"proper" zoom range for dx format

Whenever I start getting lens happy and start looking at the pro level mid-range zooms with a constant 2.8, i.e the 17-55 2.8 or the 24-75 2.8 nikons, I often read the the zoom range is not very useful on dx format as these are meant for full frames. What then are the optimal zoom ranges, and do I need to factor in the 1.5 crop factor when looking at these lenses, as in is the 17-55 really at 24-83?

Yes you need to consider the 1.5 crop for any non DX lens. There's nothing inherently wrong with those lenses. After figuring in the crop however one discovers that they are in reality effectively 35mm and 48 mm at their shortest focal length. That makes them perform more like a barely wide and a standard lens in 35mm. To get a true wide angle, one needs to use DX lenses as they are designed to give true wide angle coverage on DX bodies.
In ultra wides for DX I have seen good results from the Tokina 11-16 2.8. There is a noticeable shortage of fast DX wides and ultra wides.

Unless you own both an FF and an APS camera, forget this nonsense. It is what it is. You have an 18-200. Is the 18mm wide enough - yes or no? All 18mm are 18mm. - Terry

18mm is wide enough for me. The issue is that for when it really matters, the 3.5-5.6 is too slow and not sharp enough...hence fantasizing about the pro glass.

Honestly, I'd look at a good telephoto zoom instead, considering what you presently have, you already have a fast 35, 50, and 60mm prime. Maybe a 70-200 f/4 might be a good idea, or a 70-200 f/2.8

I would bet that pro glass would produce IQ indistinguishable from your primes.

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Originally Posted by Anbesol

I would bet that pro glass would produce IQ indistinguishable from your primes.

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That's quite nice to hear. I'm actually shooting my first wedding in 6 weeks, and naturally obsessing over what gear to bring as it will be just me and I'll need to be able to move. I've entertained using my 60mm as the main lens, but the af is quite sluggish at times. I won't be buying a new lens considering I'm doing this one for free, but do want whatever will enable me to be the most mobile and get the best results, so I'm thinking of renting the 17-55 rather than losing shots when I'm swapping lenses.

hmm... for the event I would use the 50mm instead of risking struggling with the AF of the macro lens

If renting the 17-55 sounds like a good idea, practice some before going to the event!

Last weekend I grabbed the D40 kit lens 18-55 f3.5-5.6 and my flash, got some decent shots, the lens costs 120 dlls at the nikon price list, so that brings me down to earth

I have considered the glamorous glass , if I win the lottery I'll get a 24mm f1.4 :)
and I'm sure a few other things ...

I kinda miss that little kit lens.
I'm pretty sure that if I dig that 17-55 2.8 enough, that it will find a place in my bag in the next year or two...less if I could actually get paid for some services :)

I had an intention of buying an Nikon 17-55mm when I was just using Nikon DX bodies, but ended up buying a Nikon 16-85mm instead, since then I added an Nikon FX body and bought a Nikon 24-70mm, I often use my Nikon 24-70mm on my DX bodies as well and it makes a great portrait lens.

yep, got the 24-70 coming instead.