Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8G AF-S DX
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Review Date: Nov 2, 2011
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Recommend? yes |
Price paid: Not Indicated
| Rating: 9
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Pros:
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Super Sharp, great color and contrast. No contest vs Tamron 17-50 F/2.8 VC
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Cons:
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Some people may be put off by the size/weight of a pro lens (not me :D )
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I originally thought my Tamron 17-50mm F/2.8 VC, which everyone claims is 95% as good as the 17-55 , could get me through whatever I encountered. Didn't happen. I purchased a Nikon 80-200mm F/2.8 two ring right before a wedding, and was blown away by the quality. That instantly became my favorite lens. I shot that wedding using it and the Tamron, and was very displeased to find the results of the Tamron were noticeably sub-par in comparison, every area that could be rated. Good thing most of the wedding was shot with the big lens, and I could handle making the other shots match it (though it was time consuming).
So I spent a while checking eBay till I found a good deal on a 17-55 F/2.8 AF-S. Finally got it a couple weeks ago, and yeah, you definitely get what you pay for with Nikon pro lenses. It's just as sharp and contrasty as the 80-200, making it the ideal companion, and making my workflow seamless between lenses. I can even use wide open shots at full crop if necessary, since the lens is so sharp the D7000 can take full advantage.
Speaking of the D7000, it balances perfectly on the camera when you add a grip. The center of gravity is right at the mount. Even though the combo is technically heavy, the balance makes it very easy to hold and shoot with. It's now displaced the 80-200mm as my favorite lens. 
All in all, if you want the best DX zoom in the 17-50 range, or are on the fence between Tamron/Sigma/Tokina and Nikon, the 17-55 can't be beat.
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