Recommended lenses for Nikon D600

The Masked Unit

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Hello all,

I recently managed to find a Nikon D600 for £839 (in John Lewis of all places - Exeter branch if anyone's interested) and as the D600/610 is something I've been lusting after for a while, thought it too good an offer to ignore. I'm in the process of selling my Canon 600d and assorted lenses and will ultimately have about £600 to spend on used FX lenses, and although I'm settled on getting the 70-300mm and a 50mm 1.8, I'd appreciate some advice on what to get at the wider angle end of the scale, as I'm primarily interested in landscapes and would like something as sharp as my budget allows. The three main options available as I see it in my price range are the 24-85mm f/3.5-4.5G ED VR, the 20-35mm f/2.8D, and the 24mm f/2.8D.

Going for the prime and losing the focal range of the zooms wouldn't bother me at all if it's noticeably sharper, and I don't really see a lack of VR as a problem as if I'm shooting something that wide, I'm generally on a tripod. Having something that goes down to 20mm would be great but I'd prioritise sharpness over that. I'm also not bothered about the two f/2.8 lenses having better low light capability, because I'll have the 50mm 1.8 to cover that.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
 
The new 18-35 seems to be well received. Thom Hogan - "I'm finding the 18-35mm to be a remarkably good fit with the D600, as a matter of fact."
 
The only way I could really afford that is to give up the idea of the 70-300, and although as I say I'm mainly interested in landscapes, I do love having a telephoto zoom to use as a general walkabout. Hmm...
 
I had good results with the Nikon 24mm f2.8D on my D600, I'd send a link to some shots but I can't get into Flickr at work!
18-35 is meant to be very good, I've been considering that for my D800 v the much more expensive (but praised to high heaven) Nikon 16-35 f4 VR lens.
 
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I'd take a punt on the 24mm prime and pick up a 14mm 3rd party prime wise, just crop out what you don't want....

Steve's right here, the Samyang 14mm f2.8 is a cracker if you get a good one, its on my possibility list as an Ultra Wide for my D800.
 
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Thanks, that's really helpful and the sharpness is definitely more than acceptable to my eyes, especially as I'm guessing the majority of those were hand-held going by the locations? Anyone with the 24-85 f 3.5-4.5 think the 24 2.8 does any better going by Chris' images?
 
I've had most of the wide angle options on Nikon and the new 18-35 should be right at the top of your list, it's a very nice lens and excellent VFM. Sharp across the frame and a good range, not crazy-wide but if 18mm is wide enough give it a go.
 
Just picked up a 24mm 2.8D and a 50mm 1.8D for a total of £303. Pretty happy with that to be honest. Thanks for everyone's input.
 
Spotted a couple of 50mm f/1.8 Nikkors in LCE Exeter this afternoon. Not much else for FF on the shelves in town at the moment though. Mifsuds isn't too far down the road (Brixham) if you're mobile.
 
The new 18-35 seems to be well received. Thom Hogan - "I'm finding the 18-35mm to be a remarkably good fit with the D600, as a matter of fact."

I've always fancied trying the 18-35, it would appear to be a much better value wide option that the 16-35 which seems incredibly pricey!
 
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