The new TC20EIII version that just came out is supposed be be markedly better than the old 2.0 I've got the 1.7 and rarely use it, but have gotten some good shots with it.

I have a little more time to search now...

Good read on the TC20EIII
Quick thoughts: TC-20E III - Jason Odell

If Moose likes it....
Nikon TC-20e3 – All She Wrote! : Moose Peterson's Website

If it'll work for you, the Nikon 70-300 VR is the best bang for the buck.

You really need a pro-quality zoom to be mounting a TC. 1.4x is usually fine, 1.7x is pushing it, and 2.0x is often too much. I used to run a 1.7x on a 300 f/4, which worked well.

What about a macro lens? I've been looking into them because I like those kind of shots. I've been looking at this one: https://www.robertsimaging.com/stock/Camera%20Lenses/Primes%20(Telephoto)/Nikon/AF-S%20VR%20Micro-NIKKOR%20105mm%20f-2.8G%20IF-ED%20(2160).jsp

Do you guys have recommendations regarding this one or another?

Mark,

I have the Nikon 105mm f/2.8 "Micro" (Macro) and it is razor sharp; bokeh is nice too so it works well for portraits and general use. Definitely recommended although it is not as versatile as a mid-range zoom for all-around use.

Cheers,

Gotta second Chris...

I definitely want a good macro (micro) lens. What do you consider to be a good mid-range zoom?

I just wish you guys spoke canon talk....

Any advice on hotshoe flashes? I'm considering an Sb-400 & possibly an SB 600. I know the biggest difference is being able to swivel with the 600.

Other than that, is there anything else that I should consider because the 400's price is really attractive.

I was advised to spend the extra and get the SB-600 as the 400 wasn't that much more powerful then the built in flash. Supposedly the 400 is good for about 20'.

Easy - "L" glass. Then you're done :D

Favorite lens I have - 70-200L f4 IS. And I don't like zooms. But this lens is stellar. Usually have the 24-105L f4 IS on the 5D2. 16-35L f2.8 is awesome if you need wide angle. For primes, I have a 50 f1.4 that is ok, 85 f1.8 is great bang for the buck, and the new 100L f2.8 IS macro looks great.

Getting back to Nikon talk...
Here's a good example of what a better flash can help do for you: Re: How can an sb-600 improve these two (D40) picts?: Nikon D90 - D40 / D5000 Forum: Digital Photography Review

My kids got me an SB-600 for Xmas. Does amazing things with my D80.

todd,

Sadly any "L" lense is out of my budget. They do amazing things though. Right now I only have two lense 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS. I have been searching craigs daily for an more. What lense is your everyday lense? I found a 17-85 IS lense on the 'list for $300 but decided to pass. Any recommendations?

Check out the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8. Great lens for the money.

Steve, that wasn't aimed at me was it?

The superb Nikon midrange zooms in the "pro" range are the 24-70 f/2.8 for FX/FF bodies and the 17-55 f/2.8 for DX/crop bodies. The kit lenses such as the 18-70 etc. can produce perfectly decent results and are far cheaper and lighter, but the high-end ones are really special.

What are you lacking? I assume you're using a crop body (ie Rebel or 40D, etc), so you've got coverage from effective 28mm to 380mm as well as IS. Unless you find the IQ lacking on these, the only suggestion might be a fast prime like 50/1.8 (cheap), 50/1.4 (nicer), though these will be mild telephoto on your body. Probably a better choice is the 35/2.0:

CA352EF

Actually, yes. And Mark asked about a midrange zoom, too. I wasn't paying good attention and didn't notice you're shooting Canon. I know the Tammy works great on the Nikons- don't see why it wouldn't on Canon as well.

Yeah, with lenses, the price increases exponentially with lens speed x focal length. For example; the price difference between the 300mm f/2.8 and the 300mm f/4 is around $3500!

IMO one of the best fast-glass Nikkor zooms out there is the 17-35mm f/2.8 "photojournalist" lens. If one were limited to just two lenses, I would probably go with it, and the 70-200mm f/2.8 VR. Not much you wouldn't be able to cover with that pair, and the quality/speed is excellent for both.

Oh, and FYI Mark and OddJob:

D5000 service advisory bulletin (enter serial # to see if yours is one affected):
D5000 Service Advisory