ELNikkor wrote:
The 18-55 is a very sharp, close-focusing lens. I have 3 of them, and they are awesome performers on my D5100, D200, and D40. If sharpness is a problem, it is not because of your lenses, nor your sensor! Save your money and look for other reasons than lenses and sensor. If you do want a faster lens, get the reasonably priced, fantastic DX 35 1.8.
my thoughts exactly. The 35mm f1.8 DX lens is not expensive and very sharp. If your photos are not sharp with this lens, then look elsewhere in the camera set up or your technique. Shoot with a tripod and a self timer (to avoid touching the camera), use live view focus with (+) and then evaluate sharpness.