Coming back to the original post: you have a difficult choice, but you may need to think carefully.
I shoot a lot of outdoor situations, sometimes in places where I cannot get close. After nearly 2 years of SLR shooting, my favorite lenses are the DA18-250mm and the FA31mm Ltd. The DA18-250mm has so much flexibility, it is very sturdy and can cope with bad weather, and the IQ is good in its class. It may be the lens that you need.
On the other hand, the best prime for outdoor is the FA31mm f1.8 IMO and for my applications. The focal length (31mm) is spot on, not too wide, not too narrow. The lens is fast (f1.8) and definitely faster than the DA18-250mm. Importantly (for my work) the FA31mm generates very little distortion and it is perfect for architecture, construction and engineering, incl. forsensic shooting.
I think that you could consider to keep the FA31mm. It is an excellent investmetn and you are likely to come back to that lens one day (sooner than you think).
I hope that the comment will assist you.
Last edited by hcc; 06-06-2011 at 02:22 AM.