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ergoe
Member
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# Posted: 14 Nov 07 11:44
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Hello
I intend buying a new Nikon D300. About the standard lens I have certain doubts.
The Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55 mm 1:2,8G IF-ED gets very good notes, but is rather costly.
Does anybody has experiences with other Nikon compatible lenses within this range of about 18/24 – 50/70 mm with a general low f-number i.e. f2,8 for the whole range.
I heard that SigmaEX F18-50 2,8DC is comparable, but considerably cheaper.
Thank you for your valuable informations.
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zerega
Member
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# Posted: 14 Nov 07 13:14
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I use(d) several Sigma and Tokina zoom lenses since 20 years. As with Nikkor lenses, quality varies. Some are amongst the best and some rather mediocre (as are the Nikkors but the mediocre ones are few). Some 2.8 Sigmas and Tokinas indeed are (almost) as good as much more expensive Nikkors. If you do not publish or print your images very large you probably won't see any difference.
To find out which one to pick, I always consult(ed) current photo magazines first. Some regularily include a complete list of past test summaries and the month/year tested and published. Try to find these past issues in a public library.
The rather high maximum aperture sometimes comes with a quality penalty even after stopped down to 5.6 or 8 where all lenses usually show their best performance. I'd compare 2.8 with 4 lenses and decide if the one f stop is really worth it, not only for price but also in everyday 5.6 or 8 photography.
For photos to be stitched to panoramas i mount a used Nikkor 2/28mm procured incredibly cheap from ebay. (still using film camera). The difference in sharpness and brilliance to zoom lenses is still clearly visible. And you can shoot into the sun with no or little lens flare.
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olmze
Member
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# Posted: 14 Nov 07 20:25
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Here you can find some reviews:
http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/index.php
These are no "professional" tests but rather "meanings" from users.
Perhaps it helps.
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Bernhard
Member
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# Posted: 14 Nov 07 23:13 - Edited by: Bernhard
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There are some lenses in this range you might consider:
Tamron AF 17-50mm f/2.8 SP XR Di II LD Aspherical
Sigma AF 18-50mm f/2.8 EX DC macro
Tokina AF 16-50mm f/2.8 AT-X Pro DX
Nikkor AF-S 28-70mm f/2.8 D IF-ED
A lot of lens test reports/reviews for Nikon APS-C DSLRs can be found here:
Photozone
I recently bought the Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 17-55 mm 1:2,8G IF-ED and I am very glad with this decision.
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ergoe
Member
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# Posted: 15 Nov 07 08:40
Reply
@zerega -- I certainly will reconsider the necessity of 2,8 lenses instead of the less expensive 4 lenses. Thank you for reminding me of that fact.
@olmze -- I looked at your link and found interesting user informations, which I will again look at before my final decision. Thank you.
@Bernhard -- Thank you for showing me these comparable lenses. The original which you use is my favorite, but the high price is worth looking for alternatives.
I still have time, because the D300 is not yet available. So I will keep my eyes and ears open.
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