Best Nikon DX Format Zoom Lens (f2.8)

f/2.8 on DX? Get the Nikon 17-55 f/2.8. They're plentiful on the used market, and pretty affordable (I just sold mine this weekend for $400). Absolutely fantastic image quaity.

 

I had a 17-55 f2.8 when I was shooting DX and I loved it!!

 

stay away from ebay
c/o fredmiranda.com

 

In the wide I think the only option you have that is DX native is the 17-55/2.8 in Nikon OEM.

You do have other options in Sigma (I never recommend because of my poor history with focusing issues, but include for completeness), Tamron and Tokina.

My list would be in order of preference:

Nikon - 17-55/2.8

Tamron - (17-50/2.8 DI II) It's good, but weakest at f/2.8, gets better even at f/3.2, they also have other zoom lenses starting at 17mm, but are FX so will be a bit bigger, but are newer designs = better optics and include VC
TAMRON | Product Information
Here are some samples from my Nikon D50 and Nikon D300 using the Tamron 17-50: Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8

Tokina - I find their optics awesome, but they lack VR, so some people do not consider them. I used to have an 11-16/2.8 I used in Yellowstone and it performed phenomenally. They tend to go to the winder end - 10mm and cap out around 28mm
APS-C
Images I took with the 11-16/2.8 on the D500: Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8 AT-X

Sigma - they have a 17-50 and 17-70
https://www.sigmaphoto.com/lenses/standard-lenses?sigma_format=7064&sigma_mount=12003

 

First off, the "crop factor" does not come into play here, a lens of any particular focal length will produce an image with your camera covering the same area/field of view whether that lens is designed for DX or FX cameras. When the sensor size changes - DX vs FX with two different cameras - is where you will see a change in the field of view with the same focal length.

So, you can use a DX or FX lens at 24mm (for example) and get an image of the same size including the same area. The suggestions above are good ones, I too had the 17-55 Nikon and it was an impressive performer. If you do want to get the 24-70mm range at f2.8 there are no DX lenses I can think of that will give you that but you can use an FX lens if you are willing to pay more and carry around a heavier lens. If you want the focal range but are willing to give up the constant f2.8 aperture there are a number of DX lenses you can consider. Hope this helps.

 

The Sigma 50-100 f1.8 Art is an incredible DX zoom. (can be used on FX in 1.2 crop mode)
Out of my 15 current lenses, it's the only DX glass I own...it has no peer.

 

I ordered the 70-200 f/2.8....not cheap. Do you think it is worth the $$?

 

For budget the Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 is a sharper lens than the 17-55mm Nikon and much lighter. The Sigma 17-50mm is also a good lens.
Another option is the Nikon 16-80mm f2.8-4 which gives a better range.

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I have the prior version and it is among my favorite lenses. The new version is supposed to be that much better. The only downside is that it is not a compact and has a bit of weight. Yes, you can carry it around for long periods of time and use it handheld, but that is the price for a fast telephoto.

Enjoy,

--Ken