A well-regarded portrait lens. Have been doing many of those lately, and needed something besides the 50mm so that (1) some zooming ability would be present and (2) it could autofocus on all bodies. Got this lens in November 2008 for $280, sold the 18-200 VR to get it. Got it for portrait attempts with a smooth, "creamy" background. It's the newer version of the lens that has the built-in motor so it autofocuses with the D40/D40x/D60 bodies.