General Lens - Sigma 17-70 vs Nikon 16-85 vs Nikon 18-140

OpticPlanet

Picking up a 7100 body today and I need to pick up a lens to go along with it. I recently sold off my 5100 and its 18-55 kit lens so the only lens I have on me is the 40mm 2.8. Thinking of picking up the 35mm 1.8 and selling off the 40 but that's another debate.

I'm debating on these 3 lens and need to pick one.
Sigma 17-70 f/2.8-4
Nikon 16-85
Nikon 18-140

Heard the Sigma was a great lens but is pretty soft on the edges.
The 16-85 is a well known lens but I heard the bokeh is terrible on it. What I like is the focal length range and the size and weight is perfect for a general walk around lens.
The 18-140 is a great lens for the money and as a general lens but its size and weight is what annoys me. The added focal length is nice to have but I'm not sure if it's really needed.

I'm in New York so my shots are usually of people and the environment. Just looking for the right general every day lens.

Money isn't really an issue in deciding which one to get. I'm picking up these lens off of the "grey" market so they're all similar to one another.
Sigma 17-70: $350
Nikon 16-85: $380
Nikon 18-140: $375
Just having trouble on picking one. Would like to hear some thoughts regarding this.

spraynpray

I had the 16-85 (sold it for the 17-55) and I have to say that bokeh wasn't a problem, it was mainly that is was too slow for me.

Photobug

I would go with the 18-140 for your D7100. Agree with spraynpray on the 16-85.

The balance of the 18-140 on the D7100 is very good.

OpticPlanet

Thanks guys. Heard the 16-85 was slow. Tried out the 7100 + 18-140 on B&H and I was quite fond of it. Everything was quick and looked great.

Just bought the 7100 as a refurb for $800 so pretty happy on that.

So I guess it's really down to the Sigma 17-70 and the Nikon 18-140.

spraynpray

When I said slow, I was referring to the f3.5-5.6 of the 16-85 Vs the f2.8 of the 17-55.

Photobug

Stop before you buy and think about the pictures you take. Is the Sigma 70mm enough tele or do you take a lot in between 70 and 140? There lies the answer to which lens to buy.

I love my 17-55nn f.2,8 and I acknowledge I have a gap between 55 and 70mm. At times I wish I had that gap covered, see my lens in my signature block. So give it some though before pulling out that credit card.

OpticPlanet

Thanks guys. I'm actually considering shelling out cash for the Sigma 18-35 and then getting the Nikon 85mm if I need that focal length.
But again, that's a lot of money so I'm looking at the 17-55 but I heard that has problems on the D7100 so I'm stuck yet again.

spraynpray

What problems? Mine works fine. The Sigma is reported to have issues with focusing (in low light especially). The 17-55 is more expensive that the Sigma so I don't get you last point unless you are talking about buying a used 17-55 against a new 18-35/1.8.

heartyfisher

yup! its a bit confusing as there are 2 sigma lenses that OP is considering :-)

I have the 18-200 and I have considered getting the 16-85 many times.. mainly bec of the 16 vs the 18 mm wide end. but there are other reasons like the terrible bokeh of the 18-200.. the bokeh of the 16-85 is also a bit weak except at 85mm it becomes smooth ! however I recently got the 18-140 and its sharper and smoother than teh 18-200.. its replaced my 18-200 on my D7000. I still use my 18-200 on my Nikon1V1.. lol its become the main lens on my V1.

Ok back to your choices. I have also considered the Sigmas that you are considering. The 18-35 if you shoot in those focal lengths is just amazing! although older the 17-70 F2.8-4.0 is also bright and sharp. If you shoot in those focal length ranges they are better than the Nikon kit lenses.

OpticPlanet

I was referring to the Sigma 17-55, sorry for the confusing.

As of now I've narrowed it down to the Sigma 17-70 C version or the Sigma 18-35. The main thing holding me back from getting the 18-35 is the $800 price tag along with its size/weight.

There is a scrolling problem for the 17-55 only on the 7100. The problem isn't on any other camera which is a shame.

Photobug

Thanks guys. I'm actually considering shelling out cash for the Sigma 18-35 and then getting the Nikon 85mm if I need that focal length.
But again, that's a lot of money so I'm looking at the 17-55 but I heard that has problems on the D7100 so I'm stuck yet again.

Same question...what problem? Been using my Nikon 17-55mm on my D7100 body fro 3 months, no issues at all.

OpticPlanet

Sorry guys I should have been more clear. I was referring to the Sigma 17-55.

OpticPlanet

I would grab the Nikon 17-55 if it wasn't so expensive. I'm a casual photographer. Can't see myself dropping about $1500 on a lens so soon. $800 would be my budget.

heartyfisher

LOL! there is no sigma 17-55 :-)

OpticPlanet

Sigma 17-50! ) Too many lens! I had a whole list of lens that I was considering so it's quite confusing remembering all the focal lengths for each one. I meant the Sigma 17-50 2.8 OS HSM.

Photobug

Check out B&H and eBay for used and refurbished 17-55 F2.8 Nikon lens. I have seen them for $800 to $900 on eBay. And for gosh sake, be sure to buy a good 77mm UV filter to cover that front element.

dissent

If Nikon issues a refresh of the 16-85 in the next couple of months I'll be interested to hear about it. In the interim I'll stick with my 18-200 on the short end, along with the 35 and 85 primes I have. I'm pretty happy with the results I get with my 70-300 over that range so far.