Pro zoom for D7100

[Pedro Cabral]

Dear friends,

I'm a lucky owner of a Nikon D7100, with a 18-140 VR kit lens. I was looking for a new pro zoom, a general lens with a faster aperture. I was looking for a second-hand Nikon 17-55 2.8 or a brand new sigma 18-35 1.8 art. There are lot of threads in the Internet about this theme, but I was looking to hear your opinion and feedback. The Nikon has longer zoom, is weathersealed and rugged, and new is exaggerated expensive. The sigma is 20mm shorter, more affordable, 1.8 constant aperture, and lacks of weather-sealing.
After all this pros and cons, what is your advice?
I look foward to receive your answers!!

Happy photos,
Pedro

 

[Don Kuykendall_RIP]

It all depends on why you want a new lens and how much money you have to spend. The 18-140 is a fine lens and gives great results. A different more expensive lens is not always the answer

 

[mauckcg]

I have a Sigma 18-35 along with a 17-70 C. The 18-35 i use when i know specifically what i am after, typically a car show or air show. The 17-70 i used when i'm not entirely sure what i'll see.

The 18-35 A is a fantastic lens, sharp all through the aperture range and works great in off lighting situations. Very versatile and flexible lens. The only knock really is the shortness of the zoom range. i have two working feet so it isn't to much of an issue really.