I am looking at the Nikon 17-55 to use in a portrait project I expect to start in a few weeks.
The photos will taken at various venues in all sorts of light and positions so I know I want a fast zoom lens. I dont believe that primes will give me the latidude I am going to need.
I think the 17-55 is a good focal range to work in for the D300 and the lens comes with good reviews (and price tag).

The question is do I just suck it up and spend the money or are there other lenses in that range that are worth looking at.

The project will take several months to complete and will generate some income so I can offset that against the purchase price.