If so, what body and lenses do you have?

I bought a D40 before our honeymoon back in July so that we would have a nice camera for the trip. I currently have the basic 18-55 and 55-200 lenses. I am asking for some new gear for Christmas, I am just trying to figure out which lenses are the best bang for the buck.

I am currently trying to decide between the 50mm f/1.4 and the 50mm f/1.8. Anyone own both or have used both want to weigh in? Is it worth the extra $200 for the 1.4?

I am also planning on getting the sb-400 flash. I should've bought it a long time ago but I've just put it off. I hate taking pictures inside at night with the built-in flash.

Why the single focal length 50mm lens? You already have it covered with the 18-55 plus the 55-200 comes close as well. If you really want a single focal length lens, I'd suggest a 55mm macro to do close up shots. Unless you're doing serious photography or indoor sports with no flash, you probably won't notice the difference much between the 1.8 and 1.4, especially since you're getting the SB-400 flash. If anything, I'd suggest you getting a higher powered zoom like up to 300mm or more.

^^^

I agree.

What type of pics do you usually use the camera for?

We own a D200 and love it --- my wife and I do some baby/child photos on the side...and senior photos here and there. Outdoor only at this point, but we are gearing up for a basement studio soon.

The 18-55 is the kit lense right? I'm no camera guru, but I thought the kit lenses weren't the best? I've browsed dpreview.com, and a couple other car enthusiasts sites and a lot of D-slr users recommend purchasing the 50 prime. From what I understand, the DOF on that thing is crazy (for the price).

Yeah, the 18-55 is a kit lens.

My pictures will range from some indoor shots of our dogs, outdoor shots of our dogs, pictures of my grandma's farm or any other rural landscapes that catch my eye.

The 18-55 is fine for now but I want something that will give me better DOF like raiderbuck mentioned.

I have a D90 and I have this lense:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001DYE1B6/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=4010320301&ref=pd_sl_172lah1l75_b



I like it, but it leaves some things to be desired.

I'm considering the same kind of fixed lense, but wasn't sure what to buy. I'll be lurking on this page.

To the top!

My wife shoots with a Nikon D-300 and a Tamron lens.

I own 3 nikons. A d2h, D80, and D200. I shoot sports photos though, and Use 2 80-200 nikon 2.8 lenses, for portraits I prefer my D80, with a 28-80 kit lens.

Any recommendations on a tripod?

To the top!

I never use a tripod. I have thought of going with a monopod for sports, but have never done it. These cameras are so nice you rarely have camera shake issues.