Time For 2.8 but?

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FLIGHTO

Senior Member
After alot of thought on upgrading my walk around lens I have decided to make the jump to the 2.8 class. I currently use the 24-85 VR on my D7100, which i have the say is a great lens, but its time to step up. I lust after the Nikon 24-70 but its a little out of my price range ad after all I'm not a pro and I do not earn from photography. So where does this leave me......Here is what I have been looking at:

Nikon 17-55 2.8
Tamron 24-70 2.8

The Nikon is older and may will be difficult to find a clean copy for the right money. Plus used gear of that age makes me a lil nervous and would I really gain anything, besides the aperture, over my 24-85?

The Tammy is obviously new tech and according to Dxo will yield greater IQ - theoretically. I actually prefer the 24-xx range on DX and it always leaves me open to FX, in which you never know when NAS will hit spontaneously... Problem is I would have to get an import model or search for a used copy and I have been hearing about quality control issues with this lens. So if I get a bad used copy I will have to deal with sending it back etc...refund...etc... and although I have had good luck with grey gear in the past I never attempted with third party glass.

I do not want to settle for any smaller focal range than 24-70 if I go FX glass so the older 28-70's are out for me.

So all this being said what do you guys and gals suggest.... How is the 17-55 on IQ vs what I already have and is it worth it at this stage to invest in older DX glass? The flip side should I roll the dice on a Tammy and hope for the best?

I just dont know.
 
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FLIGHTO

Senior Member
I have read alot everywhere end I end up in the same place I think because I dont know enough about the 17-55 in rw experiences...
 
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RocketCowboy

Senior Member
If you're coming from the 24-85mm lens, I would think the 24-70mm/2.8 is the easier transition. You'll lose that slight bit of reach from 70-85 on the Tamron, but everything I've read and seen about the Tamron 24-70/2.8 is that IQ is outstanding. The Tamron also gives you VC, which the Nikon 24-70/2.8 is currently missing. The Tamron model is currently on my wish list.

The Nikon 17-55 will give you more UWA from 17-24, but then you'll see a lot less reach with the loss of 55-85mm.

Since you also have the Tamron 70-300mm, I think the 24-70 fits into your current lineup the best for me. :)
 
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singlerosa_RIP

Senior Member
I used the 17-55 on my D7000 for 2 years before adding the D600 and swapping it for a 24-70. Great lens on DX. From 24-55 it should outperform the 24-85. Plus you'd have some wide angle capabilities that you don't have now. Good used copies are available for under $1K. I sold my 17-55 for $850 on this site. It was mint.

Have no experience with the Tamron, but if you're looking to stay in the 24-70 range and keep it under $1K.......
 
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FLIGHTO

Senior Member
Good points guys. Now you see why I'm so torn up. I think the smarter decision would be to find a grey Tamron or used. The Tamron does bring to the table. The wide end doesn't bother me since I have the tokina. Maybe I should go to store and feel them?


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RocketCowboy

Senior Member
FLIGHTO said:
Good points guys. Now you see why I'm so torn up. I think the smarter decision would be to find a grey Tamron or used. The Tamron does bring to the table. The wide end doesn't bother me since I have the tokina. Maybe I should go to store and feel them?
Click to expand...

Definitely try to get to the store and test them both out. Even better if you can rent the lens you're interested in before buying, just to make sure it's what you're hoping for.
 
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