Nikon Lens Question (D5000)

[Nkray]

Good morning folks, I have a question.

I currently have a D5000 and looking to upgrade the default lens that comes with it.

I am thinking about a AF-S DX 17-55mm f/2.8 IF-ED.

Will this provide a better match than the current 18-55mm 1:3.5-5-6G which came with the camera ?

Its a bit pricey, so looking for advice...

thx
Nick

 

[fotomonkey]

Morning, Nick.

In my personal opinion a fixed aperture lens always trumps variable. The 2.8 will open up new possibilities by giving you greater flexibility in how you manage your shots. If you find yourself in a low-light setting you'll really appreciate the ability to open the lens up.

 

[jaomul]

Yes. It's a faster aperture pro spec lens. It will allow lower light usage, more control over dof. However, there are other options cheaper and almost as good.

Check out the tamron 17-50mm f2.8 non vc version (with built in focus motor)
There is the sigma 17-50mm f2.8 IS also. Possibly more options also.

Before you buy though ensure you know what your own lens lacks, and what you need from your new lens

 

[Designer]

Will this provide a better match than the current 18-55mm 1:3.5-5-6G which came with the camera ?

A better "match", no.

A wider maximum aperture, yes.

 

[Derrel]

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 is the "value" and price and performance leader in this category. Thom Hogan carries and uses the Sigma...

 

[fotomonkey]

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 is the "value" and price and performance leader in this category. Thom Hogan carries and uses the Sigma...

I've been very pleased with the HSM lenses. I just picked my 70-200/2.8 up from the shop and it feels great to see it back on the body.

I've had mixed results with Tamron.

 

[Rob5589]

Sigma 17-50mm f/2.8 is the "value" and price and performance leader in this category. Thom Hogan carries and uses the Sigma...

Still a total noob but, I am loving this lens. It is head and shoulders above the kit lens.

 

[PaulWog]

The only reason I would buy the Nikon 17-55 f2.8 is for the status (it looks big, professional, gets the point across that "I spent a lot on my gear"). The price of the lens isn't justifiable. The IQ is good, but it doesn't soar above the competition by ridiculous amounts. I may be incorrect, but I believe the main advantage is the faster autofocus & supposedly rugged design (weather sealing? not sure). Canon is selling theirs at just below the $900 price-point, and it has image stabilization.

The Sigma 17-50 f2.8 should be the way to go.

 

[greybeard]

What you will get with the Nikon 17-55 f2.8 will be 2 to 3 stop more speed in low light. If low light is a big deal with you then a f2.8 might be the way to go for you. Stop for stop comparing the f2.8 with the "default" kit lens, there isn't as much IQ difference as the price difference should produce. I opted to stay in the f3.5-5.6 range went with a Nikon 16-85 f3.5-5.6 AF-S VR. I find it noticeably sharper and with more contrast than the "default" kit lens that came with my D7000. Many have recommended the Sigma 17-50 f2.8 and from what I have read, it is a fine piece. If, as I have written earlier, low light is the determining factor in this lens upgrade, the Sigma may well be an option you might want to consider as well as the Nikon 17-55.