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  Reviews by: Chester Le  
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Tamron AF 17-50mm F/2.8 XR Di II LD Aspherical [IF]

1750diII
Review Date: Jul 8, 2008 Recommend? yes | Price paid: $430.00 | Rating: 7 

 
Pros: sharp when focuses correctly
Cons:
inconsistent focusing

I use this on a D200. I've had two copies and both does not focus properly at 2.8 (especially at 17mm). How can I tell? I zoomed in, focus, lock and zoom back out to take the picture. The image is much sharper as a result. This only works well if your subject is stationary. Too bad since this lens has so much potential. BTW, I have the new version with the built-in motor. I borrowed a friend's older copy without the motor and the focus mechanism seems to be a little more consistent. It was slightly soft at 2.8 but not as much as this. I also didn't try to zoom in method on his. Unless you need to (D40, D60, etc), get the older copy while you still can.
 
Tokina AT-X 116 PRO DX

atx116
Review Date: Jul 8, 2008 Recommend? yes | Price paid: $569.00 | Rating: 10 

 
Pros: very sharp and smooth focus ring
Cons:
short zoom range; DX only so can't use on D700

I LOVE this lens! It's sharper at 16 f2.8 on this lens than my Tamron 17-50 at 17 f4. The best thing about this is the focus is dead on every time. This lens would make me hesitate to upgrade to a FX body since I would have to find a replacement wide angle. Really, it's that good! I also wished they could have extend the long end out to 24mm and still keep the sharpness. I hear you can still use this lens at 16mm on a FX body. That would still be wider than 11mm on a DX.