Need lens suggestions .. Craigslist made the decision

[spinetnglr]

I am currently in the market for a new lens for my Nikon D300. The lenses I currently own are:

Nikkor 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 (kit lens that came with the D40)
Nikkor 55-200mm f4-5.6 VR
Nikkor 10.5mm f2.8 fisheye
Nikkor 50mm f1.4.

The 18-55mm I have been leaving mounted on the D40 and set up to take shots of some items I will be listing on ebay for the auction house where I work so I am looking for something to replace that lens in my bag to carry with the D300. I pretty much take the camera with me everywhere I go and I have been finding I am missing having that lens with me at times. I am really looking for something that is a little faster than the f3.5-5.6 of the kit lens but similar to that lens in focal length range and physical size. I am not opposed to a non-Nikon lens and open to all suggestions. If you have a lens that fits what I am looking for I would love to hear about it.

[ssanders79]

It will not address your speed request, but it would lighten your bag if you got the Nikon 18-200mm VR to replace the kit lens and the 55-200. This lens would give you the benefit of VR from 18-55.

For speed..(NOT CHEAP)
Links below are to B&H. This is not a plug for them, but a singular site to compare.
Nikon 17-55 f2.8 (Fast Kit Lens Upgrade) (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/300490-USA/Nikon_2147_17_55mm_f_2_8G_ED_IF_AF_S.html)
Nikkor 24-70mm f2.8 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/520637-USA/Nikon_2164_AF_S_Zoom_Nikkor_24_70mm.html)
Sigma 24-70. f2.8 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/596258-REG/Sigma_571306_24_70mm_f_2_8_IF_EX.html)
Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/284402-REG/Tamron_AF09NII_700_28_75mm_f_2_8_XR_Di.html)

[wenrob]

I love my Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8, it's my default lens and on the camera 90% of the time. It's fast, it's sharp and I love the color/contrast I get from it.

That said, there are times when I don't find it wide enough (like in a crowded park when my kids are right on top of me). When financially capable I'll be investing in one of the wider f/2.8 zooms.

[Gdad]

The 17-55/2.8 is fabulous on DX- not sure what your budget is.

The new 35/1.8 is a lot of fun as well if you can find one. They seem to be popping up available more often these days.

[fitzperry]

I love my Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8, it's my default lens and on the camera 90% of the time. It's fast, it's sharp and I love the color/contrast I get from it.

That said, there are times when I don't find it wide enough (like in a crowded park when my kids are right on top of me). When financially capable I'll be investing in one of the wider f/2.8 zooms.

What she said. :thumbsup2 Although I've had some fun with the nifty-fifty lately, which I hadn't used for quite awhile (not that that's relevant to the subject at hand). I have the Tokina 12-24 for when I need to go wider. There are also a couple of 2.8 Sigmas and Tamrons in the 17-50 or 55 range that are relatively well regarded. Depends on whether you prefer to sacrifice a little on the wide or narrow end, but the Tamron 28-75 is a great value, IMO.

[kaffinito]

Since my 18-55 vr needed up on DH's camera, I have the 18-200 mounted on my D90. I've found it to be plenty fast enough compared to the 18-55, and I'm a lot happier with the photo quality too. :)

[spinetnglr]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions so far. I am truly torn what to do. I like the idea of the range of the 17-55mm 2.8 but I am wondering if I would be happy with it considering it weighs in at 1.5 lbs as opposed to the 7 oz. I am used to with the 18-55mm. I realize when you go faster there are sacrifices to be made in added weight and size. I also considered the 24-85mm 2.8-4 but think I would rather have the 2.8 constant throughout the focal range.

Jeff - the 35mm 1.8 looks very interesting for sure and for the price I might have to put one on order until I can decide on a wide to standard zoom. I love the 50mm 1.4 that I have but find a lot of the time its not wide enough especially if I am taking pictures inside the auction house where space can sometimes be tight and zooming in or out with my feet is not always an option.

Wenrob and fitzperry .. I will check out the Tamron 28-75 .

I also put on my short list the Sigma 18-50mm 2.8 macro ... does anyone have any opinions or experience with this lens ??

[spinetnglr]

I decided to check on the local Craigslist photo listings and found a nice used 17-55mm f2.8. I called the guy today and made arrangement to go look at it and try it on my D300. It was about a 50 mile one way trip for me but well worth the time and gas spent. I came home with the lens. The seller is moving up to full frame gear and selling some DX lenses and older bodies to help finance the move. Will post some pics when I get to play with the lens a little.

[fitzperry]

I decided to check on the local Craigslist photo listings and found a nice used 17-55mm f2.8. I called the guy today and made arrangement to go look at it and try it on my D300. It was about a 50 mile one way trip for me but well worth the time and gas spent. I came home with the lens. The seller is moving up to full frame gear and selling some DX lenses and older bodies to help finance the move. Will post some pics when I get to play with the lens a little.

Sounds like fate! I check Craigslist regularly but have not bought anything that way yet. Hope you enjoy the lens!