Here is a kit that fits an unobtrusive holster case, yet provides sharper-than-average photos from 18-190mm, as well as macros both close-up and distant, and even includes one low-light lens. In addition, it houses two extra batteries, two extra memorie cards, a "cheat sheet", and a Lumiquest Pop-Up diffuser. And the nicest feature....most of the time all I have to use is one lens...but the flexibility is there if I need it.

The kit consists of the Quantarey small holster case, containing my D50 (it will also hold the D300), the Nikon 18-135mm 3.5-5.6, a Kenko 1.4x Pro 300 extender, 12mm and 20mm Kenko extension tubes, and the Nikon 50 f/1.8. Along with the batteries, extra cards, cheat sheet, and flash diffuser, of course.

The 18-135 along with the new 16-85, is the sharpest non-pro lens Nikon has made, and is sharper than many of their pro lenses. It makes a great all purpose lens covering the 35mm equivalent of 27-200mm. When more reach is needed, the Kenko 1.4x takes it out to 190mm (285mm f/8 equivalent) with no loss of autofocus or lens IQ. When macro is called for, the tube set (with or with the 1.4x) can allow the base nikon lens (or the 50 1.8) to become either close-up or tele-macro lenses with fine quality at 1:1 or greater ratios. And of course the 50 1.8 provides low light capability for that available light portrait I just have to capture.

I've sorted through and tested lots of possibilities to arrive at this setup. It is superior to the all-in-one superzoom I had been using in offering better IQ simultaneous with greater flexibility. In fact, this setup can handle virtually every camera need short of sports shooting. (That's a different story and a whole 'nother bunch of bodies and lenses.) And it doesn't cost an arm and a leg...at todays used prices, just under a $1000 for the whole setup.