The dreaded drop- DOH!!

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I was working the other day and carrying too much stuff, and thought that I had my camera strap wrapped around my fingers, but learned the hard way that I didn't- ouch. I have a D5000 and had my 18-55 kit lens on, and the UV filter that was screwed on, was broken, but otherwise the lens seemed ok. I unscrewed the filter, (forcibly) and believe I stripped the threads at the end of the lens itself. There are no scratches on the lens thankfully, however, when I try to zoom in and out, at around the 30mm point, the lens catches and does not smoothly move beyond it, but can be "convinced to". I have taken pictures at most of the ranges of the lens without problems, but there is the obvious "speed bump". I am certain that it was my fault and do not expect Nikon to replace it for me, but figure now is a good time to upgrade. My other lenses range from 55-200 and 70-300, can you give me some suggestions to a nice piece of versatile glass that wont break the bank.

thanks for looking

[Almond.Butterscotch]

35mm f/1.8. Has only very rarely left my camera since getting it a year ago and has all but entirely replaced the 18-55. (I'll occasionally bust the 18-55 out for skyscapes, but it may as well be an 18mm f/3.5)

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Originally Posted by Almond.Butterscotch

35mm f/1.8. Has only very rarely left my camera since getting it a year ago and has all but entirely replaced the 18-55. (I'll occasionally bust the 18-55 out for skyscapes, but it may as well be an 18mm f/3.5)

I went and got the Nikkor 50mm 1.8 AF lens today. It's doesn't autofocus on my D5000, but someday if I move up to one with a motorized body it will, and I like the challenge of the manual focus and the extra aperture that I can get, thanks for your suggestion though. I played with it this evening, and with my first grader having his class play tomorrow indoors with no flash photography, this will surely be on my face, and my other one who graduates preschool outdoors, I will have options depending on the weather's cooperation.