Eventually he should save up and get additional lenses but he does say he can only afford the camera and one lens. He'll get more out of the 18-55. The 35mm is a great lens and cheap enough that eventually he can buy it later.

But first get the camera and learn how to shoot with it. Besides the 18mm is way better for landscapes than 35mm or rather 50mm equivalent on DX.

How about buy the D500 Kit with the 18-55VR and get a 50 1.8 (which is cheaper than the 35 1.8)? That would be a nice combo to start with.

I say get the 35mm. It will teach you to value your compositional quality more than a zoom will and when you move up to better lenses you won't have a dud on your hands...

35mm. I'd rather have one really good lens. Not to mention "they" say you can learn a lot using a prime. Having something good for low light is an absolute must also (e.g. the 35 1.8)

I love my 35. I bought it a while ago and my kit lens just sits there. I only use it if I really want to take a wide shot. 35mm gives you better IQ, and great low light performance. Being able to have a wider aperture will help you separate subject from background pretty easily as well. I would say get the 35 and zoom with your legs. Just my 2c

Thanks guys, I guess I'll start with the kit lens and work from there!

You will be limited with the 35 mm lens. With the kit you will at least have some option of zooming in and out. Wait and get the 35mm lens later....I am.

I'd say stick to the kit lens for now and learn your camera first. Yes the 35 will help you get good low light photos but you will be sacrificing zoom range and if the 35 is your only lens you'll quickly find that as a hindrance.

I can hear you purist saying a 35mm will be more useful (hard stare to jonnyapple) but the D5000 has some good ISO performance and with the on board flash (used correctly) it's capable of some great shots.

As you learn your camera and save up more money you can get additional lenses and an external flash.

Oh and welcome to the forum AlexOc

Hello!

I'm getting ready to purchase a D5000 but I'm new to photography and need some help choosing a lens.

I'm mostly going to be photographing people, not just portraits but candid shots at parties, etc. (Indoors & out). I'm also interested in shooting architecture and "small" landscapes but not so much big sweeping views.

I can only afford either the 18-55mm kit lens or the 35mm f/1.8G AF-S. Which would you guys recommend? The kit lens is making me nervous because I can't afford a flash unit right now and I'm worried about low light situations indoors at parties, restaurants, etc. But will the 35mm lens work alright for landscapes?

Thanks for your help!