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I shoot with a Nikon D7000. I have a 50mm 1.8 and some old kit lenses. I would really like to get a zoom lens with a more open aperture than my kit lenses have. Is it possible to get a decent zoom lens (not a huge telephoto lens) for less than $1000? I should probably go to the camera shop and ask them, but I have napping kiddos and thought I would ask here first!

I rented a lens just to try it out, but can't remember what kind it was. Something HUGE. It was a 70-200 or something like that, not sure of the aperture either. I don't want anything that weighs more than me and I don't need that level of zoom. Is this vague enough!

You could try Tamron 28-75 2.8. It's around $500. I really love it. I have used the nikon 24-70 and that's great but also a lot more money. I'd recommend renting the Tamron and see if you like it.