[Jasvox]

Hin,

Thanks again for the 17-50 I bought from you a couple of years ago...it still is the lens that stays on my camera more than any other. I have read mixed reviews about the 17-50 VC version...I dont know why it sometimes gets more unfavorable reviews compared to the non VC version, but nevertheless may be an excellent choice. I have heard excellent things about the new Sigma 17-50 with OS...if I was going to be buying a D7000, Id look closely at that lens as well as the Nikon 16-85 which is only a stop slower than the Sigma or Tamron.

Let us know what you decide as I am very curious about your findings and results with this new system.

Jason

[hinman]

@Jason, the older Tamron 17-50 seem to have better review than the latest version with VC. Kind of surprising to see a VC version not as favorable as the non-VC version. And I am not getting the normal zoom for freelance work but rather in traveling and weekend walk-around purpose and hence, I like the Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4.0 with OS and HSM better. Also the Sigma actually stay at f/4.0 from 50mm to 70mm making it quite alright in terms of speed. For serious shooting as in freelance work, I will consider my trusty Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 and a prime such as Tamron SP 60mm f/2.0 1:1 macro. But it is a bit unfortunate the 60mm from Tamron is a DX lens and it does not seem to have a focus limiter. With rebate, the Tamron 60mm f/2.0 is about $399.00 which works out to be a ideal price and length for me to use on portraits and macro

And here is a positive review from a Nikon D300 user on Tamron 70-300mm VC and UDS. The internal focus IF don't extend and rotate the front in focusing, which is very decent when compared to the extension in Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR with slower speed and poorer performance pass 200mm to 300mm.

• Tamron SP AF70-300mm F4-5.6 Di VC USD Review | Tamron Lens Review

So my LBA Nikon planning as of now:

Initial stage only with two zooms and nothing else so that I can get to know the system and decide

• Sigma 17-70mm f/2.8-4.0 OS HSM, alternatives include Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 non-VC and Nikon 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 VR SWM -- DX only
• Tamron 70-300mm f/4.0-5.6 VC USD, alternatives include Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR SWM -- DX and FX

Adding Primes

• Sigma 30mm f/1.4 HSM -- not sure if I like this focal length but it is a good fast lens for its price, DX only
• Tamron 60mm f/2.0 1:1 macro -- I like the 90mm in 35mm terms for both portraits and macro use, DX only

More zooms in longer ends

• Sigma 50-150mm f/2.8 HSM, alternative is an used Tokina 50-135mm f/2.8 -- I craved for something like the DA*, DX only
• Sigma 120-400mm f/4.5-5.6 DG HSM OS, sports and nature on birds, 1.4x TC -- both DX and FX
• Or Sigma 100-300mm f/4.0 HSM

Thanks,
Hin

[Clicker]

B&H has Tamron rebates till Nov 31st fyi.

[twitch]

Hinman, I have really enjoyed your blog over the past year, and I've gone back again and again and again to re-read your reviews of the Pentax limited lenses and admire the pictures That's why I'm surprised; the Sigma 17-70 and the Tamron 70-300???? I can't imagine grabing the D7000 with a Sigma 17-70 on the way out the door when I had a Pentax body and the array of limited lenses you have.

I think if I were to ever switch from Pentax it would be for Full Frame and their pro level lenses, nothing below a D700 and their $1k lenses seems tempting against Pentax.

[hinman]

Hinman, I have really enjoyed your blog over the past year, and I've gone back again and again and again to re-read your reviews of the Pentax limited lenses and admire the pictures That's why I'm surprised; the Sigma 17-70 and the Tamron 70-300???? I can't imagine grabing the D7000 with a Sigma 17-70 on the way out the door when I had a Pentax body and the array of limited lenses you have.

I think if I were to ever switch from Pentax it would be for Full Frame and their pro level lenses, nothing below a D700 and their $1k lenses seems tempting against Pentax.

I am not leaving Pentax as I am using Pentax for primes while I have greater interest in stepping into Nikon for its AF, flash and more choices of longer lens. What attracts me to Nikon are few folds:

• A better AF system than my current gear with K20D for wildlife as in birding, low light and actions as in kids' sports and air shows
• A better flash system to learn to be a strobist
• More choices in longer lens
• Upgrade path to full frame and again with more choices, the FF is not too critical to me at the moment but it is a plus point not to be under-rated.

I have my fair share of doubts in dual system. It is not logical as you have put it but I have my conservative approach in testing out an unfamiliar system! Having the status quote in owning the most expensive gear is not my thinking. I love reasonable cost gear that works well.

I am watching and waiting for reviews on both Nikon D7K and Pentax K5. If you follow my blog closely, you will know that I am non-professional and pretty much the same amateur that I started with Pentax K100D in 2006. The Sigma and Tamron zooms were my core gear when I started in Pentax. And with VC and OS, both zooms will work well for me like SR in Pentax. And the HSM in Sigma and USD in Tamron will make it quiet in the Nikon.

Thanks!
Hin

[Eruditass]

@Jason, the older Tamron 17-50 seem to have better review than the latest version with VC. Kind of surprising to see a VC version not as favorable as the non-VC version. A

Not too surprising VC/IS/OS adds lens elements.

[RolloR]

are these out of the budget?

Tokina 16-50/2.8
Tokina 50-135/2.8

but what really interests me with nikon is

Tokina 11-16/2.8
Nikon 35/1.8 DX

[kytra]

are these out of the budget?

Tokina 16-50/2.8
Tokina 50-135/2.8

but what really interests me with nikon is

Tokina 11-16/2.8
Nikon 35/1.8 DX

To bridge the gap until D7000 is released in my home country, I have purchased a used Nikon D40 and the 35/1.8 DX. I must say I am impressed even with this old 6 MP body. Believe it or not, except for the sheer resolution and high ISO capabilities, the D40 delievrs for my needs better than pentax Kx (before bashing - note that I said MY needs). I am especially impressed by the auto WB who seems better than the 2009 Kx. As for the 35 1.8 - for 200 EUR (EU price) it is a dream of a lens. Very sharp even wide open - I have attached a picture taken handheld at 1/60 sec f1.8. I am satisfied with the bokeh and I don't miss a bit the FA 31mm. The build is plasticky, of course, but I have just overcome the focus on build and switch to of IQ and value.

for UWA, I am eyeing the 10-24 from NIKON, despite it's flaws, it seems a very good lens.

[Duh_Vinci]

Very interesting read indeed and thank you all for your input on Hin's question.

I too am considering D7000 when it is available in the local stores to "play with". And I'm also considering keeping K20D with 1-2 primes, Lensbabies (and maybe trusted Tamron SP 28-75mm).

I did stop by a local store last week to get a feel for their lenses, 85mm f1.8, 50mm f1.8, and that new 35mm f1.8. I find the built to be more than acceptable, and the price point beyond acceptable. And that new DX 35mm is sharp little thing wide open indeed.

So for now, I will sit tight, wait for the camera to be out, tested/reviewed and will go from there. Keeping an eye on your blog, Hin

Regards,
D

[HappySnappy]

but what really interests me with nikon is Tokina 11-16/2.8 Nikon 35/1.8 DX

Me too... I think I'll be getting both of them with the D7000 (and maybe a Nikon 70-300mm f/4.5-5.6 VR).