I have had the Nikon D40 for several years now. I have the 55-200mm lens as well as the 18-55mm lens... The 18-55mm is jammed so I no longer use it. The problem is that I am having a really hard time taking clear photos for outdoor high school football games. The pictures turn out so blurry when the sun goes down. I can only use the 55-200mm lens like I said but was wondering if there is just not a lot I can do with the Camera I have or is there a lens I could by that might be better for outdoor football action shots. I also do some photography on the side for senior, newborn, and family portraits. With my 18-55mm being jammed, it makes photographing the portraits difficult at times. Any suggestions? Should I try getting my 18-55mm fixed or buy a new one or should I buy a different lens or even camera?
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It could be worthwhile to invest in a 16-85mm AF-S VR. It is expensive, but the image quality is very good. It could probably be good enough for the new 24 MP bodies, and so when it is time to retire the D40, this lens can continue to serve you.
The low light performance of the D40 is not that great. All cameras have a tough time focusing in dark light except the professional ones and the low light performance of these old cameras isn't that great especially with slow lenses like what you have.
Ideally, a 70-200mm f/2.8 lens would be better for shooting sports at night, but I don't think you'd like the weight, bulk, or price for that pro lens. Same with the 17-55mm f/2.8.
If you wanted to buy a much better lens, the cheapish ($200-$250) 50mm f/1.8 AF-S lens would be best. It doesn't get you as close as the 55-200, but it is much better in low light than even the most expensive professional telephoto zoom lenses. An 85mm f/1.8 is about double the price of the 50mm but is the ultimate budget choice for a fast fixed telephoto lens.
The other option is to replace the camera body with a new camera and kit lens. The D3200 is worlds better than the D40 and it comes with an 18-55mm lens with vibration reduction. The higher usable ISOs of the D3200 will more than make up for the slower telephoto lens you have.
The 18-55mm lens is very unappreciated. Good to know you know it's true worth. Buy one secondhand. Lots of newbies can't wait to ditch theirs.
For football, the 55-200mm should do but for low light, f/4 just won't cut it. You know what you need and it costs a thousand. You need f/2.8. The more mm, the better starting at 200. VR, then add a thousand more.
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/124669-GREY/...
The cost to repair the 18-55mm would probably not be cost effective. I'd buy a new or refurbished one. Or buy a faster lens.