Nikon 70-200 AF-S VR 2.8
This amazing lens is specifically designed for portraits and sports. While it can show some corner darkening and softness at the edges, it does not effect the work that this lens was meant for. It is stunning in every respect. A bit of softness at the edges on FX does not hinder what this lens was designed for. Most people crop anyway and this was never intended for landscapes. If you want the best zoom for portraits, sports and family shooting, this is it. Nothing else comes close.
Nikon 18-200 AF-S DX VR
This will probably annoy folks to see this lens right below the 70-200, but the fact remains that this do-it-all lens is a marvel of optical design. It only works on DX cameras, but beyond that a good copy in the right hands can always surprise the doubters. This lens helped sell a LOT of Nikon DSLRs well before the D3 and D300 caved in Canon's lead.
Nikon D2Hs
Following on the heels of the imperfect D2H, the D2Hs did almost everything well. Uneducated buyers couldn't understand why the sensor was so low on the megapixel count, but then this was a camera for shooters who knew exactly what they needed: Small files, blinding shooting speed and superb image quality that still impresses today.
Nikon 85mm 1.4 AF-D
Often called the cream machine, this portrait lens is ideal for portrait shots. Few lenses are so flattering and sharp all at once. Bokeh is superb.
Nikon 14-24 & 24-70 AF-S 2.8
While these two zooms will cost around 1700 each, they will also best most exotic primes in the same range. Optically they are almost without compromise except that they are large and heavy.
Nikon D300
Pow! Nikon released this camera and pulled no punches. It is a 100% pro spec machine that can be used by the professional and advanced shooter alike. The D300 simply left Canon in the dust with their very nice 40D. Some folks said Canon was caught sleeping, but the 40D was VERY impressive. It's just that the D300 was almost too good for it's price point, easily eclipsing it's 3 times more expensive cousin, the D2x.
Nikon D90
Not everyone can spend 1700 on a DSLR body. Enter the D90! This smaller cousin has all of the image quality of the D300, fantastic handling and a very nice 4.5 FPS. On top of that it shoots 720p movie clips (manual focus only) that look pretty good. It competes very well with the Canon 40D and basically beats it.
Nikon 135 DC AF-D 2.0
This odd lens is an even better portrait lens than the 85mm on FX bodies. It's sort of a sleeper lens as most people haven't tried one or feel like spending 1200 bucks on such a beast.
Nikon 28-200 AF-G
This little zoom failed to turn heads for a long while because Nikon had only DX cameras for some time. People felt 28mm was too long for a walk-around lens. But it does everything well and focuses very close. Now that there are Nikon FX bodies, these are tough to find! Sharpness borders on superb for such an inexpensive lens. Nikon would sell a lot if they brought it back.
Nikon D700
What? No D3? Well, the D700 has the same IQ, nearly the same speed and a few other nice features missing from the D3. The D700 can be smaller and lighter without it's grip or larger than the D3 with it. It's a more flexible camera and most shooters will probably prefer it to the larger D3. They really are the same camera in most respects.
Nikon 200-400 AF-S VR 2.8
Why do I like this better than the stunning VR primes? Because it's a zoom! I don't like the F4 part, but this is really an amazing optic only hindered by it's size and weight. I don't own one, but I probably will soon.
Nikon D3x
Good lord!!! 8000.00 for a DSLR???!!! Yes, it's true, but keep in mind that this baby is being called the best DSLR ever tested by virtually every website and review. Early adopters don't seem to have ANY buyer's remorse. This is a high end pro camera that 95% of professionals don't need, but it's a great machine. I give the D3x the nod over the D3 because it's the best IQ in ANY camera of this type.
WHO DIDN'T MAKE THE LIST AND WHY!
D100 - Too old!
D2X - Too expensive and behind the times from day one!
D50 - poor controls compared to the D70!
D40 D40x & D60 - No internal focus motor!
D200 - Noisy and soft!
D3 - Too big...but a great camera!
