http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?t=1253767
Promaster 17-50mm f2.8 Lens for Nikon $189.95 (rebadged Tamron) 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
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)
Here are some discussions that talk about the Promaster being a rebadged Tamron
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums...e=27149138
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums...e=20863854
https://photography-on-the.net/for...p?t=297491
http://www.pentaxforums.com/forum...amron.html
https://www.naturescapes.net/phpB...p;t=128287
http://www.betterphoto.com/forms/...adID=17961
http://www.flickr.com/groups/tamr...749072973/
isn't that nice? now if only they have canon version 
