Should I buy pro glass? Nikon 17-55f2.8

[Relayer]

I want, don't need, buy any stretch of the imagination some Nikon pro glass. Is the 17-55 f2.8 as good as some people say or will I notice little change between it and the 16-85vr and the 17-80 I have tried.?
Very interested in users views.

 

[cambsno]

Assume you mean the 18-70?

The 18-70 is a perfect walkabout lens, light, nice range and pretty good IQ, never used a 16-85 so cant comment. The 17-55 is heavy but feels good, especially on my D300. Decent wide open, it was sharp and crisp around f4. It is the better lens by far, but a second hand one will be £550 minimum (closer to 600) and new will be around £950. The 18-70 can be had for £120 second hand or £199 new from Jessops.

As a general walkabout, taking pics on holidays, kids, etc... I would go with the 18-70. If I was doing any sort of paid work, or did a lot of low light stuff, then the 17-55. Of course, money comes into it. If you have a little stash to burn, no harm in the 17-55, if not, the 18-70 is the way to go, especially as you could use the difference for other lenses such as a prime or 70-300VR?

 

[PsiFox]

If you are not printing huge size shots then the quality of the 17-70 is fine. It is truly a great lens for the money. It also has a longer reach if you need it

If you need the wide aperture for low light and the bomb proof (almost) build quality then get the F2.8.

Usually one or two available here of both lenses. The 17-55 will also hold it's value particularly if you get it secondhand.

 

[c_robinson]

Tamron 17-50 2.8 suits your needs....Good at 2.8 for low light, amazing at f/4

Great range on a crop, excellent IQ...and only £250 ish (for the BETTER non VC (VR) version)

 

[foggy4ever]

The Nikon is more a case of want than need which I went throught a couple of months ago so I bought one from MPB(upgrade from kit 18-55 non vr). If you can afford it get one, anthing else and you will always have that nagging feeling that you should have got one.


Saying that I was looking for the Tamron and if I had seen one at the right price .......Nikon Tamron Nikon Tamro.....NIKON!!!!!