Fast Mid-Range Zoom for DX?

Digetydog · Feb 26, 2011

My father (who shoots a D90) has a 16-85 and I have a 18-200 VRII (D7000). While both of us are very happy with our lenses for general use, they aren't always fast enough for available light. While my 35mm and 50mm work most of the time, they aren't ideal for shooting children's events when foot zooming is not practical (or may be prohibited).

Dropping $1,4000 for Nikons f/2.8 DX zoom (which gets mediocre reviews) seems like a bad spend.

Thoughts on best alternatives?

The Big One · Feb 26, 2011

Most people seem to agree that the Tamron 17-50 are good bets. I have had success with the Sigma 18-50 on 4/3 mount, although I have not tried it on Nikon. If you don't need wider angles, you can get a 24-70 (Sigma) or 28-75 (Tamron) or similar. Any of these will give you constant f/2.8 at a fraction of the cost of a 17-55 or 24-70 Nikkor.

Cheers
--
--Wyatt
http://photos.digitalcave.ca
All images (c) unless otherwise specified, please ask me before editing.

horushin · Feb 26, 2011

My favorite for this certainly is the Tamron SP 17-50mm F/2.8.
--
Michael

pluton · Feb 26, 2011

Get a clean, used Nikon 17-55. I had one when I had DX and it was superb.
--
-KB-

Jlow34 · Feb 26, 2011

Ditto.
Nothing is like Nikon.

Just get a used one for $900, and be sure to test it to make sure the AF is accurate on your camera bodies.

Pouncer · Feb 26, 2011

If not the 17-55 f/2.8 DX, look at the 28-70 f/2.8 or 35-70 f/2.8 depending upon budget and desired focal length.

Revision · Feb 26, 2011

Flash?
--
Best Regards,
Renato

'The world is going to pieces and people like Adams and Weston are photographing rocks.' Henri Cartier Bresson, in the 1930's

Digetydog · Feb 27, 2011

Revision said:
Flash?
--
Best Regards,
Renato

'The world is going to pieces and people like Adams and Weston are photographing rocks.' Henri Cartier Bresson, in the 1930's

With a flash, my 18-200mm is perfect for most of my uses. Unfortunately, there are times when a flash isn't allowed or approriate. I am leaning towards the Tamron.

calson · Feb 27, 2011

Sigma 50-150mm f2.8 has excellent IQ and fast and accurate autofocus. Price is around $700 and it is a very good value considering the capabilities and quality of the lens. It is also half the size and half the weight of the Nikon f2.8 telephoto zoom lenses.

Rajeshwar Reddy Angiti · Feb 28, 2011

Digetydog said:
"Dropping $1,4000 for Nikons f/2.8 DX zoom (which gets mediocre reviews) seems like a bad spend."

Which f/2.8 lens you are talking about?

Raj

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Fast Mid-Range Zoom for DX?

Digetydog

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The Big One

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horushin

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pluton

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Jlow34

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Pouncer

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Revision

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