy my other cameras and gear at B&H Photo. Many professionals buy from B & H.

I had to go from a 1400 to 1520 Pelican case to carry the additional gear.

I consider myself an amateur, but I like quality gear.

Chuck

What everyone has said is good. I'll add the suggestion of using filters. I have a haze filter (cloudy days) and a polarizing filter (sunny days) and use them seperately as the conditions change. These really make a difference in the quality of your pictures as they help remove the glare especially in picture involving water. The sky becomes bluer and the reflection is removed out of the water enough to allow you to see what lurks beneath better.

If you are into waterfall (or moving water) pictures a tripod is important so you can leave the shutter open longer to get the cool "falling water" effect in your picture.

Your lens choices depend a lot on your budget. As you probably already know, with the D40, you must use the newer AF-S lenses (or be stuck with manual focus). For outdoor use, the 70-300 AF-S VR is a great lens for about $500. If you don't like changing lenses, the 18-200 AF-S VR is probably one of the most popular lenses, but it will set you back $700-$800. If you don't want to spend that much, Nikon just came out with a VR (vibration reduction) version of the 55-200 that you can get for $250. The VR makes up for the slower aperture. If you want to spend more than that, you'll probably want more than the D40x.

I have the Nikon D-80 and have been really happy with it. I upgraded from the D-70 which also was a great camera. I use the 18-135 lens Nikkor 95% of the time, and then have a Nikkor 70-300mm zoom
which also comes in handy. For Christmas I got a Nikkor 50mm f1.4 lens which I am looking forward to use as a portrait, close up lens. And I bring a lightweight tripod.

I buy my stuff from a reputable brick and mortar store, where I can get hands-on service. Pay a little extra for it, but I know what I'm getting and returns are generally not a problem.

But the best lenses you can, the electronic camera will become dated but good glass will last much longer.

Bring a bulb syringe to blow off dust of camera and exterior and to blow odd sensor dust. Alot of sensor dust is actually from the shutter I have heard.

Bring more battery than you think you need. I would rather regret carring an extra battery that did not get used; than miss out on a shot I could not take because of no battery.

Protect your camera in a pelican case or something as water tight and crush proof. I have had to replace 3 SLR's due to water or impact.

The long VR lens are nice most of the time i use the 18 - 70

random musing
Dan Cooke

I am still taking my Nikkormat FT2 with the original lens- I've owned them for 33 years now and they're still going strong. Over the years I've added a wide angle lens, and my favorite...a macro zoom lens. It can do anything from about 2 inches away on up to infinity. Just bought a 210 zoom lens that should be a lot of fun for wildlife shots. You just can't go wrong with Nikon!

Don't underestimate the value of a real wide angle lens, 10-20 or so. They reall come in handy when you are trying to capture the landscape of the BWCA.

And I agree with Dan.. spend your money on good glass!

(Got a tarp delivered yesterday from Dan.... haven't tried it out yet, obviously, but the craftsmanship looks great! Thanks, Dan.)

i still use my old Nikon F for shooting slides--with so many
people switching to digital the len's for these older cameras are
going at good prices on Ebay..

By coincidence, I just finished researching the D40 and D40x cameras as a suggested retirement gift. I ended by recommending against both.
Unlike most interchangeble lens cameras, these have the focus motors in each lens instead of the body. Therefore you have a smaller group of fully useable lenses. Also, the lens may not last for 20 years like a manual lens. In the digital age, you should view the camera body as something that will shortly be obsolete. When that happens, you should be able to take your old lenses and use them on a new modern camera body.
I would recommend one of the other digital Nikons mentioned above or perhaps one of the Canon dslrs.