swapping 50mm f1.4 for 17-55mm f2.8

bobman

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Hi any advice greatly appreciated.

I currently have a D7000 body with 50mm F1.4 G and Tokina 11-16mm f2.8 lenses.

I like to take mainly landscapes and portrait shots and am pleased with the results that these lenses give me, however I am beginning to find the Tokina a little too wide on certain occasions for landscapes and the 50mm I only ever find useful for portraits.

I am considering selling or part exchanging the 50mm for a 17-55mm lens that will fill the gap between 16mm and 50mm, will this lens give as good results as the prime and is the 17-55mm rated as a top quality addition for my D7000 or can anybody offer me any alternatives?

I know the 50mm will be better in poor lighting but this does not bother me too much as I also have a SB700 speed-light.
 
I'll watch this with interest as I'm weighing up buying a 17-55 next year. I don't think I'd fancy ditching the primes though.

I know what you mean about the 11-16 being a bit too wide at times. It only really suits very particular landscapes.
 
I have the 17-55. It replaced a sigma 18-50 f2.8 macro, and it is sharper more contrasty and colour rich than the lens it replaced, autofocus is also better/quieter and more accurate in low light.
It is a lovey lens and oozes quality from the way it feels and and the results that you get from it.
Comparing it to the 50mm, the prime lens will be sharper at similar apertures. I find my 35mm 1.8g is a tad sharper than the 17-55 at all apertures, the prime also has better bokeh.
Its a tough one, I would personally keep the prime as its a different kind of lens, and generally the results will always be ahead of any zoom lens. maybe part-ex the tokina? which I also own. I actually prefer results from the nikkor than the tokina though both are good.
 
Pretty much what Tee Tee says....

If the Tokina is the 'problem' lens because it doesn't have the focal length you require, ditch it and get the 17-55. I got my 17-55 to replace a knackered Tamron 17-50 and although optically the Tammy was good, it didn't compare at all with the build of the Nikon. Mine is out in all weather and i properly abuse my kit and that lens never flinches. It really is a brilliant lens optically.
 
Pretty much what Tee Tee says....

If the Tokina is the 'problem' lens because it doesn't have the focal length you require, ditch it and get the 17-55. I got my 17-55 to replace a knackered Tamron 17-50 and although optically the Tammy was good, it didn't compare at all with the build of the Nikon. Mine is out in all weather and i properly abuse my kit and that lens never flinches. It really is a brilliant lens optically.

T'is my favourite lens EVER! :love::love:17-55:love::love:
 
Has to be the 17-55....you have a pretty big gap in your "armoury"....the flexibility of the 17-55 more than makes up for what you're giving up with the 50mm F1.4G.
 
Have you thought about getting a uses 50mm f/1.8 aswell as the 17-55?

Yes Im thinking about getting a 50 but the G version, going to wait for the show at NEC to see if I can pick one up cheap
 
does everyone get on well with where the zoom ring is placed on the 17-55? read some reviews about it being very far back and close to the body and being a prob???
 
does everyone get on well with where the zoom ring is placed on the 17-55? read some reviews about it being very far back and close to the body and being a prob???

This felt a bit weird to me @ 1st, but didnt take much to get used to it
 
The 17-55 is an outstanding lens, optically and mechanically, one of the quickest focusing lenses that I own.
 
The 17-55 is a stunning lens that out-resolves the D7000. Sharp at f2.8 with brilliant contrast. It's a little big and heavy but I still carry it as a walk around lens.
 
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