Full Frame Lens

[paniolo]

Will be upgrading to D610 or D800 (most likely D800) and am in a pickle regarding which lens to get. Am leaning towards the Nikon 24-120 f4 because of travel that I do but am also considering the Nikon 24-70 f2.8 for image quality (but lacks VR). Then there is the Tamron 24-70 f2.8, which like the 24-120, has VR. Anyone have any thoughts/recommendations?

[TCav]

Historically, Tamron's VC is less effective than Nikon's VR, so you might not want to give image stabilization much weight in your comparisons.

[Wingman]

Guess the lens depends on the application. If you are looking for an all-in-one lens with VR, there's the Nikon 28-300 VR. I own the Nikon 24-70 f2.8. IQ is A+. But it is big and bulky. The 24-120 seems like a better value if f4 max aperture is OK for you. FYI, I have never had a need for f2.8 aperture.

Jehan

[paniolo]

Thanks TCav and Wingman, still undecided. Range of the 24-120 is attractive, IQ of 24-70 is a factor, and price/performance of the Tamron is good (according to Photozone).

Wingman, I have the Nikon 17-35 f2.8 and the 70-200 f2.8 and you are correct - except for night shots, I do not make use the 2.8 as much as I should as I also have a few primes for that.

[zig-123]

Hi,

Not sure what your budget will be for lenses, after you buy the D600 or D800
but, from a bang for the buck perspective, here are three lenses that should be on your list to consider:
18-35mm f/3.5-4.5G AF-S
24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G AF-S VR
70-300mm f/4-5.6G AF-S VR


This trio is all quite sharp and well-behaved for the most part. The 18-35mm is the best of the bunch, but all are quite good.

You already own the 70-200mm f2.8 which works in a large variety of conditions already.

Don't fret much about about not having a 24-70mm f2.8. Yes, it's downright awesome, sharp as a tack. But, it costs as small fortune, is huge,
and not getting one, will allow you to choose good lower cost lenses that give you greater flexibility.

[paniolo]

Thanks Zig - I have the 70-200 f2.8 and I never sold the 70-300 (which I still use for travel because of the weight and physical size of the 70-200). I have the 17-35 f2.8 so am looking for "normal" zoom. I just got to shoot the Nikon 24-70 and yes, it is very sharp but beast to walk around with. The 24-85 would save me $ but am concerned about IQ with the D800.

[TCav]

LensRentals.com has a good article on what lenses are appropriate for the D800: D800 Lens Selection. You might want to take a look.

[paniolo]

Thanks TCav, helpful info!

[zig-123]

Hi,

Like you, I still have yet to decide wether or not to spring for a normal zoom for the D600-which I've had since April.

I've just found it a bit too difficult to pull the trigger on Nikon's 24-70mm even though I've used a friend's a number of times and found it gives stellar results.

I've read the rave reviews on Tamron's 24-70 VC over at DPReview. That review, as well as others, have convinced me to stop by B&H Photo when I'm in New York City this weekend and give it a try.

Zig

[TCav]

Originally Posted by zig-123

... have convinced me to stop by B&H Photo when I'm in New York City this weekend and give it a try.

If you buy it there, you'll pay an outrageous sales tax. It might be cheaper to place the order on line, and pay for next day shipping to your home.