forget the built in motor version. before this I owned & used a new Tamron 1750 built in motor version on D60 ..makes me sakit hati that the kit lens 18-55VR focuses faster...

I would guess that u want somewhat an all rounder lens? f/2.8 is kinda useless if not utilized. f/2.8 constant is somewhat overrated..seriously.

I suggest getting the Sigma 17-70mm F2.8-4.5 DC MACRO HSM. You could even manually focus on your fingers if you touch on the filter attached on the lens!

If you must and still want an f/2.8 constant lens. Look at Sigma 18-50 f/2.8.

I'm not so sure about the IQ. U need to google urself.

First of all..what do u want to use ur lens for?

http://forum.lowyat.net/topic/993726/+1760

in the thread above there's a pic showing that with manual focus, the sigma 1770 can even focus on the uv filter of the lens itself!

do u want a tele zoom lens? the tamron 70-300 or sigma 70-300 is cheap but it doesnt have VR which in my opinion are most useful at ranges above 100mm. i dont really recommend any of these lenses.

I would suggest the Nikon 55-200VR for that price. Yes it has shorter focal length, but it has a better IQ (image quality) and VR to reduce handshake effect while shooting.

The Nikon 70-300VRii is more expensive but it has superb image quality and also a newer VRii.

true...btw,what brand of rechargeable battery that u guys use for speedlight?is it true that energizer brand not good?

I have used Sigma 10-20mm, Tokina 12-24mm f/4 and now Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8.

IMHO, Tokina has the better build. The sigma is only sharp wide open. When you stop it down to even f/11, the sides are significantly softer than the center. I think you may have mentioned you don't like distortions. So, that leaves you only once choice, which is the Tokina 11-16mm f/2.8.