DaveHam Loc: Reading UK

For macro the old 200mm 1.4D works really well without the need to spend $ thousands on the new 200mm f2. Other than that I use the 17-35 f2.8, 24-70 f2.8, 70-200 f2.8, 200-400 f4 and the 600 f4 which all give great results. Another lens to consider is the 70-300 f4.5 - 5.6 which works very well and is good and light for travelling.
I have tried the 800 with a 1.7 Nikon teleconverter recently on the 600; found it was difficult to get autofocus to work well in anything but very good light.

Artcameraman Loc: Springfield NH

Also get a cable releas. Long lenses are heave and even with "vR" on you'll get a shake espec. Vertical.

Artcameraman Loc: Springfield NH

Ok my iPad can'y spell.

BboH Loc: s of 2/21, Ellicott City, MD

Macro - I use both the 105mm and the 60mm. 60 gets in closer with extension tubes and has a wider angle of view. I use the 105 when I can't get as close or I want to limit the FOV
Sports - 70-200 2.8 is generally recommended. I have good results with the 28-300 but I have not as yet put my 70-200 on my D800. The polo shots I posted last week were with the 28-300
Portrait - recommeded by many is the 85mm 1.8
General - 28-300

nikonshooter Loc: Spartanburg, South Carolina

Depends on the sport but for football and field sports in general, it's pricey, but the 200x400 F/4 is my favorite sports lens - with the ISO management of the D800, that aperture works - tack sharp.....the lens works with the D3S and D4 - and the D700 as well as shooting at 6400 ISO is routine. It is a heavy lens so the lighter weight D800 is a help, especially when hand holding. The 70x200 at 200 requires you to limit your shots to those that are close and coming at you.....and that is from the sidelines. In the stands, not too sure 400 is enough. You can always crop but then the IQ goes out the window. I have become monopod dependent....age and out of shape.

Indoor, basketball, volleyball and on, I like the 70x200 F/2.8 and the 14x24 F2.8 along with the 16 F/2.8 fisheye for under the bucket, on the floor shooting up shots.

I like the 70x200 F/2.8 II for portraits.

My three favorite lens, the Fisheye and the 70x200 F/2.8 II, and the 14x24 F/2.8. I have done very little Macro but what I have done has been with the 105 F2.8.

Personally, I would not buy the 85 F/1.8 for the D800, not resolute enough for this camera, get the 85 F/1.4 - it's a great portrait lens but then again, if you have the 70x200 you do not need it.

You will love the D800.

donpet

I have a d-700 and i bought a sigma 28-300 as nikon didn't have one yet. I later bought the nikon 28-300. I use these lenses for vacation all purpose lens. The nikon is a little better however the sigma is almost as good and a whole lot cheaper. I will sell the sigma for 300 $ my d-800 is on order !!!

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I purchased a D700 a couple of years ago. I purchased two lenses with the camera. 50mm f/1.4 and a 70~300 f/3.5 - 4.5. Shortly afterwards I purchased, all used, a 28~85 f/3.5 (macro) and a 20mm f/2.8. The lens that stays on the camera 90% of the time is the 28~85. The 70~300 has been used for some sports photography and some at the zoo. The most useful for weddings, group activities, news, etc. has been the 28~85.

Hankster123 Loc: Florida

I had the old 24-120, the new one f4 VR is a great general lens, can be used for portrait also.
The 85 f1,4 is a killer for portraits.
If you need long and fast you have to go with a 70-200 or older 80-200 f2.8, otherwise the 70-300 VR is good.
Wide either a fixed 14mm or the cheaper 17-35 f2.8

2th Loc: Tehran

I have an 70-180 macro zoom f4-5.6 Nikon which I recommend it highly. Dr.Farzin

2th Loc: Tehran

Then an 18 mm AF f2.8 or 17-35 F2.8

RealBohemian Loc: Toronto

I have 105mm 2.8 macro prime excellent for portrait also and 28-300 3.5 zoom ,not the fast one but good walk around,it cover all distances,both nice and sharp,very happy with both

sharkman53

My favorite Nikon lens are: 16-35,24-70, 70-200 these cover just about every situation. You might also consider the 105 macro.

bennydnut Loc: Phila, Pa.

Try the 24-102mm f/4g and/or 28-300mm f/3.5-5.6 VR II, both are walking around all purpose and light, hight quality and doesn't cost that much... I have the 70-200mm f/2.8, don't use this lens much at all, it's a great lens but toooo heavy to carry around on my vacation besides adding weight on luggage!!! good luck.

sharkman53

When I travel I only take one lens, the 18-200vr, unless I am going on a photographic travel, then I take everything.

blacks2 Loc: SF. Bay area

The new version of the 24-120 is highly recommendet and it covers a lot of ground