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The Essential Nikon D40 Kit for the Amateur Photographer
By an Amazon.com customer
Nikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor LensNikon D40 6.1MP Digital SLR Camera Kit with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G ED II AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor Lens
Buy new: $565.00 / Used from: $397.00
This D40 kit, which I bought, comes with a standard lens, so you don't have worry about choosing one. The included lens is 18-55mm and takes 52mm filters.
Tiffen 52mm UV Protection FilterTiffen 52mm UV Protection Filter
Buy new: $9.95 / Used from: $7.00
A UV filter is absolutely essential. It'll protect your lens from scratches, and filters out the haze from very bright sunlight.
Hoya 52POL 52mm Polarizing Photo FilterHoya 52POL 52mm Polarizing Photo Filter
Buy new: $19.35 / Used from: $13.00
A polarizer is another very, very versatile and useful filter. It allows you to photograph water, glass and metal without reflections; and also enhances colors.
Sunpak 620-020 2001UT Travel Tripod with Extra Quick-Release Mounting PlateSunpak 620-020 2001UT Travel Tripod with Extra Quick-Release Mounting Plate
Buy new: $14.84
Tripods are probably the second most important piece of camera equipment. Ideally, it should be relatively lightweight and collapse into a portable size.
Sandisk 8GB SDHC Memory Card (SDSDB-8192, Bulk Package)Sandisk 8GB SDHC Memory Card (SDSDB-8192, Bulk Package)
Buy new: $18.99
The D40 doesn't have any internal memory, so a memory card is necessary to take pictures. A card 8 GB or higher will give you enough storage.
Zing 501-101 SBK1 Standard SLR Cover (Black)Zing 501-101 SBK1 Standard SLR Cover (Black)
Buy new: Too low to display
When you need a light case just to hold your camera, choose a light bag that will hold your only D40 with the lens attached.
Tamrac 5501 Explorer 1 Camera Bag (Black)Tamrac 5501 Explorer 1 Camera Bag (Black)
Buy new: $34.95 / Used from: $32.99
If you're carrying your camera along with spare equipment like filters or an extra lens, a heavier-duty bag is more ideal.
Nikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR CamerasNikon 50mm f/1.8D AF Nikkor Lens for Nikon Digital SLR Cameras
Buy new: $124.95 / Used from: $99.00
When you're ready to invest in another lens, start small. This lens is highly recommended as a second lens and is much more versatile than the standard lens.
Nikon LC-52 Snap on Front Lens CapNikon LC-52 Snap on Front Lens Cap
Buy new: $7.52
ALWAYS have a spare lens cap. Always. Even if you use a cap keeper to prevent your lens cap from getting lost, there's always the possibility.
Samigon ASA210 Lens Cap HolderSamigon ASA210 Lens Cap Holder
Buy new: $2.91
While we're on the subject of lens caps, a cap keeper is also essential. The button sticks to your lens cap and the elastic band wraps around the diameter of the lens, so you can't lose the cap!