35 f2D - it goes in the bag no matter what. If my standard zoom fails at an event, I can make do with the 35 for anything but the across-the-room candid (the 85 can handle that). If I fall on a hike and #%*! up the zoom (which has happened above timberline and 15 miles from the trailhead), the 35 can do landscapes and decent close-ups. It's inobtrusive for casual walkabout...I think I've rambled enough here.
Ron
In order of importance I would most certainly agree:
#1: 24-70 f2.8 Nikkor
#2: 50mm f1.4D for portraits and such
#3: A versatile walk around range such as the 28-300VC Tamron
#4: A lens in the 70-200 f2.8 range (affordable-Tamron or not so affordable Nikkor)
#5 70-300vr for the extra reach and light carry weight-high performance ratio
It depends on what I want to shoot. In general, these are my favorites:
FX: 17-35, 24-70 f/2.8 and 80-200 f/2.8
DX: 12-24, 24-70 f/2.8 and 70-200 v2.8 VR (I don't have the 17-55)
Macro: 105 f/2.8
Wildlife: 300 f/4 and 600 f/4
