Nikon AF-S Nikkor 17-35mm f/2.8D ED-IF Lens

In picking a wide to mid range lens for my d70, I came upon a choice between the ultra wide 12-24mm nikon, a few 3rd party brands, and the semi-wide angle 17-35 and 17-55 2.8. Of course, that extra 5mm (or even slightly more on some brands) may make it worth it to grab the 12-24mm. It doesn't sound like a lot but the difference is quite astonishing. However, if you don't fit into this category and picture yourself as one who uses digital with yearnings for film (or perhaps a luddite), look no further than the 17-35mm. Everything you hear about this lens is probably true, excellent sharpness, great out-of-focus area, not as great wide open better stopped down etc. The lens is a tank and almost eliminated the camera shake I experienced with lighter lenses on the d70 and the quietness/quickness of the AF-S zoom is superb if you've never had one before. Takes 77mm filters which means you can pop them on and off most of the higher end lenses like the 80-200mm 2.8 and 70-200mm etc.

While it isn't a super wide angle on a digital, I like the focal length on the d70 and it has given me nothing but great shots. The best part is, you can pop it on your F100, F5, or another film body and take great shots (some say better) even wider. I personally like this ability as I still love black and white film and would like all my really good lenses to be compatible just in case I take that plunge and actually bid on that F5 on ebay.