I've read some of the threads on here but not found exactly what I was looking for, so I hoping someone can help.
I'm currently using a D300 with mostly a 180-200 DX lens as well as a 35mm f2. I'm looking to make a big step up and am thinking of the D800. I've looked into the D600, which is cheaper but will opt for the D800. My main issue is now lens choice. If you look at my profile, you will see that I mainly do landscapes, although, since I've been travelling I find myself focusing on other things. I don't do portraits. I also normally shoot my 18-200 at the wider end, 18mm.
I'm thinking of the 24-70 f2.8. It seems to cover most of my normal range and from some research, it seems that this is an excellent lens. I know I could probably spend less but sharpness and IQ are very important to me. Also, if I going to spend this much money I want to do it right.
Does anyone have this lens/combination? Should I be looking at alternatives? I know it is a not a VR lens and the 24-120 f4 is, but how much will this really affect me?
I have the d800 and the 24-70 2.8 lens. It's on my body the majority of the time! I'm pleased with both. I also have the 70-200 2.8 so I've got the range covered.
@kwind@veg66 Thanks both. This is going to be my only lens for a while so am glad to hear you both think so highly of it. I've been looking at some other lenses instead but this seems to be the way to go in terms of versatility and quality right now. Anything else I should know about the D800 or the 24-70 before I part with some cash?
your 18-200mm will be next to useless on your full frame... DX lenses are abysmal on FX cameras. 16MP isn't a bad crop down from your 36MP, but the visual crop in your viewfinder makes it difficult to frame. budget $1k for an upgrade to the Nikon 28-300mm, you'll be back in your identical zoom range, with a much nicer quality lens.
the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 is a dream lens, it will blow your mind on either body.
if you're into landscapes, you cannot beat the Nikon 16-35mm f/4 lens. it's sharpness is the top in its class (ultrawide zoom), and one of Nikon's dream team lenses (the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 is another).
@cameronknowlton Thanks Cameron. I am actually selling my D300 and 18-200 to fund the upgrade. I was also thinking about the 16-35 but I thought the 24-70 would be more versatile for the minute. Good to hear another recommendation for the 24-70 though!
@veg66 , the DX mode doesn't work as you expect. The DX mode (as in the D600) doesn't have an electroctronic viewfinder, so it's just a 75% frame in the middle of your viewfinder.
The 36 mp is reduced by 1.5x1.5, or 16 mp. Not bad with that 36mp heavyweight, better than 24mp to 10mp on the D600, but vignetting is unacceptable at the wide end.
Don't expect DX mode to give you any benefit, it's actually a detriment: it forces all your autofocus points into the middle of the frame, no where near the rule of thirds, let alone anything more interesting.
Definitely sell your old rig, the quality upgrade is worth it.
@cameronknowlton Do you have the D800.? The DX is good if you have DX lenses...but you don't buy the D800 for the DX format....you buy it for the FX. Your right the DX is not as good as it is on the D7000... but it's still acceptable if that's what you need.
Your definitely right about the versatility of the 24-70mm over the 16-35mm... If its one or the other, the 24-70mm wins. Do try to rent one or both to try them out first, they're both superb.
@Veg66, I have the D600. My 105mm is great on it, and I've tried the 28-300mm Nikon and the Sigma 15-30mm on it. I like the Sigma, and love the Nikon. Can't wait to try the 24-70mm f/2.8 and 70-200mm f/2.8 on it, I really enjoyed those 2 on my my D90, and my D600 beats the D90 in almost every way.
However, my old 18-200mm is useless.
@jonesp - Completely agree with Cameron Knowlton - although I currently shoot with a D700, I have both the 24-70 and the 16-35. The 24-70 is on my camera the majority of the time - however, when I shoot landscapes I often find even the 16-35 not wide enough! If it is one or the other - go for the 24-70 and make your next purchase the 16-35. Have fun
@kwind@veg66@fmphoto@cameronknowlton I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for the advice. I picked up my brand new D800 and 24-70 today. Am off to Venice tomorrow for a work photo shoot so it'll be a late night getting use to the new machine!
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the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 is a dream lens, it will blow your mind on either body.
if you're into landscapes, you cannot beat the Nikon 16-35mm f/4 lens. it's sharpness is the top in its class (ultrawide zoom), and one of Nikon's dream team lenses (the Nikon 24-70mm f/2.8 is another).
The 36 mp is reduced by 1.5x1.5, or 16 mp. Not bad with that 36mp heavyweight, better than 24mp to 10mp on the D600, but vignetting is unacceptable at the wide end.
Don't expect DX mode to give you any benefit, it's actually a detriment: it forces all your autofocus points into the middle of the frame, no where near the rule of thirds, let alone anything more interesting.
Definitely sell your old rig, the quality upgrade is worth it.
However, my old 18-200mm is useless.
Paul