The Nikkor 85mms (f1.4 and f1.8) get quite a lot of votes, again the cheaper f1.8 being better value, perhaps?
If you’re looking at a zoom, you’re looking at a fast one like an f2.8. You can get decent results with a kit lens, but you’re making it harder for yourself. At the expensive end, the Nikkor 17-55mm f2.8 and the Nikkor 70-200VR f2.8 get much love. The slightly cheaper Nikkor 80-200mm f2.8 gets a look-in. The cheaper Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 and Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 are both well worth a look. (They are about 30% of the cost of the 17-55mm Nikkor!) Obviously this won’t suit everyone. There are many people out there who prefer even longer or shorter focal lengths, which is cool. The one rule seems to be to go for fast glass if you can.
