I bought a D300 (digital rebel) this summer and I am quiet happy with it (the camera is certainly not the limiting factor). However, I would like to replace the 18-55 lens that came with it, mostly because I had an accident with it, and i'll use the excuse to upgrade ;)

Given a budget of USD 400-600, is it possible to buy two ok quality lenses?
Most important, I would like one general-purpose lens (not too different from the 18-55 I guess, less zoom is ok) and one with some zoom. If I can't have both for this price, the former is certainly more important.

I tried reading through the reviews, but honestly, they mean very little for me. I would appreciate some suggestions (specific lenses I should consider), and then I can compare those to the reviews.

you should look at the new 17-85 IS lens as it is a zoom that will give you more range ( the equivalent of a 28-135) as well as much better picture quality, this lense is right around $600.00 US dollars. You could also get the 28-135 IS as well as a 50 f1.8 for about $500.00 US dollars. What kind of shooting do you do? Do you need wide angle? If so the 17-85 might be your best bet.

EDIT: Sorry, I'm a bit sleepy today, I realized afterwards that you're saying the 17-85 IS probably is all I need (?), so that fits nicely.


That's 600 + 600 = 1200 :)

I don't do any particular kind of shooting really, http://www.kepp.net/gallery/ will show you just what level I am on ;) Most of those aren't even taken with the SLR. I mostly take pictures while walking around the city, pretty natural stuff I come and across and parties.

Actually, the reason I'm thinking about the zoom lens is that, in my opinion, most people have better smiles when they don't realize there is a camera nearby.

I other words, I don't think I need a huge range.