Seems Tamron have their own "holy trinity" now...

[Richdog]

With the release of the new 15-30, Tamron really do seem to have the "budget-conscious pro" segment of the market sealed up now:

Tamron 15-30 2.8 VC http://www.tamron.eu/uk/lenses/sp-15-30mm-f28-di-vc-usd/

Tamron 24-70 2.8 VC http://www.tamron.eu/uk/lenses/sp-24-70mm-f28-di-vc-usd/

Tamron 70-200 2.8 VC http://www.tamron.eu/uk/lenses/sp-70-200mm-f28-di-vc-usd/

The 24-70 2.8 VC and 70-200 2.8 VC have been getting rave reviews for optical performance, with the only real niggles generally coming down to focus calibration issues. VC is reported as being the best in the business. All are also weather sealed.

Each lens also costs around 60-70% of the CanoNikon versions.

The new 15-30 is already getting feedback saying it is optically as good as the Nikon 14-24, though official reviews have yet to trickle in.

Seems like there are some real 3rd party options around no matter what level you shoot at. I have the 24-70 arriving next week and am really looking forward to seeing how it performs.

 

[Richdog]

Well the Nikon is an amazing lens, but not perfect, and it's certainly possible for 3rd parties to at least match the quality. I'm also interested to see some reviews and see it put through its paces. If its good, then I will aim for this set of three lenses... though I'm still slightly hesitant on the Tamron 70-200 vs getting the Nikon 2nd hand.