[stdon]

Here's one that slides under the radar that I would look into before a Tamron. A Nikon 28-105D. At 3.5-4.5 maybe not as fast as the Tamron but IMO better built, more usable for portraits, at 1.2 has a decent macro function and much less expensive. I know several photographers who this lens for about everything and their images sell.

For me this focal range is much more usable for portraits than 17-50. I bought a Tokina 16-50 which I like very much but use it very seldom and when portraits are concerned never and sold it for a 17-35. When I do though on goes the 28-70 or 70-200.

I can personally vouch for the 28-105D as I had one and used it a lot. I gave it to a friend starting out who needed something in that range when I got the 28-70.

Good luck,
Don