Sell a ton of my consumer gear for 17-55?

[RV]

Originally Posted by shadowlands

OK guys, just wondering what you all would think.
I own both a D90 and D5000. I also own a Nikon 18-200 VR and 70-300 VR.
And of course, my Nikon 35mm F1.8 & 50mm F1.8.
I’ve made the most money with the 18-200 VR believe it or not, but I know it’s not the sharpest tool in the shed.
I use the 70-300 VR the least, but I got a really good deal on it and it works fine.
I try to use either prime for portraits, low light, etc…
I’ve been yearning for the Nikon 17-55 F2.8 lately, but I can’t spend that kind of money right now.
I’ve got a baby on the way and crappy health insurance thanks to my employer.
So my wife is willing to let me sell off some of my gear so that I can obtain a Nikon 17-55 F2.8.
I’d be selling the D5000, 70-300 VR, SB-400 and possibly the 18-200 VR.
Leaving me without much reach, at least for now.
But then I wonder… would that one lens truly be worth “letting go” of all those things?
I don’t shoot weddings. I just shoot landscapes & portraits mainly. An occasional party at a hall, etc…
Also, I’m thinking… OK, I sell all that off for a F2.8 zoom that’s slower (F2. than my (F1. primes.
Any advice?
Would you guys say “hell yes, sell it all and grab that awesome 17-55 and never look back!!”
Or “Stay put, you’ve got the primes with you need low light performance and your 18-200 VR has served you well.”

PS… I’m not looking to purchase the Sigma or Tamron equivalents….
Ha.. my spell checker always wants me to change Tamron to Tampon… nice…

I would take all advice into consideration but make your choice by the type of photography you do. You mentioned landscape and I don't associate landscapes with telephoto lenses. The Nikon 17-55 f2.8 is an awesome lens and pretty much suitable for landscape. I am a Nikon Glass fan and would never suggest that any other brand is better. It is like buying an aftermarket part for a car, the quality is not there. I have a competitor lens and I actually use it quite often but it was my very first f2.8 lens and at the time of purchase I only had a krappy kit lens.

I am not a fan of the 70-300 VR lens and I am looking to pass mine on too as I dont use it much after purchasing the 70-200 f2.8 a few weeks ago. They still retail for 550-600 bucks so you might be able to get a good start on your next purchase.

Dont get rid of the 18-200 as this is a great travel/multipurpose lens, you will kick yourself if you passed it along.

In the end I hope you make the right decision for you

[shadowlands]

Originally Posted by nohoneythatsnotanewlens

What do you think you can get for the baby?

Ha! Not for sale!

[nohoneythatsnotanewlens]

Originally Posted by shadowlands

Ha! Not for sale!

I'm going to warn you, they get more expensive with time.

[shadowlands]

Originally Posted by nohoneythatsnotanewlens

I'm going to warn you, they get more expensive with time.

Indeed, they do!!! But the return on your investment will be worth every penny.

[Dirk]

Originally Posted by shadowlands

Indeed, they do!!! But the return on your investment will be worth every penny.

Are you shure darren ? What do you think the baby can be in 18 years time?
will there still be enough work in that field ?

The best jobs are : become a undertaker ., you have to be a ice pinguin not showing your emotions but guaranteed work because people die eventually

or become a nurse or brother in bringing people on the planet ..

or find some job that now has enough people working on it but in 18 yers time there will be a deficit in that field ..


not intended to not like the baby , shure kids are fine but i am still a kid sometimes .. but when i am in da right mood i can sound like your dad and mom ..

[Patrice.L]

The 17-55 2.8 is considered by many to be the best dx lens Nikon makes. It was my most used lens on my D200's. (Sold the D200's to get a D700 and sold the 17-55 to get a bigger telescope. Aperture fever is as bad as NAS). It works very well, nice colour and contrast, fast focus, rugged and weather sealed. They can be had in Canada for about $1000 second hand. Selling your d5000 along with your sb 400 and 18-200 would very likely get you the funds or very nearly so. You would then have the same ranges covered but get a big plus in the mid range zoom quality. I don't think Nikon is about ready to stop making dx cameras anytime soon so if you ever move to fx you'll most likely get all your money back on the 17-55 if you decide to sell it.

[shadowlands]

Originally Posted by Patrice.L

The 17-55 2.8 is considered by many to be the best dx lens Nikon makes. It was my most used lens on my D200's. (Sold the D200's to get a D700 and sold the 17-55 to get a bigger telescope. Aperture fever is as bad as NAS). It works very well, nice colour and contrast, fast focus, rugged and weather sealed. They can be had in Canada for about $1000 second hand. Selling your d5000 along with your sb 400 and 18-200 would very likely get you the funds or very nearly so. You would then have the same ranges covered but get a big plus in the mid range zoom quality. I don't think Nikon is about ready to stop making dx cameras anytime soon so if you ever move to fx you'll most likely get all your money back on the 17-55 if you decide to sell it.

I'm sure I'd love the lens. Hell, I know I would!
But giving up a D5000, SB-400, 70-300 VR and 35mm F1.8 just to get it?
I think I'd kick myself...
I've got F2.8 beat with my two primes anyway.... So I think I'll stay put.
I do appreciate everyone taking the time...

[km6xz]

Any time a large investing in a lens is considered, renting for a week or even a long weekend is a wise precaution. If you decide to get a 17-55 be encouraged and warned at the same time, the 17-55 is the lens mostly likely to be sold again after purchase of any of the 2.8 zooms. So you can get a relative bargain because people tend not to stick with it very long.Try finding a bargain on a 24-70 however and you might be disappointed since it is a sellers market. I have the 17-55 and have not sold it yet but I just bought a new 24-70 because I could not find a used one. Considering it is among the most owned pro type zooms, that is also telling. My next lens to upgrade is the 85 1.4D to be replaced by the 85 1.4G. Otherwise I am set for both Dx and Fx, unless I get a bug to dive into macro.

[shadowlands]

I sold my D5000 body and SB-400. I bought a Nikon AF 85mm F1.8D with it!

[Dirk]

so it is back to one camera but you win and loose some