The Log4j project has become the de facto logging standard in the java community. Even with the introduction of built in logging in J2SE 1.4, Log4j still remains the premiere logging framework for java. The built in library java.util.logging provides convenience but lacks the features of the more mature Log4j. However, not including the extra appenders and formatting that Log4j offers the function of the two libraries are very similar. In my opinion you are much better off using the Log4j framework from the start and sticking with it. The extra functionality has been worth it, at least in my experience.
When you need logging, Log4X should be your first choice no matter what language you are using.