I am hoping to get some feedback to help me with a lens purchase dilemma. I currently have the 10.5, 12-24, 70-200 and several primes, 50mm, 85mm and have decided to sell my 24-120 because I don't like it. I am looking to replace the 24-120 with either a 17-55 or a 28-70 for use on my digital bodies. From the reviews I have read they both sound like great lenses. I had planned on going with the 17-55 but am now leaning toward the 28-70 which with the 12-24 and 70-200 and a few TC's would cover a larger range vs the 17-55 which would leave me a small gap. Does anyone have personal experience with both lenses and could make a suggestion?
I traded my 28-70 for a 17-55, this works better for me and I dont't miss the gap at all, just use my feet. The 17-55 is a little smaller and lighter, and my copy is sharper than the 28-70 was.
I was in the same boat and originally went for the 28-70 since it seemed to fit perfectly between the 12-24 and 70-200. Unfortunately, I got a bad sample (very soft along the right edge between 45-70mm), so I exchanged it for a 17-55.
Overall, I'm finding I prefer the 17-55 because of it's greater utility with the D2X...the focal range is just about ideal as a general purpose "go anywhere" wide zoom.
The added reach of the 28-70 was still tempting me, so I thought I'd try out the Tamron 28-75 f2.8. I was pleasantly surprised at the optical quality of this very inexpensive lens (under $360 after rebate). Sharp as a tack wide open, edge-to-edge. Build-wise it's no match for the Nikkor, but the images are stunning.
So, I ended up with both a 17-55 and a 28-75 for just a couple hundred more than the 28-70 Nikkor alone, and my lens lust was sated
i traded the 28-70 for a 17-55. There is a reason that the 28-70 range was made for film...it's perfect for event photographers who need the wide angle for tight area group shots and it has enough reach to be a slight zoom lens. The 17-55 is the digital equivalent to the 28-70 on film. On a digital body, the 28 isn't even close to being wide enough for group shots (unless you've got a lot of space). I also have the 12-24 and there are MANY instances where I need f/2.8 @ 17mm. I really had no alternative. On a side note, my 28-70 was SHARP and I would eventually like to purchase another one. It is a great portrait lens.
