I have the d300. You can't do the autofocus with that camera, but I don't have issues with manual focus on some of my other lenses. The 50 1.8 is a great lens. I prefer the Nikon glass, but that is personal preference. I really want the 50 1.4.
Right now I am working mainly with primes or fixed lenses. I do have one zoom type lens that is variable stop. I use it because I can't carry the 70-200 . That is a killer lens. In my bag right now I am carrying the 50 1.8 which is what I do all of my shoots with. I will be using my 17-35 2.8 this weekend for some events that I am shooting. Just because we are talking 80+ people and I am going to need a wide angle for that.
Try to rent it first and see if you like it. That is how I found out that the 70-200 was a large load to carry around. I need to get there and start lifting the weights.