D7000 lens advice?

[jonno990]

I've decided it's time to upgrade my trusty d3100 to a d7000, but what lens should I go for?

I was thinking of just buying the d7000 and sticking to the 35mm f1.8 or 50mm f1.8 or the 55-300mm nikkor that I already own until I save up enough for the nikon 24-70 2.8, but I'd like a mid range zoom to keep me going for now.

I've been looking at the Tamron SP 17-50mm f/2.8 VC Di II which seems good value, but just read Mr Rockwell's review http://www.kenrockwell.com/tamron/17-50mm-f28-vc.h... I know most on here take his review's with a pinch of salt. Is it really that bad?

I could also just opt for the 18-105 kit lens, but probably won't get same resale % as with the tamron any suggestions on that? or any other suggestions welcomed.

D7000 body only is £869.95
D7000 with kit is £1049.95
Tamron 17-50 2.8 £342.95

[cornet]

While not FX compatible the 17-55mm is a better focal length for crop sensors over the 24-70mm (it rarely comes off my D90 since I bought it). But then I guess it depends on what sort of photos you like taking.

[K12beano]

Depending on how wide you want to go, 24mm down to 17mm is a big jump on DX.

Probably your ideal would be the 17-55mm over the 24-70mm. If you are, at all considering FX (my plan from 4-5years back) a 17-35mm makes a good choice secondhand. But an effective ~25mm is still not wide by today's standards.

KR is not always right, though, and while I have had a couple of third party lenses I was not happy with, I would be inclined to give it the benefit of the doubt that it's a relatively new design and shouldn't be too challenging a build for them. Buy it from somewhere you can return within a week or so if not happy; you can always sell on by Fleabay in a year or so to fund the ideal.

You may find that the '7000 with its densely packed sensor is a bit fickle and would benefit from the best glass you can find!

[Rich K]

When buyng my D7000 I looked at the larger range zooms purely so I had one "do it all" lens
nervous of the pay of in poor performance over more dedicated and manufacturers lenses.

I took some test shots with a Tamrom 18-270 f3.5-6.3 and Nikon 18-200 f3.5-5.6
I took the memory card home and viewed the pictures on my PC, there was no significant difference them.

I, opted for a Tamron 18-270, and must say I've been very pleased with it and the results it produces, but it is heavy. The high ISO capacity on the D7000 mated to the lens image stabilisation make up for the relative slower speed of the f3.5 - 6.3 lens

Interestingly even though the lens stays on the camera I still get dust spots on the sensor which is puzzling.

I already had a couple of kit zooms from my Nikon SLR, they just dont get used.

I suggest finding a local dealer who is prepared to help you make your selection that fits with your budget, existing kit / intended use. I went to WEX Photographic warehouse in Norwich, they were very helpful.

[K12beano]

You will never completely eradicate dust. The actions of focussing (possibly not so bad with IF designs) but definitely zooms, and zooms with long movement are going to push and pull air back and forth all the time.

[Elderly]

I presume that weather sealed/resistant lenses would be less prone to the
ingress of dust.

[jimmy156]

Ken Rockwell is an idiot, his reviews are a joke, he evens says so himself!

I would recommend the Tamron 17-50 non VC lens. Its cheaper and widly regarded as sharper. Whilst IS (VC/VR) is nice its certainly not a necessity at that focal range and i would choose image quality before it every time. I wish i had some full res examples to show you how sharp this lens is, but i don't. Focus is quick and accurate, if a little noisy, and you have to be carful not to obstruct the focus ring during auto focus. But that's easily done.

I love mine

[jonno990]

Thanks for the advice chaps. I've decided to up the budget a little and go for the Nikon 17-55mm AF-S f/2.8G IF-ED Dx.

My local Jessops was showing lens and camera in stock when I went online. I've just been, no lens
Ordered it for in store pick up Tue.

Gutted, as it's a rare weekend off for me, at least the weather isn't great.

[Simpo Two]

jonno990 said:

Thanks for the advice chaps. I've decided to up the budget a little and go for the Nikon 17-55mm AF-S f/2.8G IF-ED Dx.

Excellent choice! Most of the photos on my website were taken with one.

Will seem big and bulky at first but you'll get used to it. The fast aperture will show up any focusing errors so technique is important.

[Cheib]

Simpo Two said:

jonno990 said:

Thanks for the advice chaps. I've decided to up the budget a little and go for the Nikon 17-55mm AF-S f/2.8G IF-ED Dx.

Excellent choice! Most of the photos on my website were taken with one.

Will seem big and bulky at first but you'll get used to it. The fast aperture will show up any focusing errors so technique is important.

Yes very nice lens.....really nothing better for a DX camera. I actually went for the 24-70 on my D7000 but I use my camera a lot for taking pictures of my kids who are very young (and thus small!) so it suited my needs better.