Which standard zoom?

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Iain
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Ok folks - I need some advice.

Which standard zoom for my D80? I currently have the kit lens as my standard (18-55mm Nikon VR).

I have been looking at a couple of Siggys:

Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8 EX DG
Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8 EX DG

What's the difference here, apart from 4mm. Will I miss those 4mm? I have a Tokina 12-24mm for wide angle shots.

Would also consider 17-50mm range such as

Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di ll LD Aspherical (IF)
Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 EX DC

How useful is it to be able to go up to 70mm on the standard zoom? I have a Nikon 55-200mm telephoto.

Finally, is it even worth going to the constant f2.8 across the focal range? I could pick up the Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4.5 for a lot less money (one for sale on forum as we write for £150).

Thanks in advance for the advice.

Iain
 
do you find your current kit lens slightly too short?
do you shoot inside without flash?
do you always take all your kit with you when you go out?
what do you take pictures of?

:)

for me, i prefer the range of the 24-70 to the 17-50. i also prefer f2.8 so i ndont need flash all the time in darker instances.

the 17-50 lenses suggested, the sigma is supposedly not so nice to use, the focus system is noisy and gritty from what i have heard. a lot of people rave bout the tamron though.

tamron also have a 24-70 lens in f2.8 if it helps:)
 
To answer your questions:
1) Sometimes I wish I could shoot a little longer without switching to the 55-200mm
2) Yes, I try to avoid flash if possible
3) Generally I take all my lenses out, but only as I am restricted by the kit lens focal length
4) I am big on landscapes and city scapes, buildings etc.

I guess the answer to the first three questions means I should go for the longer focal length with larger aperture...

Haven't checked out the tamron, but will now. Thanks.

fletch5 said:
do you find your current kit lens slightly too short?
do you shoot inside without flash?
do you always take all your kit with you when you go out?
what do you take pictures of?

:)

for me, i prefer the range of the 24-70 to the 17-50. i also prefer f2.8 so i ndont need flash all the time in darker instances.

the 17-50 lenses suggested, the sigma is supposedly not so nice to use, the focus system is noisy and gritty from what i have heard. a lot of people rave bout the tamron though.

tamron also have a 24-70 lens in f2.8 if it helps:)
Click to expand...
 
with what you said, i would go with a 24-70, the tokina will cover the wide end when needed. as for which, i went with the 24-70 sigma. nice and sharp, f2.8 all the way through. it is heavy and huge front element(82mm for filters) and the zoom ring isnt the best(bit stiff).
 
My 10p's worth.

I have tried Nikon 18-55,Tamron 17-50, Nikon 28-105 and now Nikon 16-85VR.

The Nikon 28-105 macro is a cracking lens if you are on a budget - cost approx £130 (2nd hand)

I couldnt get on with the Tamron (to yellow for me - personal preference)

The 16-85 is excellent optically and also has VR so will help in low light.

Oh and forgot to say I have a Nikon 12-24 and I would not part with it, the extra 4mm is very helpful and the image quality from the lens is superb.

For me speed isnt everything
 
Nikon 18-70mm is highly thought of. Its still really a kit lens but optically theres very few lenses in its range as sharp. Uncle Ken rates it very highly as does Thom Hogan. And its cheap, s/h about £130.

Andy
 
Andysnap said:
Nikon 18-70mm is highly thought of. Its still really a kit lens but optically theres very few lenses in its range as sharp. Uncle Ken rates it very highly as does Thom Hogan. And its cheap, s/h about £130.

Andy
Click to expand...

Thanks for that - i've been having a look and can get one v cheap. I think it might be worth it if as you suggest it would be significantlt better than my current kit lens
 
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