Nikon 17-55 2.8

WP-UK

WP-UK

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Hi all,

At the moment the two main lenses I use are the Nikon 18-70 and the 35mm 1.8 but I would really like to improve the kit a bit.

Looked at the 24-70 2.8 but even s/h its a bit too much for me and as much as I like to dream I will get a D3s any day soon, with the cost of cars and everything else thats well off the list. Sticking with my trusty D300s I looked into the 17-55 2.8 and saw some pretty good reviews for it.

Obviously it would be of use for landscapes but how does this lens stack up as a portrait lens? Will I regret not having the extra reach of 70mm? Sounds a stupid question but will I notice a big difference from the 18-70? And also will it make a good all round lens?

Many thanks in advance, looking to get one second hand either from here or eBay.
 
It's big, heavy and overpriced for what it is - it certainly looks the part, but a Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 will match it for quality at less than half the price....
 
I have one, and think that it is a cracking lens, focuses fast and quiet, images have a real punch and crispness to them, optically superb.

It is a weighty little devil, however it balances nicely on the D300.

Renders the out of focus areas nice and smoothly.

So long as I have a cropped sensor body I will have this lens.
 
Thanks guys, improvement of the quality over the 18-70 or other such lenses?
 
In terms of build it's u there with the best of FX lenses. Optically I found it a tad better than my Tamron 17-50 when t rented to do a side-by-side comparison. It's miles heavier, but feels good :) Autofocus is faster and quieter than the Tamron. Tamron is noticeable smaller, especially the non-VC version.

If you have the money and want pro build quality, then the Nikon is without doubt the best. If budget is tighter and you just want a general, fast walkabout lens, the Tamron is the equal.

I think you'll notice the lack of reach on both lenses against an 18-70 but having a constant f/2.8 to hand is a massive godsend, especially in low light or when you want OOF at the long end.

When someone brings out an 18-70mm f/2.8, that will be a great day and best of both worlds :)
 
specialman said:
When someone brings out an 18-70mm f/2.8, that will be a great day and best of both worlds :)
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I must agree lol :) thanks a lot, I'm wondering if the Nikon possibly might hold its value a bit better, but I'm pretty swayed towards the Nikon as apposed to Tamron, will do a lot more research though and think hard if there is so little between them.
 
WP-UK said:
Thanks guys, improvement of the quality over the 18-70 or other such lenses?
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Yes :D

If you opt for the Tamron I think I have read you want the older non VC version, as it is optically superior to the newer model, but a bit of research on the web should confirm that.
 
Martyn... said:
Yes :D

If you opt for the Tamron I think I have read you want the older non VC version, as it is optically superior to the newer model, but a bit of research on the web should confirm that.
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To reiterate this...DO NOT BUY THE VC VERSION OF THE TAMRON! lol

I did.....used it twice before selling it and losing money on it. Softest lens I've ever used
 
Thanks all, that's the only thing that makes me steer towards Nikon, good reviews for sharpness etc and a couple of bad Tamron lenses myself, or am I just a brand snob lol
 
Researching some shots on flickr the 17-50 tamron does look good, looks like the VC is one to avoid then!
 
Optically it's difficult to say which to buy.
Price, it's the Tamron
Build quality and feel, the Nikon.
 
I bought a s/h 17-55/2.8. It was the most expensive mistake I've ever made.







It showed up my cheaper lenses so much I had to buy a 70-200/2.8 to complement it, and it won't stop there. :bonk:

Be warned! :D
 
Ed Sutton said:
It showed up my cheaper lenses so much I had to buy a 70-200/2.8 to complement it, and it won't stop there. :bonk:
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Haha, I blame Nikon in general for my rapidly emptying bank account :D

Will add yours to my list of recommendations, thanks :)
 
I like mine a lot and will almost certainly keep it when I get a FF body as well. (I'll be keeping at least 1 DX type body either the D300 or the S5pro
 
PsiFox said:
I like mine a lot and will almost certainly keep it when I get a FF body as well. (I'll be keeping at least 1 DX type body either the D300 or the S5pro
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Very good point, thank you! Who is to say I have to get rid of the D300s if I did go FF ;)

I have about £450 floating about at the moment so will have to wait for the next pay slip before I can invest in one.

Out of interest, sorry to drag on, the ones that are about £500 on eBay, do I need to be a bit careful and of what as they seem a fair amount cheaper than some of the others despite being 'mint'.

Thanks
 
WP-UK said:
Very good point, thank you! Who is to say I have to get rid of the D300s if I did go FF ;)

I have about £450 floating about at the moment so will have to wait for the next pay slip before I can invest in one.

Out of interest, sorry to drag on, the ones that are about £500 on eBay, do I need to be a bit careful and of what as they seem a fair amount cheaper than some of the others despite being 'mint'.

Thanks
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The going rate is around the £575-600 mark, you'll probably find there's a reason for any that have BINs of £500 and personally I'd be wary of buying a £500 lens with no box and no paperwork from a seller with low feedback, unless they can prove where they got it from.....
 
Very good point, to save hassle and worry it might be worth saving that extra £70 odd.

Thanks :)
 
I did have one, but changed to a Tamron 28-75 as the focal length was better suited to me. Build quality and feel, the Nikon wins hands down, in terms of IQ, some rough tests didnt really prove anything. In some the Nikon looked better and others the Tamron but it was very marginal.
 
Brilliant! Great to get recommendations from so many people who have used it. Currently waiting for the right one to appear on eBay and the right money in the bank but very excited to get one now :)
 
Just received a Nikon 17-55 2.8 today that I bought s/h and must say it's brilliant! Colours just seem to stand miles out from my other lenses and it's so sharp!

Thanks to all the people who sent me in the right direction :) although my wallet hurts a bit now :thumbs:
 
Oooops! must have missed this thread!

Glad to see you made the purchase! its a great lens alright! :)

Now go and enjoy using it! :D
 
WP-UK said:
Just received a Nikon 17-55 2.8 today that I bought s/h and must say it's brilliant! Colours just seem to stand miles out from my other lenses and it's so sharp!

Thanks to all the people who sent me in the right direction :) although my wallet hurts a bit now :thumbs:
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Good man ... now whats next on the list for us to spend your money on :D
 
congrats on your new toy, i also have just got one but not been able to put it through its paces yet
 
I just bought one too, mine should come tomorrow.

Can't wait, hopefully it's as good as everyone makes out.
 
Thanks all!

redddraggon said:
I just bought one too, mine should come tomorrow.
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You will have the same feeling I got today lol :)

I went testing it earlier, then went to work, then back to testing and I love it!

It is brilliant, really sharp and fantastic colours.
 
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