Alternative to Nikon 24-120 f4?

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gopz

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So, I'm going full frame with the D800.

Any suggestions on a general purpose zoom like the Nikon 24-120 f4 please? Are there any alternatives from Sigma or Tamron that are as good in terms of image quality?

28-300 is out as I need 24mm or wider, and 24-70 is too heavy for my liking.

Many thanks in advance!
 
a1ex2001 said:
Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 is compact and good quality!
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Thanks. Read about it - but I really need 24mm and this one doesn't have VR so probably I'll leave this option....don't feel like spending £800 on the 24-120 f4 !

Any other lens that may come to mind?
 
gopz said:
Thanks. Read about it - but I really need 24mm and this one doesn't have VR so probably I'll leave this option....don't feel like spending £800 on the 24-120 f4 !

Any other lens that may come to mind?
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Dismiss it for 4mm if you wish, but you are missing out on the best VFM midrange zoom going.
 
Do you really need Vr on a lens with that range, attached to a body with such good iSO performance?

I have a 28-75, and no, it is not for sale and I can`t ever see it being for sale. Cracking lens, great sharpness, great IQ and very light.
 
fracster said:
Do you really need Vr on a lens with that range, attached to a body with such good iSO performance?

I have a 28-75, and no, it is not for sale and I can`t ever see it being for sale. Cracking lens, great sharpness, great IQ and very light.
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I've got shaky hands...don't know if you're around London I could try your lens out and maybe buy you a beer?
 
I'm a big fan of the 24-120 f4 VR and find the VR tremendously useful, makes lots of shots possible that you couldn't otherwise get without support.
 
jpw said:
I'm a big fan of the 24-120 f4 VR and find the VR tremendously useful, makes lots of shots possible that you couldn't otherwise get without support.
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Thanks, I think I just need to spend £800 (or probably try out the Tamron first ... maybe buy it from a store that accepts returns)

Or 24-85 :thinking:
 
Why spend all that money on a great camera and not put great glass on it?

The 24-70 is a big lens, but if weight is important why the d800 and not a d600? I don't find the 24-70 too heavy as a walkabout.

Why not a few primes then?
 
Why spend all that money on a great camera and not put great glass on it?

The 24-70 is a big lens, but if weight is important why the d800 and not a d600? I don't find the 24-70 too heavy as a walkabout.

Why not a few primes then?
 
cambsno said:
Why spend all that money on a great camera and not put great glass on it?

The 24-70 is a big lens, but if weight is important why the d800 and not a d600? I don't find the 24-70 too heavy as a walkabout.

Why not a few primes then?
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Simon, the tammy 28-75 works superbly on the D800, don`t dismiss it simply because it is not a Nikon lens. I have shifted a load of lenses out recently, but kept this Tamron, because it is superb,IMO.
 
fracster said:
Simon, the tammy 28-75 works superbly on the D800, don`t dismiss it simply because it is not a Nikon lens. I have shifted a load of lenses out recently, but kept this Tamron, because it is superb,IMO.
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But i think the OP said he needed a lens that cover 24mm or wider,which rule out the 28-75mm

My money would go on the Nikon 24-70mm F2.8 i know its heavy but its still the best len for them 36mp

:)
 
e-FhPro said:
Nikon 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 AF-S G ED VR Lens?
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I'm actually selling a mint one of these at the moment, very sharp lens, only reason i'm selling is i have recently purchased a 24-120 f4 vr, otherwise i would be keeping it, if interested let me know :)
 
Phil Young said:
If you fancy a bit of compromising you could have a look at the 28-105mm.

Not 24mm. No VR. £130 used though and focuses to 1:2. Great walkabout lens.
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Probably the best value for money Nikkor available :thumbs:
 
gopz said:
Any suggestions on a general purpose zoom like the Nikon 24-120 f4 please?
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There's really nothing like that one! :D

And to make things even worse, have a look at Mansurov's test of it... http://photographylife.com/reviews/nikon-24-120mm-f4g-vr


There's a mighty thread over at NikonCafe dedicated the 24-120... it's "expensive", but if you later down the line would sell it, most of your money will come back.


Happy hunting! :thumbs:
 
fracster said:
Simon, the tammy 28-75 works superbly on the D800, don`t dismiss it simply because it is not a Nikon lens. I have shifted a load of lenses out recently, but kept this Tamron, because it is superb,IMO.
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I had one. Good lens but found that the Nikon was better especially wide open. AF better too
 
I think you really get the best for your money you need to go beyond just looking for a "do anything" zoom and prioritise a bit. Generally what your giving up with the cheaper options is boarder sharpness, build quality and autofocus performance.

Are you going to be shooting mostly landscape? people? what kind of lighting?
 
Not sure how well it compares to the Nikkor 24-120 in terms of IQ but there's a Tamron 24-70 f/2.8 VC which gives a slightly shorter range but does give the 24mm wide end and vibration control. Not much cheaper than the Nikkor though. My money went on the Nikkor though!
 
Having just completely swapped systems in favour of Pentax I've read a fair bit on the FF lenses available, including the 24-120 F4. Taking it all into account I get the impression it's a pretty decent lens especially for situations where you'll be shooting a range of subjects..ie travel photography, I'm tempted to buy one myself before my next holiday.

Having said this for my landscapes I wouldn't use it, I decided to go with the 16-35F4 (also a good travel option), the 50mm F1.8 and the 70-200F4.

As already mentioned the wider the zoom range of a lens the more likely it is to have some compromises, for stuff like travel photos this might not be the most important issue though, actually being able to capture the shots without changing lenses might be much more important:thumbs:

Simon
 
Cheers all, I'm still reading up on each of your opinions...at the moment got a 50mm 1.4D to get me started :)
 
I've just got a d800 and my 24-120 is superb on it, I fact it's so good I'm thinking of selling everything else I have that is covered by this range and pairing it with a 16-35, I might lose a stop here and there but I can live with it I think
 
JBuk glad to hear you're enjoying the 24-120 f4! I'm pulled more towards it now!
 
A photographer is selling a second hand (mint) here for £600... and MPB has one at £640.


A couple of user quotes from NikonCafe to help! :D

"Unless you need 2.8 I can't tell a 24-70 shot from a 24-120 shot, the 24-120 is that good (I own and shoot them both)", Randy

"Unless you need f2.8 there is no need to look at any other zoom in this range, it's as good as Nikons 24-70 and a lot more versatile with a much better zoom range and vr.
Don't hesitate, it's superb", Colin Carter
 
Jan K. said:
A photographer is selling a second hand (mint) here for £600
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Where ?

I recently purchased the 24-120mm f4 vr myself, after looking for ages, but i am well pleased with it, my first outing with it and the results HERE
 
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They are all fine.

I would go for the one, whose look I like the most.


Seriously.
 
cambsno said:
I had one. Good lens but found that the Nikon was better especially wide open. AF better too
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Agreed. I sold my Tammy 28-75 to fund the Nikon 24-70. With hindsight I should have kept both. Not only would it have been the perfect backup lens, i miss it's size/weight when out with family and on hols. Dragging around the Nikon beast isn't a lot of fun.
 
fracster said:
Simon, the tammy 28-75 works superbly on the D800, don`t dismiss it simply because it is not a Nikon lens. I have shifted a load of lenses out recently, but kept this Tamron, because it is superb,IMO.
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Read that the Tamron struggles to focus in low light?
 
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