I just began my DSLR adventure (after film and P&S digitals), in June 2008. My experience with a variety of DSLR cameras and lenses is limited but I am making progress in 14-15 months.

I began with an entry level Olympus E-510 with two kit lenses:

                 1. Olympus Zuiko 14-42mm  1:3.5-5.6   (Made in China)

                 2. Olympus Zuiko 40-150mm  1:4-5.6   (Made in China)

Added:    3. Olympus Zuiko 70-300mm  1:4-5.6  ED   (Made in Japan)

In May 2009 upgraded to an Olympus E-30  
        
Added:     4. Olympus Zuiko 12-60mm  1:2.8-4 ED   (Made in Japan)

My reason for going with Olympus was the light weight of the E-510 and high quality, light weigth kit lenses.

My reason for upgrading to an E-30 was to upgrade to a camera that handles low light situations better than the E-510 through an ability to use higher ISO settings without graininess.

I now use two lenses with my E-30
 
1. 12-60mm  1:2.8-4 as my walking around lens and

2. the 70-300mm  1:4-5.6.

I am extremely satisfied my choice of Olympus...road less travelled and all that :-).

I am looking forward to what others are using.

Bill

"Beware of all enterprises that require new clothes."