what two lense would you be buying,,???

[Derry]

been waiting for the new D300 to arrive and my local dealer called and they now have them,, gave all my old gear to one of the daughters that loves to shoot and figured I would start with a new camera and "TWO" lens,, want to keep the two lens lens cost around the $2000 (US) area,,

really wanting better glass in any of the lens I buy,,

limited birding will be done with this gear as I also have a scope and P5000 for my digascoping,, will be mainly shooting landscapes, grandkids playing soccer and general walk around photography,,

appreciate your recommendations,,

[Outboard]

been waiting for the new D300 to arrive and my local dealer called and they now have them,, gave all my old gear to one of the daughters that loves to shoot and figured I would start with a new camera and "TWO" lens,, want to keep the two lens lens cost around the $2000 (US) area,,

really wanting better glass in any of the lens I buy,,

limited birding will be done with this gear as I also have a scope and P5000 for my digascoping,, will be mainly shooting landscapes, grandkids playing soccer and general walk around photography,,

appreciate your recommendations,,

My favourite lens for general walkabout photography is the Nikon 18-200VR, an excellent all round lens. You could also get the Nikon 300mm f/4 AF-S which is a nice sharp lens. You would then later be able to buy a Nikon TC-14E II teleconverter which would turn your 300 mm into a 420mm at f/5.6 and still be really sharp.

[Duke Leto]

Agree the 18-200vr is a perfect general purpose lens. excellent for that everyday occasion, as for the other if its nikon then the AF-S and a 1.4 is my preferred outfit for general birding but having bought a 1.7TC find this to be almost as good, stay clear of the 2x never had a lot of joy birding with that one.
Alternatively pick up a Sigma 500/4.5 @ $1500 I imagine in the US and but a cheaper lens for general stuff, I bought a Tokina 28-80/2.8 for around $250.00 not the latest one but the better older one and found this to be an excellent lens