What can I expect from a 17-35

I'm planning on purchasing the Nikon 17-35mm lens and have had lens lust for this baby a long time. I shoot more landscapes then anything else and thus the reason for this lens over the 17-55. If the 17-55 was as sharp as the 17-35 closed down, I wouldn't be posting this question unless this is just an old wives tale.

I would like responses from those who have actually used this lens in conjunction with the Nikon 12-24 and 18-70 kit lens that I currently own. I'm not looking for MTF results, I've seen them. Before anyone recommends it, I may rent one for a day depending on the response from this post, but I hold the opinions here at Dpreview very high.

These samples were shot with the D200 and Nikon 12-24 and Nikon 18-70 kit lens. What could I expect if shot with the 17-35? Granted, I'm not a pro, but were talking image quality, resolving power, sharpness, contrast etc.

Thanks!

1) Nikon 12-24, f11, 22mm, 1/320

2) Nikon 12-24, f11, 24mm, 1/320

3) Nikon 18-70, f11, 24mm, 1/160

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Just another Shooter