which faster lens for a D200

The 28-75 would be good. The 50/1.8 would be very good, but not very versatile. I've done some low-light (concert/performance) shooting with a combination of a Tamron 17-50 and a Nikkor 85/1.8. Because I like to be able to get a fairly-wide view, I find the 28-75 more limiting and quite like the 17-50.

Also, not that it's specifically the topic: I've done a bunch of ISO1600 stuff with the D200 and been pretty happy with it. It doesn't deal well with any underexposure, but correctly exposed, ISO1600 files can be quite useful.

>> " "The for one-lens-does-it-all lens, you'll need to go for the 18-200 Nikkor "

not if you want to shoot low-light, no-flash stuff such as bands. much better to separate the focal range with a 28-75 and 70-200 or equivalents and get constant 2.8 aperture, or even get a collection of fast primes all the way up to 200/2. unfortunately, much more expensive too."

I only made that claim because she specifically wanted the 18-200 coverage. Obviously a fast lens with that type of coverage does not yet exist, while multi-lens alternatives are most likely too expensive and complicated for her.

Laura,

You have already received very suggestion but Eric Arnold has said everything i wanted to say. Get Sigma 1.4 because you said you loved your dad's 50mm and 30mm on D200 will give you same FOV. You'll need a fast lens because ISO above 800 on D200 is not so good. F/1.4 compared to f/2.8 is 4 times less light.

The 85/1.8 AF is an excellent lens. And, if you need more reach, consider a manual focus 105. There are f/1.8 and f/2.5 versions. More info here:

http://www.naturfotograf.com/index2.html

thanks for everyone's responses! i ended up buying the 50mm 1.4 since i can't afford the 30mm right now. i will probably buy the 28-75 soon because i still like the idea of that lens, and if i continue to do with the bands, i'll probably buy the 30mm down the line. i'm happy to have my 50mm again, my mother (my unwilling test subject) was not haha

thank you again for all of your comments and suggestions!