lens selection in mid-range zoom

[kellyr]

Hi,
I am new to the forum, glad I found it. I have a D60 (yes, the D10 sounds like it is better, but when will it be available, and in what quantities?)
I am a wildlife and botanical painter, so far have loved the D60, have found low light focus not great, but with animals I use manual focus mostly. I have the 100-400 IS L zoom and LOVE it for what I do. But my older lens don't seem to fit the bill for my other needs. I need a faster, wide angle I think!! I would like to be able to get plant details, not necessarily super macro, and landscape shots for backgrounds. Don't know if one lens fits the bill, or multiple lenses. I have been researching 28-135 IS, 28-70 L USM, and new 24-70 l USM. Obviously, prices go all over, but I love the 100-400 quality, now think L lenses very worth the price.
When I am out in the field relatively close to a car (ie Yellowstone) I tend to have a long lens on one camera body and a more 'normal' lens on another so that I don't miss shots changing lenses. At least in the days of regular SLR's. Will probably get the D10 someday as primary and use D60 as backup with 'normal' lens.
Help!!!! what do I do?

Thanks,
Kelly R

[fredlord]

I have the new 24-70L and I think if you're concerned about focus speed or want to use primarily manual focus you should consider the faster lenses as they're a bit faster on AF and easier to focus manually. That would mean using one of the f/2.8 lenses. Tests seem to show the 24-70 is an improvement on the 28-70 but the earlier lens was very, very good so you would have to consider if you want the wider focal length in exchange for a considerably higher price. I knew I wouldn't be able to buy it later as I'm retiring soon so I bought the new lens with that in mind.