D7100 / Nikon 16-85mm Lens Combo

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Neil.
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I'm currently running a gripped D7100 coupled to a 17-55m f2.8 lens which I'm now finding a little heavy and cumbersome to drag around.

Before dumping the DSLR and going micro 4/3rds in order to downsize my kit physically, I'm considering running without the grip and downgrading the lens to this .... Nikon 16-85mm f3.5-5.6G VR ED AF-S DX Lens.

I know the D7100 demands good glass but was wondering if anyone on here is running with the 16-85 on a D7100 and what your thoughts are of it. I expect to loose some image quality over the 17-55 but am I likely to be disappointed with the change?

In the ideal world I'd go out and buy the 16-85 to try but I'm afraid I need to trade/sell the 17-55 first.

Any advice gratefully received.

Regards
Neil.
 
What about going with the Tamron 17-50 f2.8? That way you can keep the low light performance, the IQ is great and is perhaps a lighter lens? (Not sure though as I haven't checked weight specs)

You also have the choice of VC or non VC.

I too have been considering the m4/3 route with the em10 from Olympus for the lighter weight but I think I'm going to give my d7000 another chance to impress. I used to run with it gripped and although it looks the biz, in reality (for me at least) it was a right ball ache. Nice having the portrait shutter though but just too bulky.

Just a thought.

HTH's.
David.
 
Thanks for your replies guys.

Must admit I've never given non Nikon lenses a thought. Do you have experience of the Tamron on D7100?
 
I was using a Sigma 17-50mm on a D7000 and needed to replace it, and got very close to splashing out on the Nikon 17-55mm. Then I looked at all the pictures I took with the 17-50mm and found many (more than half) were taken at either extremity of the focal length. So I got the 16-85mm. More than happy. The extra 1mm at the wide end makes a big difference and the extra reach at the other end is handy as well. The loss of speed is made up for by the decent low light performance of the D7000, and if you really need speed there is always the 35mm prime. IQ on both lenses was fine.
 
I have a D7000, the forerunner of your camera, and almost exclusively use a 16-85mm. I find it a very balanced combination but I do use a Qstrap. Last year I spent all day at the Great Central Railway 40's event and never had a weight issue.
 
I use the 16-85VR with the D7100 as my day to day walkabout. It's a nice focal range and I don't miss the F2.8 because of the good high ISO performance. If I need the shallow depth of field then I usually have the diddy 35/1.8 on me.
 
I had the Tamron VC version on a D7000 and, for a short while, on my D7100. I was never a fan of the lens.
I bought the new Sigma 17-70mm f2.8-4 C lens and love it on my D7100, stays on 80% of the time.
It's has excellent built quality and is nice and light and really well balanced with or without a grip on the body. It's a great little lens. I have been impressed with the picture quality nice and sharp and fairly quick.

There are a variety of shots in my flickr stream that I have taken with it.....does a decent job for macro/close up stuff too.
 
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Thanks you all for taking the time to reply...looks like I have much more to consider now.

Will probably plan a trip to Park Cameras where hopefully I can see and try all of your sugestions under one roof.

I have removed the grip and attached my 35mm f1.8 so far.......quite a revelation in the weight/size department. I can see lots of stuff going on classifieds soon.

Regards
Neil.
 
I have recently bought the D7100 and having plenty of Nikon glass to choose from, I have settled for the 16-85, the 35mm f1.8 and the 60mm f2.8D macro (bitingly sharp and is great for portraits as well). These three lenses cover everything I want right now so any poor pictures are down to me!!!
 
TBH if you can get hold of one the older Nikon 18-70 is a fantastic lens, although discontinued now,
very light weight too.
I've used one on my D7100 for paid shoots a few times and no complaints.
What makes you say the camera requires good glass ?
 
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