...close range,general photo as an amateur i am trying to buy a camera and lenses for food and general photography and do not understand the jargon of literature used and therfore would like to know what is the best combination of lenses to have.

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I would say that a Micro Nikkor and a Ring Flash might be a good start. Sooner or later you'll want stationary strobes and diffusing props as well. .

AF-S DX 18 - 135 mm F3.5 - F5.6G ED (27 - 202.5 mm equiv. FOV, 7.5x zoom) This is a good all purpose lens, you can get in pretty close, and then step back and take an over all picture with the same lens. AF-S Zoom- NIKKOR 17-35mm f/2.8D IF-ED This lens will allow you to get in very close, with a wide angle on your subject. My only advice to you is not to try to cover to much range with one lens, it will cause you problems with blurryness and light. Try to split your range up into as many lenses that you can afford. You will get better picture quality. These two are a good place to start.