A cost-effective lens suggestion for D7000, D5100, etc., users

I find even my 16-85 less than optimal for my D7000 at some focal lengths, in the corners.  Yet, i hate to fumble with primes.  What to do?  Oh, and i can't spend mega-bucks either.

Consider Nikon's new FX 24-85VR, which is going for $350 or less on eBay.  FX owners want better glass for their big image area.  But see what SLRGear's test say about this lens on a D7000:

http://slrgear.com/reviews/showproduct.php/product/1526/cat/13

I have one, and it is true.

Yah, yah give up wide (36mm equv), so you need to address that.  But this lens is the bomb on high pixel APSC bodies.

-- gary ray

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Semi-professional in early 1970s; just a putzer since then. interests: historical sites, virginia, motorcycle racing. A nikon user more by habit than choice; still, nikon seems to work well for me.