[minafets]

I have a Nikon D40 with a 18-55mm lens and I have tried changing my settings so that I am able to take a nighttime photo but the camera won't even take a picture period and I was wondering if it was because the object is further then 55mm and I need to get a stronger lens or if there is a specific lens for nighttime shots. Although I have been able to take photos about the same distance as the one I want to take during the day. Would greatly appreciate any help or recommendations on a type of lens to get.

[charlotte234s]

Is the picture coming out black? It could be the flash, you may want to investigate getting a scoop flash, they are much stronger.

[roadstar1]

It really doesn't have much to do with the lens (if the subject is viewable in the lens), it's about the light. The in-camera flash has a limited exposure distance. A stronger flash would help, but you don't mention what kind of night shots you are taking. Fireworks take a longer exposure time, but without a flash, for a reasonable picture.

[ranger59]

Try a longer shutter speed and place camera on a tripod when you take the shot. Using the self timer can help also.

[N0help4u]

I use 800 or 1000 speed film instead of the 200 or 400 near available light and N0 flash.
Also go with the longer exposure time.

[lschoeggl]

If you aren't able to get the camera to take a photo at all, it's probably because the camera is not able to find a focus point. This happens easily in low light situations. Does the camera have a focus assist light? Usually this is a red lamp that lights briefly before the shutter fires. Make sure this lamp is enabled. Also, turn your ISO up to 800, 1600 or even 3200 (just be ready for a grainy shot). If you are still having trouble, you may need to try focusing manually.

Although Roadstar1 is right about the flash, the lens actually does make a very big difference in your success with low light shots. What is the f# of your lens? Usually you can find this by looking on the very front of the lens. After saying 18-55mm it will say something like 1:4. If that's what it says, your maximum f-stop is 4.0.

For nighttime shots, you will struggle with lenses that have maximum apertures of 4.0, for example. Lenses that go down to a 2.8 f-stop (or lower) will be much better in low light situations. Just a quick primer: the f-stop relates to the size of the aperture (shutter opening) when you take a shot. The smaller the number, the larger the aperture, which allows more light to pass through to the camera sensor. An f-stop of 22 lets in dramatically less light than an f-stop of 2.8. Lenses that have lower numbered apertures are considered "faster" lenses and optimal for low light conditions. That being said, they are also far more expensive.

Good luck!