So, I have been SO busy with work/daughter/getting married that I haven't shot in almost a year. I sold off my lenses a year or 2 back to pay for school and other life expenses. So, right now, I have a d200 and a 50 f1.8 and that's it. Looking to pick up one lens before heading to Tuluum (playa Del Carmen) next week on my Honeymoon. Getting married Wednesday
I previously owned "the beast" and even with it's weight was by far one of my favorites, yet it tended to be on the long side a bit for my walk around. So...I was looking at the 17-55...then started hearing about the Tamron 17-50. I could spend up to 1k but obviously, in trying to pay for the wedding...money is a factor. What would you guys recommend? 17-55? 28-70? Tamron 17-50 AND another lens? It will probably be my main lens (or lenses) again for a bit, but the wifey said I NEED to buy at least one lens before the honeymoon cause she knows how happy I am shooting so I said okay lol.
I was also debating on the 24-85 3.5-4.5 which used to be regarded as one of the best "walkaround" lenses nikon offers...BUT, I can't find one anywhere. Have they been discontinued?
Oh, and I forgot about two other options you might want to look at, both around $600 or so:
1. The 16-85 VR is new, and has great sharpness/IQ plus a good mid-range range. Pardon the odd phrasing.
2. The 18-200 VR. I've been trying to convince my wife to get a 16-85 VR and a 70-300 VR so she can have more range, but she's locked on to her 18-200 as being a single-lens-solution for everything she ever does, and won't let go of it. Lots of people love it, while others who can afford $2800 for a 17-55 and 70-200 snub it being less stellar in IQ than the pro lenses. But given that it covers the same range for $650 or so, then duh...
I have to agree with Rodolpho Paiz, the 17-50 2.8 Tamron and 50-135 2.8 Tokina are terrific lenses and cost efficient especially if you get the Tammy from Camera Addicts as a gray model for an astounding $303.95. Those two make a great walking around pair for less than a grand!
If you have the money get the 17-55. It is probably the one lens to have travelling. With the 50 you have it will make a nice set. If you want to save money the Tamron 17-50 is excellent too, minus the build.
If you want to do it light, get a 20/2.8.
I would not recommend a 28-70 as that leaves you limited on the wide end for travelling, but if your style suits that, then do go ahead.
If you want so spend the whole 1k, get the Tamron 17-50 and a SB600.
Congrats on the wedding! I'm getting married in two weeks exactly
The Tamron 17-50 is great -- I use mine a lot, and it holds its own against Nikon lenses.
Another option on the long end is the 180/2.8 -- you lose the convenience of a zoom, but nothing else in that range is as good optically, short of the $4k 200/2VR. It's a bargain used, too.