3rd party lenses???

[Ranie]

I am looking at 17-70 range. This a good range for general walkabout photography

In that range, I can only think of one lens.
The Sigma 17-70 F2.8-4.5. But its still not a fast lens.
Another option which I have extensive experience is the Tokina AT-X 280 AF F2.8
This is a fullframe lens. I use this with my D700.
I was lucky to have a very sharp copy of this lens.
But since I sold my D700 and retained my DX bodies, I also sold it and went for the Nikon 17-55 F2.8

Since you are in Singapore, Im sure there are a lot there you can get. New and Used.
I suggest you try it first and be sure to have a sharp copy.

[h=3] [/h]

 

[Bukitimah]

This lens is not that common here although we do have quite a fair bit of Tokina. One of the most popular is the wide angle lens 11-16 mm and it is around USD 700 used. I would love to have it one day but I dont think I need that now.

 

[RickSawThat]

I have a Tamron 10-17 DX Fisheye. Nice quality and fun to play with in the right situations. It's a manual focus with my D5100.

 

[Rick M]

Jack, the challenge is when you are faced with low light and cannot use flash. Even when you up the ISO, focusing is a problem. I am not great with manual focusing.

How much faster is 2.8 really going to be over 3.5? You may still need a flash.

 

[Rick M]

One of my greatest concerns after reading thousands of reviews of third party lenses is hearing about people getting a "Bad Copy". Nikon seems to have far fewer "Bad Copies". The Tokina 11-16 seems to have less issues and I believe is one of the highest rated third party lenses.

 

[Ranie]

The Tokina 11-16 seems to have less issues and I believe is one of the highest rated third party lenses.

+1 totally agree

 

[johnking]

+1 totally agree

+1 from me as well.
This is a superb lens.

 

[Bukitimah]

Hi, I finally bought a nikon 50 mm f1.8 AFD. Yes, it makes a difference and I can bet on it.

So, I am convience I need the f2.8. This is when subject is under low light and flash is not possible. I trade my nikon kit lens 18-105 with a tamron 17-50 f2.8. I have yet to really test this lens but by initial test shots are very ecouranging.

The nikon kit lens is great but the only set back is the f3.5. I want to believe nikon lenses would be better but for the $ difference, I will work around it with 3Ed party lenses

 

[gfinlayson]

I have lenses from Nikon, Tokina, Tamron and Sigma. My Tokina 11-16 f/2.8 is great, as are my Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 and 180 f/3.5 macro lenses. My Sigma 500mm f/4.5 is astoundingly good and easily up there with the best of the Nikon fast super-teles. The Sigma 300-800 f/5.6 is currently on my wish list......

All manufacturers produce 'bad copies', but they're much more prevalent at the budget end of the scale. Consistency improves with the more expensive pro-quality lenses.