Tamron 24-70mm f2.8 Zoom Lens

Until recently, I owned a Nikkor 28-70 mm f2.8  zoom lens which I both loved and hated. The zoom range was perfect for general walking around and for environmental portraiture, and lens construction was tank-like. While on the heavy side, it felt right on a D3s. On the other hand, focusing was a challenge particularly in respect to repeatability. Sometimes good - sometimes not so good. I attempted to limit shots to speeds above 1/160 s to avoid camera shake to no avail. I attempted to fine tune automatic focus with both software and hardware, again with no success. I concluded replacement was necessary, but with what?

The logical first choice was the Nikkor 24-70 mm F2.8 but without vibration reduction the cost seemed unreasonably high. Given Canon's recent pricing for their 2nd generation 24-70 mm professional grade lens (which lacks VR), there was reasonable certainty that when Nikon got around to a new 24-70 mm with VR technology, the cost would be even more prohibitive. 

After much on-line research, I purchased a Tamron 24-70 mm f2.8 lens. While somewhat lighter than the Niikor, and with solid plastic rather than metal construction, I'm happy with the choice. Firstly, the lens focuses quickly and accurately. Vibration reduction provides me with about 3 stops of shutter speed reduction. Despite the plastic, construction is excellent and the lens is well balanced on my D3s. Resolution seems quite acceptable at the edges improving noticeably when the lens is stopped down, and excellent in the center. Price is $400 less than the Nikkor equivalent and $900 less than Canon's neither of which have VR! The only downside is the filter diameter - a whopping 82 mm, which departs from Nikon's 77 mm professional standard necessitating the purchase of new ND filters - not cheap at 82 mm.  

Bottom line to date - a good lens at a competitive cost.