A Compatibility Issue - Lenses for Nikon D40 or D60
Reviewed on 27 May 2008

Nikon entry level DSLR series, the D40, D40x and D60 are great cameras that can do a lot of the fun things that more serious cameras can do but without the bulk and weight that more pro-level cameras are often burdened with. But one reason some people shy away from these excellent little gadgets is the stigma of not being able to focus on all Nikkor lenses. Sigma and Tamron offer selections of great alternatives to Nikkor lenses. However again not all of them will autofocus with D40/x or D60.

Of course, Nikon is remedying that with lots of new Nikon AF-S lenses that will work just dandy on the D40/x and D60, just find any Nikkor lens with the term AF-S in the name. But Nikkor lenses aren't budget lenses so Sigma and Tamron are coming up with quite a few lenses that have internal focusing.

If you want a replacement lens, or you are thinking of a little more specialty photography like macro photography or wildlife, your D40/x or D60 is not going to bog you down because you can't find the proper lens. Below we have a list of Sigma and Tamron lenses that you can consider instead.

Sigma Lenses	Tamron Lenses
10-20mm F4-5.6 EX DC HSM 12-24mm F4.5-5.6 HSM 17-35mm F2.8-4 DG HSM 50-500mm F4-6.3 DG HSM APO 50-150mm F2.8 EX DC HSM 70-200mm F2.8 DG MACRO HSM 80-400mm F4.5-5.6 EX DG OS 100-300mm F4 DG HSM 120-300mm F2.8 DG HSM 300-800mm F5.6 DG HSM 14mm F2.8 EX HSM 30mm F1.4 EX DC HSM 150mm F2.8 EX DG HSM 180mm F3.5 EX DG HSM 300mm EX DG HSM 500mm EX DG HSM 800mm f5.6 EX DG HSM	AF 18-250mm F/3.5-6.3 Di II LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A18NII) AF 70-300mm F/4-5.6 Di LD MACRO 1:2 (Model A17NII) AF 18-200mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A14NII) SP AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF] (Model A16NII) AF 28-300mm F/3.5-6.3 XR Di VC LD Aspherical [IF] MACRO (Model A20N)

These lenses are pretty much perfect for the Nikon D40/x and D60, as they won't work very well on film cameras and full-frame sensors. Of course, they can work with other sensors with a crop factor, but we're talking about the D40/x and D60 here.

Tamron has only recently begun adjusting their lenses to fit the D40/x and D60, but the list is growing. So far, only five lenses will autofocus on the D40/x and D60, you can fit the other lenses on (provided that its got a Nikon D lens mount) but they won't autofocus as they lack the built in motor. That means you have to manually focus which can be a little tough.