I'll give you my .02 as I have a Sigma 17-70 DC OS HSM 2.8-4.0 which I've been real happy with as a walk around lens. May be a little less $ than the 17-50 2.8 and still faster than the other choices you mentioned.

Hi Ron. I use a Sigma 10-22 for most of my interior shots. I'm always cautious of going too wide, ending up with distortion or an unrealistic looking photo. It's good glass for "some" outside stuff like getting all the deck in and/or yard but for the front house view, you'll end up with too much of a keystone effect. For that shot, best to back away quite a bit and use a longer length. I back up and may be anywhere from 70mm + for that front shot to keep verticle lines nice and straight. As far as sharpness, main recommendation is always use that tripod and stop down a bit to maximize your dof. I never use a polarizer for my RE shooting. Anyway, it's all fun stuff & enjoy that new glass!

Thanks. That particular day I was shooting a very active 2 year old. Had to get down to her level (when I could catch her!). Extra gear was in my backpack.

Knowledge is power. read read read. lots of forums & lots of different reviews and opinions. Then, form your own. Or, formulate your own first and then see if anyone else can validate your thoughts.

I have the 17-70 2.8-4.0 OS Nikon mount. I've had it for 3 years now and love it. Paired with my Sigma 70-200 2.8 they're a great combo. Can't give you any cons at all.

I did the same with a 70-200 sigma and went the used route. I think it was an E or E+. Saved some $ and couldn't be happier...

You need a backup camera as you may have dropped yours after you took that shot...
:)

David, I have those same triplets, although my third is the red headed step child (IR converted). A lovely family as I'm sure you agree:)

Youtube has really changed the way we learn too, ehhh?

Thanks Jerry. Looks like Nikon's afraid to come up to my parts (Minneapolis area). I did see them about 10 years ago putting on a general dslr class and it was very good. It was good timing too as I was mastering my D40 at the time! Luckily one of our local camera chains offers some advanced classes that I re-take every few years. Keeps me thinking and helps me remember. 8-)

Hi Steve, where did you take this? In person, online, ... I assume it's part of a series? Do tell as I'm a seminar junkie!

I've been enjoying that lens for several years now - nice find at a good price. Enjoy!

At the top of my list is the Sigma 17-70 OS, 2.8-4.0. Quality multi purpose lens. Stays on a D200 with it's partner the Sigma 70-200 2.8 (non OS) on another D200. I have some Nikon primes and a Sigma super wide lens but for "events", in my opinion these first two are hard to beat for the buck.

Very nice. I love it when a "better bang for your buck" item is discovered - I live by this quest! Never saw the CAPA before but I've been using generics by CADEN, both their single and double set ups (do a search on ebay). I like the looks of the alternate mount of the CAPA so you can get the most comfortable hang - big bonus there. One thing the CADEN has is you can still put a tripod base plate on top of the mounting plate if so desired. Keep finding those bargains!

I hate wrinkly backdrops! I have a few rolled up on 4" pvc pipe but they still suffer at times. I've been looking at (5.7,6x7,etc) collapsable backdrops by Promaster, Westcott, Savage, Flashpoint. They seem pretty slick for portraits on the go. Pricing can be up to $220 or down to $35 for the Flashpoint brand. Now I'm well aware that you usually get what you pay for, but for limited light duty I'm all for saving some pennies. Anyone with experience using these types of backdrops please give me your thoughts, as well as thoughts on holders for these panels as well. Thanks!...