Hi Brit
.
Honestly, I think you're the best person to answer that, and I know it gets confusing bc I've been there. I'll tell you my situation.
I have the D90 (used to have the D40). For lenses, I have the Nikkor 18-105mm VR (beautiful, fab lens), a Nikkor 60mm prime Macro, a Sigma HSM 30mm prime (used for D40, no longer using), and a Nikkor 50mm Prime. {btw, "prime" = non-zooming}
The cheapest lens? The last one, about $100. Which one is on my camera at almost ALL times? The last one. Zooms are super fun, and super attractive - and yep, you can use them for a million things, don't get me wrong. But, they are light-hogs and therefore, can be limiting too - and, they can't really give you the control that a Prime lens (non-zooming lens) can give you, in terms of aperture....if you're into that sort of thing (controlling the f-stop, "blurring" the background, aka "bokeh").
That said, some folks might say the opposite of me, they like to have a smaller, compact zoom on their camera
at all times. And it's all good - everyone is different! I will say...
almost everyone who has been around DSLRs for awhile buys a Prime lens (either 50mm or the more expensive 85mm) and it really becomes an essential lens to their kit too.
Maybe just consider what it is you're wanting to do right now w/ your pics/camera...and you should find your answer in there somewhere, ya know?
Sheesh I hope all that made sense....
