Mark:
I have been shooting with the 35-70 2.8D for about 5 years now. I shoot
motion picture production stills. My gear gets beat up pretty good and
I would say that this is a great lens. Sharp, fast and if new, a five
year warrantee. I don't think you can go wrong. You just need to have
a reason to have the staright 2.8. If you don't do any low light
shooting why spend the money?
However, having said that. With the onset of the new 28-70 2.8D the
35-70 could become plentiful on the used market.
Sam