[Dabhand16]

I think that no matter what range your zoom lens covers, you will find yourself using the extremes for a lot of your shots. That's why you bought the lens, to get these quite important focal lengths. You probably use the intermediate settings more than you you think, but most likely for framing shots rather than consiously thinking about what focal length you are using.

Of course, the type of photography will also influence what your lens is set on. If you are using your kit lens and go on safari, it is natural that most of your shots will end up at the higher end of the range, whereas if you went into a stately home the reverse might be true.

The last camera I bought with a standard lens was my SV Pentax (circa 1965). 50mm gave the view closest to the human eye. I hardly ever used that lens after buying zoom lenses, and from then on, always went for a body with two zooms, a wide angle (24-70 in 35mm) and a telephoto (70-200), the wide angle getting the most use.

Since getting my D70s, with the 18-70 kit lens, I'm amazed at how many shots I'm taking at around 50mm (35mm equivalent)! Funny old world, isn't it?