used or new

The f4 is still a better lens. Why buy a d700 and put not so great lens on. D700 and 24-120 f4 VR will last you ages and is a all rounder lens to use in multi purpose.
 
badboy1984 said:
The f4 is still a better lens. Why buy a d700 and put not so great lens on. D700 and 24-120 f4 VR will last you ages and is a all rounder lens to use in multi purpose.
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You're correct the f/4 is a better lens ... but (at average second hand prices) costs double or more what the older 24-120 does. And my point is that the f/3.5-5.6 isn't a bad lens; albeit not as good.

Anyway was just making sure my point was clear so hope I'm not coming across as argumentative too much :-)
 
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For a cheap 'do it all' zoom to use on a D700 there's the old 28-105 which goes for peanuts used, or the latest 24-85G are worth considering. For a single focal length either one of the 50mm lenses or a 35mm/f2 would do depending on personal preference for focal length.
 
my d700 arrives tomorrow but im still searching for lenses
the f4 at this stage second hand at £500 is a bit indulgent
any links for the older 28-105 or the 24-85g
much appreciated
 
Eloise said:
From the 24-120 f/3.5-5.6 on D750... not particularly special but not as bad (I think). DSC_0167.jpg by Eloise, on Flickr
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I had two of these lenses until recently I owned from new until both made in Japan versions.
Have used since first release and never once had any complaints about the performance with film or digital.
I only parted with one to a good friend and is using it on a D810 and D500.
Im not saying that the odd lens doesn't come up to scratch performance wise it may of suffered a knock or even been dropped ? who knows?
But it came as a standard lens with the D700 when sold in kit form.
Sadly because a certain well know photographer put it in his worse 10 Nikon lenses it has become a much criticised lens.
Buying used from a reputable dealer will give you peace of mind if you should be unfortunate to get a poor copy.
I still have a massive amount of Nikon gear and the person now using my 24-120mm VR 3.5/56 is more than happy with it shooting professional/ paid for work.
Today you can try before you buy and even after purchase your still covered under the sale of goods act from a dealer. or even ebay.
Oh and I can't see anything wrong with the above image can you ?
others worth considering
Nikon AFS 24-85mm VR
Nikon AF 28-85mm
Nikon AFG 28-200mm ( Its one of those hidden or not so well known Gems and is compact and light )
There are many others covering the standard zoom range.
Get out there shooting and you will find out very quickly if you need a wider or longer lens for your chosen subjects.
Enjoy what ever you buy and shoot lots of different stuff if nothing else it will give the gear a good test :)(y)
Happy shopping
 
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So thanks foe everyone's input
Got the 24-85 as a starting point
It will cover everything I need at this stage
Means I can get some other essential stuff
Just need to get out shooting now
Thanks again
 
Eloise said:
From the 24-120 f/3.5-5.6 on D750... not particularly special but not as bad (I think). DSC_0167.jpg by Eloise, on Flickr
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If I wanted to crit lens performance then I'd suggest this copy is decentered, with blurring on the LHS, becoming progressively worse into the bottom corner where it is severe. There's quite a lot of CA, although lots of lenses suffer that. The flickr exif data says it was taken at 24mm f7.1, and most lenses will give a reasonable centre after closing down by a couple of stops like this. It's better than the worst Sigma superzooms, and about the same as the Sigma 28-200 DL Aspherical AF that I picked up for about £40 on ebay (avoid the compact version of this lens - very, very soft).
 
the 50mm f1.8G is worth considering too. I still use that lens on my D3. Can't go wrong with a 50mm on FF?
 
Just had a quick look at my lens usage: most used is my Samyang 85 f1.4, at almost 1450 images out of 5200, followed by a Nikon 28mm f3.5 with over 1034 images. Both manual focus. I use the 50mm f1.8 and Sigma 21-35 almost exactly the same amount, at just under 800 images each.

It's very hard to beat a sharp prime lens, even when sharpness isn't the criteria for judging a photo. Personally I find 50mm a little too wide on FF (although it's almost perfect on crop).

Just ordered a used 135mm f2.8 manual focus - really looking forward to getting this.
 
ancient_mariner said:
Just had a quick look at my lens usage: most used is my Samyang 85 f1.4, at almost 1450 images out of 5200, followed by a Nikon 28mm f3.5 with over 1034 images. Both manual focus. I use the 50mm f1.8 and Sigma 21-35 almost exactly the same amount, at just under 800 images each.

It's very hard to beat a sharp prime lens, even when sharpness isn't the criteria for judging a photo. Personally I find 50mm a little too wide on FF (although it's almost perfect on crop).

Just ordered a used 135mm f2.8 manual focus - really looking forward to getting this.
Click to expand...

Talking about the 135mm f2.8. I still kept it for my Nikon. See below for sample shot.

Nikon 135mm f2.8 AI test (at f4) by P Li, on Flickr
 
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