Allow me to begin by stating that I know that there's no such thing as "walk-around" lens, but STILL - imagine you had to choose your favorite lens for Nikon, a lens which would be mounted on your camera either when you're travelling in the city or even when you're hanging with friends on a BBQ event.What I'm looking for could be a recommendation for "an enhanced kit lens", if you will, in terms high max-aperture and remarkable sharpness.I own a wide-angle Sigma 10-20mm and a Nikkor 50mm (both are great), but I'd love to have something in between. My budget would be about 1000 USD,and I've laid my eyes on theNikkor 17-55mm f/2.8.Any assistance would be greatly appreciated.Thank you.

The Nikon 17-55 is indeed a good lens and is available used for less than $1K. You may also wish to consider the sigma 18-55 f1.8. It got a great rating from DxO and has been well reviewed. Do not believe it is available yet, not sure. You may want to rent it to see if a $800 investment would be worthwhile.Cheers,

Thank you! Will take that into account!

Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8....instant AF, no exposure problems...a sharp lens.

Hi,May I suggest the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 (non VC)?review:http://www.photozone.de/nikon--nikkor-aps-c-lens-tests/637-tamron175028d7000André

The 16-85mm VR has an attractive range. The 16mm end mimics a 24mm, and you need that wide angle for shooting groups of people in smaller rooms. The 85mm tele end of the range is pretty handy too.Thom Hogan's website had a great review on this lens. Since I got a DSLR camera, I have been tempted to acquire something slightly faster, such as the Sigma or Tamron. Or the Nikon 17-55. But in reality, the f3.5 is only a half stop slower (I think) and I can always use a slower shutter speed. 1/30th speeds pose no challenge due to the the VR feature. And I've shot plenty of images even slower with no blur.Here are some sample images of the 16-85.http://www.flickriver.com/lenses/nikon/1685mmf3556gvr/

My new walk round lens on my d90 is the nikon 17-55mm 2.8 love that thing fast auto focus is nice you would be happy i think

Thank you both for the recommendations.Both the Tamron 17-50mm and the Nikon 16-85mm seem to be good candidates

Mean Sigma 18-35 f1.8 ....

The 24-120 its a great choice, great optics, you have enough wide and also zoomIts not a 18 but also its not a DX so maybe in the future you can still use it in a FF

I've just adopted the Sigma 17-50 f2.8, and it's now my go-to lens for my D7000. It's a great lens - sharp, good colors & contrast, good bokeh, fast auto focus, has stabilization, and is reasonably light. I prefer it to my old 18-105 due to it's indoor/outdoor versatility & it's ability to get good subject isolation at wide apertures. Used it in Vienna and Amsterdam a few weeks ago, and it was equally adept indoors and out.Here are some shots:http://www.flickr.com/photos/39102910@N07/sets/72157635303683111/http://www.flickr.com/photos/39102910@N07/sets/72157635310786870/(Not all of the last set are using the Sigma, but most are).A note about weight - while In Europe, I had the 17-50 mounted on the D7000, slung over my shoulder using a Black Rapid strap all day for several days while walking the cities & museums.  I have to say that the weight became bothersome at the end of the day.  Not terrible but I started to get a sore shoulder.  For that reason (along with the OS and lower cost) I'm glad I chose the Sigma over the Nikon 17-55 2.8, but I'm sure the Nikon is a fabulous lens.For the same reason I am skeptical about the new Sigma 18-35 1.8 as a true, all-day, walk-around lens, but I'm sure one will end up attached to my D7000 sooner or later - it looks like an incredible lens.I'm sure the Tamron is a good choice too.Either way, for me, a true walk-around lens must work well inside and outside, which means f/2.8 at least throughout the zoom range.

If the 17-55 f2.8 Nikon is in your price range, it's a fantastic lens and you can't go wrong with it.The Tamron 17-50 f2.8 is a great lens as well.  Don't worry about VC/Non VC.  I have the VC variant, and it's a fantastic lens.I don't own the Sigma, but I"ve heard great things about it as well.The Tamron can be had for about $400 less than the Nikon.  It's lighter if that matters.  The Nikon is a better build quality and a true "professional" lens.

I use Sigma 17-50 mm F/2.8 EX DC OS HSM as my walk around lens with D7000 & am pretty happy with it. Been using it for exactly an year & it has been my primary go to lens..

I don't know if it's the best, but my D40 kit lens (18-55 f3.5-5.6 GII ED) now doing duty on the D5100 is sufficient for walk about for me.

may i ask which zoom one might suggest for someone who needs a greater range than those suggested?18-200 f/3.5-5.6 VRII (2nd version)?

vincentnyc wrote:may i ask which zoom one might suggest for someone who needs a greater range than those suggested?18-200 f/3.5-5.6 VRII (2nd version)?I have an 18-200 VRI that originally came on my D200.  While all super zooms are a compromise, I've been VERY pleased with mine.  It doesn't do anything (except travel) exceptionally, but does just about everything decently to very well.  Two examples as far as I have on opposite ends of the subject spectrum.......

I don't have a ton of money for pro glass. I have other commitments, even other hobbies. I find my lowly 18-70DX makes a fine lens especially when stopped down to f/8-f/11....add flash if you're friends don't mind it and you're good to go for much cheaper than you're talking about. Best reason you could have to change to a pro lens is that you tend to shoot as wide as you can or in low light without flash.

18-200 f/3.5-5.6 VRII (2nd version) You can take a look at amazon reviews here :http://www.amazon.com/Nikon-18-200mm-3-5-5-6G-Telephoto-DX-Format/dp/B002JCSV8Ahopes that helpful for you.

yuvalherz wrote:Thank you! Will take that into account!The Sigma 18-35 f1.8 is not yet available in Nikon mount. But I would look at the Sigma 17-50 OS HSM. It is cheaper and lighter than the Nikon 17-55 and just as good, if not better. Steer clear of the Tamron and Tokina equivalents. Lots of sample variation and mixed stories (Tamron) and old design (Tokina).