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Help me spend my money


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7 replies to this topic

#1
PebblzNnutz

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It's not everyday that you could spend someone else money on a lens, right? lol
Anyway, my 24-120 F4 lens seems to be getting worse so I need a lens to replace it. Right now I own a couple of DX bodies, a D7200 and a D500 so, I'm looking at getting a DX lens starting from 16/17mm to 50/70/80 or 85mm with a budget around $500, of course cheaper would be better.
My choices right now are Tamron 17-50 2.8 (maybe discontinued as it isn't listed on their site), Sigma 17-50 DC 2.8, Sigma 17-70 DC 2.8-4 and a Nikon 16-85 3.5-5.6. All are priced less than $500. I could spend a bit more though on a used Nikon 16-80 2.8-4E if the lens is better than the others.

So, which one of the above would you recommend me? Any other lenses in the same focal range that I should be looking at?
TIA

 



#2
Ron

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I have the Nikon AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 and it's a nice lens. It is not, however, a great lens and it's really a bit too slow at the long end for my liking. It's still a good all around lens for my old D7000.

 

If I had the money I'd probably trade it for a Nikon 16-80 f2.8-4 because I've read some nice reviews of that lens and I'm pretty sure that it totally trashes the 16-85. As far as the other lenses go, I really can't comment because I don't have any experience with them.

 

--Ron



#3
Merco_61

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The 16-85 is a nice allrounder, the 16-80 is much better, both optically and in build quality.

 

The Tamrons are a bit hit-and-miss as the sample variation is large. A good non-VR is better than the Sigma 17-50, a less good sample can be problematic. The VR version of the Tamron is not as good as the non-VR optically, but feels nicer in use and the VR is really good.

I haven't used the 17-70 Sigma.



#4
Bengan

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The Sigma 17-70 contemporary is an excellent lens.

I bought the Nikkor 16-85 and regret it. In my opinion it has inferior build quality. Very plastic and very little precision. I wouldn't recommend it.



#5
bluzman

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I also have the Sigma 17-70  that I use with my D7500. It's relatively small and light, has image stabilization, and produces great images.



#6
PebblzNnutz

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I have the Nikon AF-S 16-85mm f/3.5-5.6 and it's a nice lens. It is not, however, a great lens and it's really a bit too slow at the long end for my liking. It's still a good all around lens for my old D7000.

 

If I had the money I'd probably trade it for a Nikon 16-80 f2.8-4 because I've read some nice reviews of that lens and I'm pretty sure that it totally trashes the 16-85. As far as the other lenses go, I really can't comment because I don't have any experience with them.

 

--Ron

 

 

The 16-85 is a nice allrounder, the 16-80 is much better, both optically and in build quality.

 

The Tamrons are a bit hit-and-miss as the sample variation is large. A good non-VR is better than the Sigma 17-50, a less good sample can be problematic. The VR version of the Tamron is not as good as the non-VR optically, but feels nicer in use and the VR is really good.

I haven't used the 17-70 Sigma.

 

 

The Sigma 17-70 contemporary is an excellent lens.

I bought the Nikkor 16-85 and regret it. In my opinion it has inferior build quality. Very plastic and very little precision. I wouldn't recommend it.

 

 

I also have the Sigma 17-70  that I use with my D7500. It's relatively small and light, has image stabilization, and produces great images.

Thank you all for taking the time in answering my question and I'm sorry i took this long to get back to you. I'm still waiting on some funds to purchase a lens but since used photo pro is currently offering a 15% sale, I couldn't hold back any longer. I just purchased a mint 16-80 2.8-4 lens with a one year warranty for less than $600 shipped. I just hope the lens doesn't have any kind of issues with it being a used model. Thanks again.
 



#7
krag96

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I'm sure you'll be pleased with the lens and it will probably give years of service.  I deal with UPP quite a bit and if they grade it as mint, it's probably nearer to new condition.  UPP, a division of Robert's Camera is great to deal with and has the best prices I've found.  They have been owned by the same family for 63 years and I don't worry about a thing when I buy from them.  Even if you decide you simply don't want it within 30 days, they'll take it back, no hassle-no problem-no questions ask. 



#8
benjni17

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Good luck with your new lens Pebblz.

 

I have the Sigma 17-70 and it is rarely, if ever, off my D7200. Superb value, amazing image quality and a great price. Very happy with it.

 

In fact, I tend towards Sigma lenses - I have the 150-600 Contemporary and the 10-20 wide angle. Exceptional value for those on a budget (like me!).