Need a Normal zoom that is Sharp!

[Viking]

I need a Normal Zoom, from ~17-70mm with a big aperture. That going to be my primary lens on my Nikon D200. I have looked at the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8 DX but I have read alot of mixed feelings about it. I want it sharp from f2.8 portraits and up to f16 so I can get alot of deep of field on the landscapes and building pictures. Is there any lens that fits the needs I have?

[JimM]

For my Canon, I am very happy with the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8.

[TristanP]

From what I've heard that Nikon lens is great. Sigma also makes a 17-70 lens, but I would imagine it's a least a step down (quality, build) from the Nikon.

[MarkM6]

My opinion is that, these words; "Zoom", "Wide-Open" and "Sharp" never co-exist especially in the shorter-than-tele focal lengths.

When someone claims that their zoom lens is sharp even when wide-open, then it is only sharp within very narrow zoom range.

For potraits, why not a prime with a foot-zoom? :):

[ScottMcLeod]

My opinion is that, these words; "Zoom", "Wide-Open" and "Sharp" never co-exist especially in the shorter-than-tele focal lengths.

When someone claims that their zoom lens is sharp even when wide-open, then it is only sharp within very narrow zoom range.

For potraits, why not a prime with a foot-zoom? :):

I agree.

I use my 85/1.8 and 50/1.8 whenever I can for portraits, but if the situation requires wider, I switch to my 28-75/2.8 and then worst case scenario, when the person wants a really distorted effect, I switch to my 18-55

I agree with mark's opinion. It's rather, a matter of fact unless you buy overpriced high-end glass.

[MarkM6]

I need a Normal Zoom, from ~17-70mm with a big aperture. That going to be my primary lens on my Nikon D200. I have looked at the Nikon 17-55mm f2.8 DX but I have read alot of mixed feelings about it. I want it sharp from f2.8 portraits and up to f16 so I can get alot of deep of field on the landscapes and building pictures. Is there any lens that fits the needs I have?

You know... I read your post again.

What you are looking for is a, if I may paraphrase, zoom lens that is sharp [edge to edge] at wide open [f2.8 or faster], for doing Potrait and Landscape photography with D200.

Oh boy...:uhoh

I have had D200 with 17-55 f2.8 DX. That is the best starting lens for D200 if the price is within your expectation. After all it is "the world's first constant f/2.8 3.2x zoom lens developed exclusively for use with Nikon DX Format":D

If I were you, I would rent that zoom for a week and test it out.

By the way, aren't the rules for all standard to wide zoom lenses go;
1 - Always use lens hood
2 - If you want to shoot at constant f2.8, buy a constant f1.4 or faster
3 - Know all the ticks at Post-Processing
???

For me at least.:D

[Harryb]

For what you are seeking you have two options the 17-55 2.8 and the 28-70 2.8. I have the 28-70 and I'm very happy with it.

You can get excellent reviews of both lenses at
http://bythom.com/nikon.htm

http://www.naturfotograf.com/index2.html

[Bob Bell]

Any zoom that goes wider than say 20mm is going to suffer from one type of optical distortion. This can be pincushion, barrel, etc.... This is going to be obvious if there are straight lines in the picture. There is obviously software to fix the distortions.

I disagree with some about zooms vs primes. There are zooms out there that outperform primes when it comes to line resolution. A quick example are the Canon 28-70, 24-70, and 70-200.

What makes a lens sharp is its resolution, contrast, micro contrast and they are characteristics found in every lens manufacturer, most obviously Zeiss, Leitz / Leica, Zuiko, Canon, and Nikon.

I often shoot at 2.8 and many zooms can deliver.

The thing that is bad for zooms without specifically identifying them is that any zoom that goes past 20mm or so, will have issues throughout its range, its that middle ground between price and useability.

So my recommendation would be something like the 28-70 that Harry recommended and then a wide zoom or wide prime, since you are going to have better optics that way.

[Art Scott]

I have read some fantastic reviews on the Sigma 24 - 70 2.8 also, so another to choose from.

[Mitchell]

I agree with Harry's recommendations. You really have two good options in the Nikon lineup in this range.
What is your concern about the 17-55? While I don't own it, it has a reputation for being on most people's must own list and would probably satisfy your needs.
I own the 28-70mm, f2.8. This is the finest zoom I have ever owned and rarely leaves my D2X.