I was a little leery of this lens because it was so much smaller and less expensive than the 28-70/2.8 ATX. It is smaller and lighter, it's also beautifully built. Zoom and focus (including MF) are firm and smooth. AF is quiet and fast, and on the "D" that viewfinder sure is bright! It's a very good looking lens and so far the test shots I've taken have been very sharp, well exposed, with accurate color. Flare control seems very good and Boket is quite pleasing. Focus to 13" (.33m) at all FLs is respectable.
This will probably become my standard lens very quickly, replacing several slower short zooms. The ATX at 810 grams would not have gotten lugged around nearly as often as this one at 300 less. Between this, the 16-45 and a Tamron MC7 TC a good multipurpose kit won't be bad to carry around at all. Thanks to all who suggested it. ;-) Don
