D90 all-around lens set up?

[DarumaBlue]

This will likely be my last D90 question before I make a final decision to purchase one or not.

I'm considering selling my old 18-55 and 55-200 (the basics) that I purchased for my D40, and consolidating into a 18-105 for my D90. I'm not sure I'd miss my 106-200mm focal length too much, as I usually prefer portraits, urban photography, and some indoor food photography (for my 35mm.)

Is the 18-105 a better set up? Or something else entirely?

[coombzy]

I'll leave it to the pros to break everything down but I just wanted to comment that although I too don't often use longer focal lengths, it's awfully handy to have it around the few times the occasion calls for it. I'm not sure it'd be all that beneficial to move from one kit lens to another and lose that bit you're not sure you'll miss. I say this because I nearly sold my 18-70mm as I hadn't picked it up since I bought my 35mm over a year ago. But today I really, REALLY appreciated having the wider angle. In urban settings it's handy to have the zoom available for those sneaky shots. Food for thought.

[Shokinen]

Why not keeping the 18-55mm / 55-200mm combo and just buy the body ?
The 18-105 is an entry level lens with the same build /optical quality of your current setup.

Another option is the 16-85mm. It's a step up in the build and optical quality. I love this lens, I use this lens 60% of the time. It's a little bit expensive but you get the far end of the wide angle world and good reach for portrait in a single lens.

[dcclark]

I'd keep the 18-55 and 55-200 combo, and just get the body. Then, research some other lenses (like the excellent 16-85 which Shokinen mentioned), maybe rent or borrow one, and give it a spin. There's no need to buy lenses at the same time as your D90, unless you get a REALLY good kit deal (which you probably won't).

[bruceliv]

If you want one "do it all" lens, why not the 18-200mm VRII? I know some amateurs who have gotten excellent result once they discovered the "sweet spots" of this glass. You can also pick up the slightly older VR version on eBay if you want to save a dime.

@David, Gorgeous images -- I love your Ruins!

[TheEagleSpirit]

I have a tamron 35-50 mm 2.8 lens getting most of my attention and a nikon 70-200 mm 2.8 lens that I use for existing light photography on my D90.