Which would be a better option for a starter lens on a Nikon D7000?

I'm planning to purchase my first dslr and I've decided to go with the D7000 over the D5100. I know that the D5100 is probably the camera that's more in my range, but I figured that the 7k will give me much more options once I start progressing.
So, I glanced at the 18-105VR lens that comes with the camera, and read it to be an OK lens? My primary focus are night shots, so I want a relatively quick and sharp lens for the occasions. I did some more reading and thought that the 35mm 1.8g, and the 50mm 1.8 are decent for the price.

So my question really is would purchasing the body and the 35mm lens or 50mm be a smart decision? Or is it better to stick with the lens that comes with it and invest in lenses later.

Btw, my budget is pretty tight so I want to use the money wisely for something that will last.
I know you guys may think why a low budget amateur would be investing in something like this. But I'm really into photography, and I'm also planning to take detailed lessons to further develop my knowledge.

Thanks, and I'm sorry there's so much writing for such a short question.

The 18-105 vr is a seriously good lens.

do not miss the opportunity to own it.

A nice feature of the D7000 is that it can autofocus with the older type AF-D lenses. So what? Well, if you want to do serious long exposure night shots, some of the older type lenses can dial to infinity in the dark. Of course you don't need autofocus to do that, but it can increase the other uses of those lenses.

I think you are should own the kit lens that comes with the D7000 and one of the primes you mentioned, it's just a matter of what order. The kit lens might be a very good lens, but it does not have a large aperture, so it's going to kill you at night. Where you might crank the ISO to 1600 and 3200 with that lens, you might be able to shoot more in the range of ISO 400 to 1600 with the prime.

Even though programs like Lightroom 4 have really great noise reduction, and all the NR software has improved so much in the last few years, nothing beats low ISO shots no matter what camera you have.

The kit lens will be a great all purpose lens in most other conditions, like for wider shots, when you need more reach, it is just more flexible.So, if you are going to dive into night time photography, lots of indoor stuff, then buy the camera body only, and pick your prime lens, you can decide later what you want to do about a zoom. At this point in the life cycle of the D7000 I would advise against buying new. This camera was released in 2010, it's almost 2013 and it's due for a refresh. See what kind of prices people are asking for on craigs or ebay.

You will be kicking yourself if you pay a pretty penny for this camera and the new model comes out at nearly the same price (or worse, less) and your time to return the camera has expired.

The 18-105mm f3.5-5.6 zoom may be sharp but it certainly isn't "quick" and will greatly hinder your night shots. If you don't mind going "old school" and "zooming" with your feet (walk closer to get less in the picture, walk backwards to get more) the 35mm f1.8 lens might be the better choice. Of course you could get the camera with the 18-105mm zoom and the 35mm f1.8 and have a good kit.

I have the same 18-105 that came with my D90.It is a suburb starter lens.

And if you chose the AF 50mm f/1.8D, you can buy one for around $120, so it is an inexpensive, but high quality lens.

I would buy the camera with the 18-105 and the 50mm f/1.8, which would give you a good starter package. You normally get a discount on the cost of the 18-105 if you buy it as a kit (camera plus lens in one box), and the savings from that lens will probably be more than the cost of the 50mm f/1.8.

That is to say, you can probably buy the D7000 + 18-105mm lens as a kit, and the AF 50mm f/1.8 separately for no more than buying the D7000 and 18-105mm separately.

Start with the 18-105. The focal length range is handy for lots of situations. If money is really tight, you can get the 18-55 lens, non-VR, for around $100.

Once you settle down (you'll have too much fun playing with your new toy at first), tape your focal length to 35mm and shoot for awhile (1 to 7 days). Then tape your focal length to 50mm and shoot for awhile. See which focal length you like better and get the 35 or 50mm f/1.8 lens. The 35 and 50mm lenses are wonderful.