24-85 f3.5-4.5 DX Equivalent

I had the Nikon 16-85mm F/3.5-5.6G Af-s DX ED VR lens for my D7000 and loved it, I only gave it up because I bought the new 24-84 VR when I got my D600. I say, get a used 24-85 F3.5/4.5 DX, yes it's not as fast as what you are imagining, but still a good lens in that range.

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Alex