It is an upgrade from a D70s that is four years old. That one replaced an old N6006 that replaced an older Canon AE1.

I have several DX lenses, plus an 80-400 and various older lenses from the N6006. I am switching to the D700 because of its low light capability for the most part. Want something that can take better pictures of my son doing ballet where no flash is ever allowed.

And bonuses were particularly good this year :-D

Welcome to the forum, JP. What a perfect combination! Are you upgrading from something or is this your starter kit? If it's your starter kit, let me know how to get into whatever industry you're working in. ;-)

jonnyapple said:
Most people who knock this lens haven't used it.

No joke. I dont understand.. I got images that Stunned me even to this day with that lens on my D90.

Interestingly I asked that question of a friend who shoots a lot of different venues with the latest pro cameras (currently the D3s). His response was the 24-70/f2.8

Given that I will be ordering one with a D700 either Friday or Monday.

smarterchild said:
If it was DX i would have to go with the d90's kit lens. For some reason that lens just achieved so much for me. I had no problems with it and i got most of my favorite pictures shooting with that lens.

Most people who knock this lens haven't used it.

I would have to go with the 50mm 1.4G or the 24mm 1.4g on FX. those are my two favorite focal lengths on my 24-70 2.8

If it was DX i would have to go with the d90's kit lens. For some reason that lens just achieved so much for me. I had no problems with it and i got most of my favorite pictures shooting with that lens.

Actually I love my 50mm 1.4 D so much that when I damaged it in the field I had it serviced for $115. I bought it originally for $250! I love it so much that I didn't want another one. I have grown so attached to this one sample and I use it constantly for all sorts of projects and even personal stuff.

I'll throw in a vote for the 50mm 1.4 D love it! ^____^

a 28mm AF-S f/1.4 on a FX body.

24 f/1.4. If I wasn't going for compactness, I would choose a 16-35 f/4. Unfortunately I don't have either of these lenses :(

most likely my 35/2 or 85/1.4.

I've bought that lens twice now, shade. It got stolen the first time and I went a while without it but decided again that it was worth it. That or my 50 1.8 would be my next choice after the tamron.

Probably the 35/1.8 DX. My other lenses are either more specialized (telephoto zooms) or the 18-55 kit, which I can just use my feet to zoom. The 1.8 aperture means I can use it anywhere :).

24-70, because it's so useful.

85mm 1.4-I'm addicted to this lens!

17-55 on DX
24-70 on FX

MAYBE a 70-200 on FX. . .??

To be fair, I must point out that the question was 'If you could only have one lens in your kit, what would you have?'

not

'Which is your favorite lens?'

I think it is an important distinction to make and in many cases will change peoples' answer.

For example, my FAVORITE lens is my Sigma 10-20mm. But if I could only have one, I have to say 18-200 VR.

^^^

Agreed or my counterpart of the 80-200mm f/2.8

probably 70-200/2.8vr

I'd have to go with my favorite FX lens.... 24-70mm, little heavy but the results are worth the effort....bob

One lens tough choice. 24-120mm VR, since it has such a wide range, and its wide enough for many subjects if I put it on my film camera.

yup, its got to be the 50 1.4

From my lenses, I'd choose the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8

I'd second the 50mm1.4 because it performs so well on my D700 under just about any circumstance. I know that the optics and resulting IQ are better with my 105 and with my 14-24, but I find that creative potential is much greater with that focal range and aperture.

I think I'd go with the 24-70. If has a nice mix of range, aperture, build quality, and sharpness.