[rodi]

i would get the 35mm instead of the 50mm - that way you won't be tempted to get a full-frame camera to know what 50mm is REALLY supposed to be like.

50mm on a crop camera like the D40 is not a true 50mm - it's about 75mm. this focal length was a favorite LONG before digital and there was a reason for it. get the 35mm with your D40 and you'll know why. the 35mm gets you pretty close to the field of view of a 50mm on the D40.

and unless you can fork out $1500+ for a zoom lens, don't bother. some will tell you differently, kind of like how a car salesman would tell you the honda drives better than the BMW to seal a deal because he knows which one you can afford.

just my professional two cents.