Hey gang, wondering if any of you who might be Nikon DSLR users might be able to give me your thoughts on lenses: your choices, your dream lenses, pluses and minuses, etc.
A little background: I was something of a photographer way back in the misty past, in the age of film and dark rooms. Made some money at it, too. But, I ended up selling nearly all my cameras, lenses and darkroom equipment over time to pay for college and law school. Decided it's time to get back into it. Not looking to go pro; this is just for my enjoyment.
After much research and comparisons, I've decided on the new(ish) Nikon D7000. I understand the limitations of the cropped sensor, but believe that's all I'll really need for some time to come; I have a LOT to learn and re-learn.
The problem I have now is, I have total "research paralysis" regarding lenses. I've often heard the maxim that you should spend your money on the best glass you can afford. I'm willing to drop some change on lenses; not a fortune, but a good sum.
The D7000 comes with an 18-105 kit lens that is said to be
fine", but nothing stellar, and rather cheaply made. I definitely need a decent "walk-around" zoom, and plan on getting at least a couple primes. I'd also ideally like to get a good telephoto or telephoto zoom, as we travel quite a bit.
I'm definitely getting the little 35mm f 1.8 (which is the equivalent of the good ol' "nifty fifty" on a 35mm body). I'm seriously looking at the 16-85 f 3.5-5.6 zoom or the new 24-120 f4, both with VR, as the walk around. I like the long end, nano coating, etc., on the 24-120 but am worried the wide end won't be wide enough (equivalent of 36mm on the DX sensor), and it's a little spendy (approx. $1000 with current rebate), but I'd be willing to drop that for a good walk-around, if it's really that good.
I'd LOVE to pair the walk-around with the new 70-200 f 2.8 VR, but the $2K (with current rebate) is a little much for me to consider dropping on a single lens, especially one that would not be the primary walk-around.
The biggest problem/question I have about any lens, though (zooms especially), is ... WTF is up with all the distortion with every single lens out there, and how do you deal with it? Do you just run every single bloody picture you take through Photoshop (or equivalent) to get rid of the barrel or pin cushion? Seems absurd, but apparently a necessity. I don't recall this being such an issue back in my 35mm film days, but maybe I just have selective memory.
So, I guess I'm actually asking two questions: how do you deal with the distortion and is it a big issue for you; and what lenses do you have/love/lust after, and what are their relative strengths and weaknesses? I'm probably willing to spend about $2K to $2500 on lenses to start. I'd love to stick with Nikkor, to start, but have been looking at the major 3rd party players, as well. It just seems like, from what I'm reading, even the best Tamor, Sigma, Tokina are affordable but don't match the Nikkors for IQ or build quality (understandably.) I'd love to know thoughts on this, as well.
Sorry to be so long-winded. I just know my friends here tend to have a lot of experience and opinions (on TBBS, say it ain't so
) and I thought some of you might like to share, but know people like to have the background. Thanks in advance for any advice, info, guidance you may be able to offer. Ready, set, go! 
A little background: I was something of a photographer way back in the misty past, in the age of film and dark rooms. Made some money at it, too. But, I ended up selling nearly all my cameras, lenses and darkroom equipment over time to pay for college and law school. Decided it's time to get back into it. Not looking to go pro; this is just for my enjoyment.
After much research and comparisons, I've decided on the new(ish) Nikon D7000. I understand the limitations of the cropped sensor, but believe that's all I'll really need for some time to come; I have a LOT to learn and re-learn.
The problem I have now is, I have total "research paralysis" regarding lenses. I've often heard the maxim that you should spend your money on the best glass you can afford. I'm willing to drop some change on lenses; not a fortune, but a good sum.
The D7000 comes with an 18-105 kit lens that is said to be
fine", but nothing stellar, and rather cheaply made. I definitely need a decent "walk-around" zoom, and plan on getting at least a couple primes. I'd also ideally like to get a good telephoto or telephoto zoom, as we travel quite a bit.
I'm definitely getting the little 35mm f 1.8 (which is the equivalent of the good ol' "nifty fifty" on a 35mm body). I'm seriously looking at the 16-85 f 3.5-5.6 zoom or the new 24-120 f4, both with VR, as the walk around. I like the long end, nano coating, etc., on the 24-120 but am worried the wide end won't be wide enough (equivalent of 36mm on the DX sensor), and it's a little spendy (approx. $1000 with current rebate), but I'd be willing to drop that for a good walk-around, if it's really that good.
I'd LOVE to pair the walk-around with the new 70-200 f 2.8 VR, but the $2K (with current rebate) is a little much for me to consider dropping on a single lens, especially one that would not be the primary walk-around.
The biggest problem/question I have about any lens, though (zooms especially), is ... WTF is up with all the distortion with every single lens out there, and how do you deal with it? Do you just run every single bloody picture you take through Photoshop (or equivalent) to get rid of the barrel or pin cushion? Seems absurd, but apparently a necessity. I don't recall this being such an issue back in my 35mm film days, but maybe I just have selective memory.
So, I guess I'm actually asking two questions: how do you deal with the distortion and is it a big issue for you; and what lenses do you have/love/lust after, and what are their relative strengths and weaknesses? I'm probably willing to spend about $2K to $2500 on lenses to start. I'd love to stick with Nikkor, to start, but have been looking at the major 3rd party players, as well. It just seems like, from what I'm reading, even the best Tamor, Sigma, Tokina are affordable but don't match the Nikkors for IQ or build quality (understandably.) I'd love to know thoughts on this, as well.
Sorry to be so long-winded. I just know my friends here tend to have a lot of experience and opinions (on TBBS, say it ain't so
) and I thought some of you might like to share, but know people like to have the background. Thanks in advance for any advice, info, guidance you may be able to offer. Ready, set, go! 
): Tokina 11-16 f/2.8, Nikkor 24-120 f/4 VR, Nikkor 35 f/1.8 and Nikkor 70-300 f/4.5 VR, although my budget probably means I'll have to hold off on the tele (and possibly the 35mm) in favor of the 12-120 as a "walk-around" for now (though the reviews of the tele are surprisingly glowing, especially on the D7K sensor.) 
