The D300 works very well at 1600 ISO which is all i need for now. At the moment i'm really sticking to 2.8, i know its not the best, but when it comes to a budget, then thats it for me
I have only just recently started gig photography, having only shot at a couple of intimate gigs. I suppose i will be going towards the 17-55 in the future.
It's a great challenge i give it that!