To Any nikon using photographers, what are your favorite lenses?

I have a 55–200 that I bought when I got my new camera three years ago. It has been extra handy so that I don’t have to carry a bunch of lenses. My other lens is a 28–55. I’d get a 70 – 300 if I could afford it.

I have two lens currently that I use with my Nikon D7000:

• AF-S Nikkor 50mm ƒ/1.4G prime lens
• AF-S Nikkor 55–300mm ƒ/4.5–5.6G ED zoom lens

The prime lens is fantastic in that it has a shallow depth of field which can lead to more interesting photos (scroll down to “3. Blot out all other reality.”). Here’s a few shots I took with it:

• http://www.flickr.com/photos/ttrueman/5555405600/lightbox/
• http://www.flickr.com/photos/ttrueman/5580013722/lightbox/
• http://www.flickr.com/photos/ttrueman/5554819297/lightbox/

Prime lens are great because they are fast and produce beautiful images. The downside is you have to physical move the camera to get the distance right since there is no zoom. I’d recommend that 50mm prime to everyone as nearly every photo out of that lens is beautiful.

I’m happy with the zoom lens but keep in mind unless you can afford a great zoom lens it’s going to be a bit soft on the long end of things. That said, it’s still great for the price.

I’d like to get a wide-angle lens as well (Sigma makes a 8–16mm one that look interesting—8mm is a huge difference over Nikon’s 10mm lens, see this example).

If you don’t need anything longer than 200mm, I’d suggest the 18–200mm for the sake of not having to change lens.

Well. Thanks for all of the ideas. I’ve since been very bad. I bought a 70–300VR ED lens. I couldn’t resist. I had best buy price match it to $529, then I had $100 in reward bucks. I had to do it!!! It is an amazing lens. Very fast focus and crazy zoom. Then I found a smoking deal on an 18–200. I know it duplicates, but I do share lenses with my wife. I also bought a 35mm G lens. Sweet, light and fun. I sold the 18–105 and got an 18–55 VRII for my wife. I am now looking at the Sigma 8–16. I may rent one before buying. I love wide angle.

@stevenb Let me know if you get the Sigma 8–16. I’m very interested in getting a wide-angle lens by mid-June (before I spend a week camping in Yosemite).

@timtrueman, I am jealous! I have never been to Yosemite. I am going to Glacier Park for the fourth of July though. I would love to see Yosemite.