dr54: The service received from Borrowlenses was great. Very easy to use and the product arrived as stated in the product description. I will be using them again to try additional lenses. However, I believe my expectations for this particular lens were way too high based on all the reviews I read prior to ordering. I would say the images produced were average at best for such an expensive and seemingly versatile piece of glass. I rented the lens for a two week period but ended up shipping it back early. While in my possession, I took approximately 100 images. In teaming it with a couple of my other lenses, I was much more pleased with the results from my 35mm f/1.8 and from a kit 55-200mm. I shot images in both RAW and JPEG format and at various ISO's in different lighting. I'm sure there is a lens that will fit the wider angle bill I'm looking for, but this is not the one.

Penny: I rented this lens for a recent trip to Italy. I currently use a Nikon D5000. If you own this camera you know that most Nikon lenses will work on it but the chip is smaller so if you put a non DX lens on it's not exactly what you see is what you get. I decided I wanted to travel with as little gear as possible and I that meant no tripod either. I rented this lens because the larger aperture would allow me to shoot in lower light situations without a tripod or flash compared to my kit lens. Also I love the fixed aperture lenses. I find it annoying to set an aperture and then when you zoom in or out, your aperture changes. I tend to work in the 17 mm range or the 55 mm end of the camera so a zoom lens made sense for me. The larger aperture also makes a huge difference. In short, it's faster, sharper and allows you to get that nice blurred background effect without having to be right on top on your subject. I was even able to do work in shutter priority mode and in total darkness and still get some interesting night shots with no tripod. The weight of the lens took a bit of getting used to but by the end of the first week it was no problem at all. I took it with me everywhere I went and it became just part of me. I also used the hood which was included with the rental. When walking around in crowds this is a lifesaver as I didn't have to worry about someone bashing the lens or accidentally bumping into something. I'm an amateur photographer but I feel like anything worth doing is worth doing all the way. I also write for a travel site and supply my own photographs. I've been experimenting with lenses and renting them is the way to go. No commitment of cash until you find the one you love that suits your style.

Chris: I LOVE this lens. I have rented it on two occasions now for my D7000. The image quality is wonderful and it is super sharp. It is a little heavy, but the robust build quality is to blame for that. This lens is a tank. No vignetting to speak of, and the focus is tack on. Also a very nice quite sound when focusing. The zoom ring drug a little but, but it feels like it is from lots of use as I only noticed it on my second rental. I have rented to non-Nikon brands and every time I kick myself. I will never again rent the non-Nikon versions and I will always go with this one. If you have a DX body go with this one. The focal length is great for wedding and portraits, and the bokeh is nice and creamy.

NickG: Easily the best DX lens there is. I've rented this lens a couple times from BL and really need to just pony up and buy it (no offense BL!) The sharpness is incredible at nearly all apertures across nearly the entire image. Wide open the corners fall off a bit, but 98 times out of 100 you won't notice. It's a hefty pro lens, so be prepared to literally lug this thing around. Especially if you're used to just popping on a 35 or 50 prime. Be prepared for looks and questions from strangers too, if you're not shooting for work, it's quite noticeable particularly when the hood is on. It's worth the effort though, it'll probably end up being my main lens when I finally get around to buying it, perfect street photography lens for DX shooters. Highly recommended!

Chris: Absolutely fantastic lens!! Pro quality glass for DX bodies. I took it with me on a trip to Chicago and Minnesota a few weeks ago and paired it with my D7000. Perfect range for a walk around lens all though be warned, it is very heavy. I shot everything from landscapes, group shots of 20 plus people, low light concerts, video; you name it and this lens did it! The constant 2.8 appeture worked very well in low light situations and I captured some very interesting night shots while walking around. Contrast, color and sharpness are all excellent. The only semi-complaints that I would have are: it's HEAVY. If you have a grip on your body this will help alot. The image quality and range that this lens gives easily makes the weight tolerable plus helps camera shake once you get a feel of how to hold it properly (There is no VR). The other is the lens hood is massive! When put on reverse, it interferes with manual focus; more like you cannot use manual focus unless you turn it around. I either had it on forwards and in use or took it completly off and stored it in my bag. I've been renting lenses through BL for a couple months now trying to find lenses I would like to own and this is definately one of them. Once you try this lens, I'm sure you'll be saying the same!

Morgan: Great lens. I used it on one of our cameras for an indoor wedding shoot. It did great at wide room shots as well as posed family & wedding party pics. Shot more pics with this lens than any other on this gig. I rented it b/c I was considering buying one--it confirmed my hunch: I'll add one of these to my stable of lenses & expect it will be a primary work horse given its versatility & quality.