Any good alternative to AF-S DX 17-55mm f/2.8G IF-ED ?

[jamesow]

Hi guys,
I am sourcing for a cheaper alternative to the nikkor lense.
So far I think only Sigma http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all.asp
or
Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) has compatible.
Anyone been using any of these brands? How is ur verdict?

[geraldkhoo]

Tokina also has one... a 16-50mm f/2.8 lens...

Ortega did some test with the Sigma and Tamron, and you can check them out here:

http://forum.clubsnap.org/showthread.php?t=317986

[Fotophilic]

Originally Posted by jamesow Hi guys, I am sourcing for a cheaper alternative to the nikkor lense. So far I think only Sigma http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all.asp or Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) has compatible. Anyone been using any of these brands? How is ur verdict?

Tamron 17-50 is good!

[conquer500]

18-70mm

[jamesow]

Originally Posted by Fotophilic Tamron 17-50 is good!

bro,
how gd is gd? wrt wat? any samples? how much $$?

[kingkangkong]

tamron 17-50mm f/2.8

got quoted 720 by CP marina square.

still much cheaper than the nikon. but its really up to you.

for me, i still cant make up my mind.

[SNAG]

I read somewhere that the Tamron has a inherent flaw with the distance reporting to Nikon cameras, resulting in flash overexposure in TTL-BL conditions.

On the other hand, wonder on how the new Sigma 18-50 HSM version is like.

[geraldkhoo]

Originally Posted by kingkangkong tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 got quoted 720 by CP marina square. still much cheaper than the nikon. but its really up to you. for me, i still cant make up my mind.

Try Lord's... the last time I called... Kelvin quoted me $640.

[geraldkhoo]

Originally Posted by SNAG I read somewhere that the Tamron has a inherent flaw with the distance reporting to Nikon cameras, resulting in flash overexposure in TTL-BL conditions. On the other hand, wonder on how the new Sigma 18-50 HSM version is like.

The Tamron issue is with TTL-BL... not TTL. I've used the Tamron and have not found a problem with my SB-600... and I also use a diffuser all the time.

[renegade150]

http://forums.clubsnap.com/showthread.php?t=333243

lai lai sigma 18-50 2.8 macro hahaha

[Viewpoint]

Hard to answer a question like that. What is your budget? Clearly, the 17-55 sets a standard that all others aspire to. How much compromises are you willing to live with? On a shoe-string budget, get the 18-70 kit lens, otherwise the Tammy 17-50 (at about twice the price) is a good alternative in my view.

[geraldkhoo]

The reason I got the Tamron is because I'm on a budget. Of course I would like the Nikon 17-55, but it is just over my budget... so after much research, and reading, I personally felt that the Tamron would be the best choice for me amongst the lot. The flash problem did not deter me because of the way I use the camera, and also, I have a diffuser on all the time... in fact, the lighting with the flash does not give me any problems. The f/2.8 is something I really like, a better DOF, and able to take better shots without flash in lower lighting, as many of my shots are indoors.

So do your research and satisfy yourself with the lens you eventually decide to buy... then go out and take some awesome shots!!!

[looka]

Originally Posted by jamesow Hi guys, I am sourcing for a cheaper alternative to the nikkor lense. So far I think only Sigma http://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/lenses_all.asp or Tamron SP AF17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical (IF) has compatible. Anyone been using any of these brands? How is ur verdict?

I am using Tamron 17-50SP and Nikon 18-200VR. 18-200VR for out door and 17-50SP for indoor. Tamron is about 1/3 the price of Nikon and 1/2 the weight.

[chanjyj]

Originally Posted by SNAG I read somewhere that the Tamron has a inherent flaw with the distance reporting to Nikon cameras, resulting in flash overexposure in TTL-BL conditions. On the other hand, wonder on how the new Sigma 18-50 HSM version is like.

affirmative

[Fotophilic]

Originally Posted by jamesow bro, how gd is gd? wrt wat? any samples? how much $$?

Gd in the sense that it performs reasonably well in terms of sharpness, AF, etc, for its price.
i'm sure u can find plenty of samples on pbase or other photo forums.
i got mine for price ranges from 620-750.

Sigma ones i not sure, but heard got peeling and QC problem with their lenses, so i didn't wanted to take the risk.

[cheersjy]

Quite a good read...

http://www.bythom.com/1750lens.htm

[jamesow]

Originally Posted by cheersjy Quite a good read... http://www.bythom.com/1750lens.htm

tx bro, it is certainly a gd read...
nikkor is too exp for me....

[hongjone]

Yes, agreed that it's very ex. Have you given both a try? See which one you like first lor. Dun later buy the alternative already then still lusting over it. Like me lor, I really like the feel and etc. Then save save, and more save save, and ...... Then finally get one. Still very happy with it now! Minus the heavyness of it, still very satisfied. Go try it out!

[nightwolf75]

Originally Posted by jamesow tx bro, it is certainly a gd read... nikkor is too exp for me....

another alternative would be the new (but slightly shorter on the tele-end) tokina 16-50/2.8
http://www.thkphoto.com/products/tok...65prodx-a.html

the newest 11-16/2.8 is announced but not out yet.
http://www.dpreview.com/news/0711/07111601tokina116.asp

i quite like tokina lenses cos of their construction. their latest generation of ATX DX lenses have a much faster AF motor compared to the earlier screw-driven motors.

still... end of the day, i would prefer the AFS 17-55. not dat i'm a fanboy, but for sharpest and watnots, it still beats the 3rd parties. i had it once, loved it. but cos i got hold of a FM2 SLR, had to swap this for the AFS 17-35...

[jamesow]

Originally Posted by nightwolf75 another alternative would be the new (but slightly shorter on the tele-end) tokina 16-50/2.8 http://www.thkphoto.com/products/tok...65prodx-a.html the newest 11-16/2.8 is announced but not out yet. http://www.dpreview.com/news/0711/07111601tokina116.asp i quite like tokina lenses cos of their construction. their latest generation of ATX DX lenses have a much faster AF motor compared to the earlier screw-driven motors. still... end of the day, i would prefer the AFS 17-55. not dat i'm a fanboy, but for sharpest and watnots, it still beats the 3rd parties. i had it once, loved it. but cos i got hold of a FM2 SLR, had to swap this for the AFS 17-35...

bro, how much is this tokina?