Nikon 24-70 / 28-70 F2.8

viewfromthenorth

viewfromthenorth

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Anyone used both of these lenses? I know a few on here have the 24-70, but has anyone used both and can make a valid comparison? By all accounts the 24-70 is an impressive lens, but I'm wondering how it fairs against its predecessor.

I can afford a 2nd hand 28-70, and could possibly stretch to a used 24-70 (if I could find one for less than a grand), but I'm not sure I want / need to. I've already got a 24mm prime, so it's not like I'm missing out too much at the wider end, just wondering what the primary differences / improvements were?
 
I had the 28-70mm and sold it to get the 24-70mm. Was it worth the change? In all honesty I'm not sure.
The 28-70 is a tough act to follow. It is simply a superb lens. Built like a tank.
The 24-70mm is also a superb lens though. I keep it on my camera most of the time. I don't think its probably as tough as the 28-70mm. But if you prefer the latest technology, then get the 24-70.
If you can find a good secondhand 28-70mm, you won't be dissapointed. Be warned though, my AF motor went on mine and cost about £300 to repair.
that would put you almost into 24-70mm price range if it happened to you too.

Kev.
 
Thanks for that Kev, interesting to here about the motor. Makes me wonder whether I'm better to buy from a dealer and get some warranty. Mind you it could go at any time, or not at all, that's the rick you take second hand.

In terms of image quality, is there a noticeable difference? This is key for me as I've got an old Sigma 24-70 which is OK, but I want better than that on the D700.
 
can't help with the 28-70 but I've got the 24-70. It's a superb lens, if you can afford it I'd say do it :)
 
:plusone:

As with Dod, I haven't used the 28-70 but can say the 24-70 is brilliant.
 
viewfromthenorth said:
Thanks for that Kev, interesting to here about the motor. Makes me wonder whether I'm better to buy from a dealer and get some warranty. Mind you it could go at any time, or not at all, that's the rick you take second hand.

In terms of image quality, is there a noticeable difference? This is key for me as I've got an old Sigma 24-70 which is OK, but I want better than that on the D700.
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I would say image quality is the same in most conditions. Maybe the 24-70 is better in backlit situations. :)


Kev.
 
kevshore said:
I would say image quality is the same in most conditions. Maybe the 24-70 is better in backlit situations. :)


Kev.
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I think so too. You are paying a lot more for the snake-oil nano coating, and 4mm. Actually 24mm is the weak point of the 24-70mm as well.

I'd pay a bit more for the 24-70 but not a lot more personally. I certainly prefer the 28-70 f/2.8 AF-S for landscape work, it doesn't have as much field curvature out wide, meaning its got better corner and edge performance than the 24-70.
 
Thanks for the comments everyone, especially those who have sued both lenses. 24-70's are pretty rare 2nd hand, seen one or two for less than a grand, but the 2nd hand ones at dealers are near as dammit the same price as new ones. You might as well pay the slight premium and get a years warranty.

As it stands, I'm stuggling to convince myself of the benefit of spending the extra few hundred quid at the moment, I think I need to sleep on it a while longer!
 
I own a 28-70 f/2.8 and have been issued a 24-70 f/2.8...

I think the 28-70 produces better colours - slightly richer, maybe...

They're about the same weight - heavy.

The older lens is nicer to look at - if that means anything to you...

I'm getting my 28-70 refurbished this year as the rubber on the zoom ring has gone a bit sloppy - apart from that it's my favourite lens again now that I've got FX cameras.

The new lens is slightly quieter - but that doesn't bother me all that much...

Older lens is as sharp as a lemon-flavoured pin...

I'm actually going retro with most of my glass - 17-35mm f/2.8, 28-70mm f/2.8, and a (newish) 70-200mm f/2.8 VR (mk1)...the 50mm f/1.4 is the newest lens I own and I'm looking for excuses to keep it...
 
Thanks Arkady, no the look of a lens is unimportant. Unless it was covered in purple and yellow feathers which to the best of my knowledge it isn't. :D

The weight thing isn't too much of a concern as the Sigma 24-70 I currently use is a right lump as well. And the D700 isn't exactly a featherweight. But the sharpness and colours do sound a good thing.
 
I looked at both of these when I went FX,I ended up getting a 35-70 2.8 and am still looking for a good 17-35 to complement it.

Not saying either is better or worse,just pointing out a different option.....:)
 
There you go - I didn't even know they made a Nikkor 35-70 f/2.8 - Nikon dont list it at all...
 
Arkady said:
I'm actually going retro with most of my glass - 17-35mm f/2.8, 28-70mm f/2.8, and a (newish) 70-200mm f/2.8 VR
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Me too :D got the 17-35 f2.8 and recently acquired a mint- 28-70 f2.8, looking for a 70-200 f2.8 now to make up my version of the 'Holy Trinity'.
The 17-35 has a squeaky motor, but it works OK, so I'm holding off paying for a repair until it is needed.

The 28-70 (with apologies to Richard Curtis and Ben Elton) is as sharp as a sharp thing which won first prize in a sharpness contest !
 
Arkady said:
There you go - I didn't even know they made a Nikkor 35-70 f/2.8 - Nikon dont list it at all...
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It is the predecessor to the 28-70, only available used, lovely sharp lens, smaller than the 28-70, I picked one up a few years ago £150, they are nearer the £300 mark now.
 
OK yes, I remember it - push-pull design...never liked that on a zoom, which is why I never bothered with them pre-1998....
 
The 35-70 is a wonderful lens so long as you don't shoot into a lightsource, at which point it flares like crazy, it's entirely useless for white-field photography.

Beside that, though, it's as sharp as the 24-70 throughout its range (At least the 24-70 I tested again) and solidly built.
 
Just what I needed this thread,......... as I need either a 24-70 or the 28-70 as soon as possible!!!!!, edging to-wards the 28-70,....... can someone confirm that the 28-70 is all internal focus, IE the barrel does not extend like it does on the 24-70.

cheers
Martin
 
Xup said:
Just what I needed this thread,......... as I need either a 24-70 or the 28-70 as soon as possible!!!!!, edging to-wards the 28-70,....... can someone confirm that the 28-70 is all internal focus, IE the barrel does not extend like it does on the 24-70.

cheers
Martin
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Covered by PM...
 
Another :thumbs: for the 28-70 here. Is my workhorse lens. I managed to wangle a brand new one for £500 (looooong story involving an initial second hand one, insurance claim debacle, lovely new one outcome) and couldn't be happier.

I've recently been pondering the 24-70 as a 'replacement', but this thread has reminded me there really is no need. Praise be this thread ;).
 
not used the 24-70, but my 28-70 is my most used lens. Wouldn't trade it for anything :love:

Unless someone had a 400 2.8 they wanted to swap :bonk:
 
Right guys,....... Holding you all responsible now!!!!!!!!, Nikon 28-70 F\2.8 otw.

Anyone else think The 4 for sale on Grays of Westminster are way overpriced ?? 1000+ ouch :thinking:

Sourced my copy elsewhere :)
 
bigbigblue said:
Yup - got mine last week for £599 with 6 months warranty from LCE :thumbs:
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Hi Pete,..... same place I got mine from Derby branch, with 6 months warranty,........ going to go well with the D3 that arrived in the post this AM :).
 
Greys are a tad expensive, but rest assured they also understate the condition of kit...if they say 'well-used' that means 'Mint' from any other retailer...
If they say 'Mint' or 'As New', it'll be indistiguishable from something direct from Nikon.
I tried to sell some 'Mint' kit through them once and was politely told it wasn't good enough...
The best they could manage was 'trashed beyond all recognition'...(well not quite...lol).

A lot of collectors buy there and they demand totally unblemished goods...
 
Sure Grays Of Westminster had a mint 35-70mm in lately for a bargain, something like £350. Limited zoom but pretty good price.

As for the 28-70mm, found one the other week used for £600 on Gumtree local to me - bargain at that price and if anything, worth buying to sell on. I think fleabay prices for them are a tad expensive but compared to the 24-70 it's a greta alternative.

EDIT: THe 35-70mm as ApertureUK - £390
 
Well, I bit the bullet and bought one off ebay, and it's minty! Probably in better condition than some of the lenses I've bought from new!

And as has been mentioned earlier in the thread, it's a beast of a thing! I thouhgt my old Sigma 24-70 was big, this is even bigger! Anyway, first outing tonight for a spot of night photography, should be an interesting test for it.:)
 
viewfromthenorth said:
And as has been mentioned earlier in the thread, it's a beast of a thing! I thouhgt my old Sigma 24-70 was big, this is even bigger! Anyway, first outing tonight for a spot of night photography, should be an interesting test for it.:)
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You're right its a beast, mine arrived a couple of days ago, well impressed, came boxed, and with a very posh leather hard case.

First outing will be out in the Welsh hills on Monday, not looking forward to carrying it with the D3, and the 400mm 2.8vr on the D300 :gag:
 
Im another one for the 28-70, i sold it on here and bought the 24-70, wished i kept it now, not much difference, just felt the 28-70 give me better colours and i liked the internal focusing better.

David
 
Here it is, makes even the D700 seem small, which is no mean feat!

4370768374_5b7bb2c393_o.jpg
 
Just a heads up for guys with this lens.

The Matin Neoprene lens pouch, model 200 (code M-6791) fits this lens to a tee, when the lens is in the pouch, you can then insert the lens and pouch into the hood, all fits perfect :)
 
specialman said:
Sure Grays Of Westminster had a mint 35-70mm in lately for a bargain, something like £350. Limited zoom but pretty good price.

As for the 28-70mm, found one the other week used for £600 on Gumtree local to me - bargain at that price and if anything, worth buying to sell on. I think fleabay prices for them are a tad expensive but compared to the 24-70 it's a greta alternative.

EDIT: THe 35-70mm as ApertureUK - £390
Click to expand...

I'm desperate for a good second hand 28-70 f2.8 but so far I've only seen them at over a grand.

If anyone sees one for the sort of prices mentioned above, I'd be hugely grateful for a heads-up PM. :)
 
Another vote for the 28-70, I had the off white/grey safari version on my D2X for 3 years, absolutely superb.
 
zoom said:
I'm desperate for a good second hand 28-70 f2.8 but so far I've only seen them at over a grand.

If anyone sees one for the sort of prices mentioned above, I'd be hugely grateful for a heads-up PM. :)
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I'm not a happy bunny today, folks. Martin and Steve very kindly PMd me to say that a 28-70 f2.8 was on Ebay.

Unfortunately, things went a bit pear shaped on the deal. I contacted the seller and made an offer late on Saturday. He turned down the offer but he said he'd half the postage. I wrote back and accepted this price and asked him to send me a revised Paypal invoice. Unfortunantely, he didn't pick this up as he doesn't work on Sundays. Then, (on Sunday) someone else bought the friggin' lens on a buy-it-now. Grrr!!!

So, I'm still searching for my elusive 28-70 Nikon f2.8 if anyone spots one.:'(
 
Pm'd you a link,....... to what looks like a good boxed one for £650.
Better luck this time :)

Martin
 
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