Ripped from SD: http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=1253767 Helix Camera is selling the Promaster 17-50mm Digital f/2.8 XR EDO for Nikon Digital SLRs Link to lens selling for $189.95: http://www.helixcamera.com/lenses/promaster/1750n.html Shipping is around $10 It does not have a built-in-motor, so it will not autofocus with the D40/D40x/D60 cameras, but would be a great walk-around lens for all those new D200 owners that snagged them from Best Buy recently. This is the exact same lens as the critically acclaimed Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 lens. A few google searches will show quite a few photography forum discussions where they compare the two, and everyone concludes they are one and the same. In fact, some people prefer the Tamron with the older screw-type AF because it focuses faster than the one with the built-in-motor. Tamron no longer sells the lens without the motor, so the Promaster version is a great way to pick one up if that is what you want. I found this to be the best deal for a fast zoom in this range for the following reasons: -It's 85% cheaper than the Nikon 17-55mm f/2.8 lens ($1230) -Same lens as the Tamron f/2.8, but much cheaper ($400-$450) and without the motor -Best price on the Promaster is $279-$299 elsewhere -Lifetime warranty from Promaster vs. 6 years for the Tamron (Helix camera is an authorized Promaster dealer)
